• Sustainability
  • Advancing sustainability

    Our 2030 goal

    We’re developing sustainable operations and product and service solutions for our customers and suppliers.

    Key stats

    61 %

    reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2019/20 (excluding acquisitions)*

    82 %

    of total waste was recycled in 2023/24

    35 %

    reduction in packaging intensity since 2019/20

    *Performance excludes acquisitions completed in 2022/23 and 2023/24.

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    Why it's important

    How can the global industrial market advance sustainability and tackle climate change? Only by working together. We’re a critical connector in this ecosystem.

    By developing a cleaner and greener distribution model and by providing sustainable products and service solutions for our customers, we can make a real and lasting impact.

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    Direct operations

    Committed to net zero by 2030

    • Carbon: Be net zero with a science-based target to reduce absolute emissions from our own operations by 75%1
    • Packaging: Make our packaging more sustainable – reduce intensity by 30%1, with 100% of packaging widely reusable or recyclable and made with 50% recycled content
    • Waste: Reduce, reuse and recycle our waste – reduce intensity by 50%1, recycle more than 95% and achieve zero waste to landfill in our direct operations
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    Value chain

    Working towards net zero by 2050

    • Transport: Reduce Scope 3 transport emissions by 25% per tonne of product sold1
    • Products and solutions: Develop innovative and sustainable product and service solutions for all our customers, including offering 100,000 Better World products by 2024/25
    • Supplier carbon: Engage 67% of suppliers by spend to set SBTs by 2025
    SEE OUR PROGRESS

    1 All targets are by 2029/30 from 2019/20

    Additional 2030 ESG action areas

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    Championing education and innovation

    Partnering with education providers, building skills and fostering innovative solutions that improve lives. 

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    Empowering our people

    Creating a safe, inclusive and dynamic culture where everyone can thrive and grow.

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    Doing business responsibly

    We are taking action to ensure the highest ethical and environmental standards throughout our business and global value chain.