Strengthening our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy
As a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, we have raised the ambitions of our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, Circular Economy.
Partnering with our customers, we have already replaced 762m problem plastics with fibre-based alternatives since 2020, and created more than 30,000 circular-ready projects through its industry-leading Circular Design Metrics.
In tandem, and in line with our goals to decarbonise, this year we reduced CO2 emissions by 10% (15% compared to 2019), as well as achieving a 4% reduction in water abstraction within paper mills in areas at risk of water stress. Since Now & Next launched, we have met nine of our 26 targets, with an additional three targets tracking ahead of schedule.
762m
problem plastics replaced with fibre-based alternatives since 2020
15%
reduction of CO2 emissions since 2019
Reinforcing these achievements to meet the challenges set by the changing world around us, we have now raised our ambition with a set of focused targets, to accelerate progress. Created with independent experts, the new Now & Next commitments prioritise circularity, accelerate the journey to Net Zero, and strengthen our focus on people & communities, and nature.
Our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy - We are taking action today to lead the transition to a low carbon, circular economy.
We have made good progress with our Now & Next Sustainability Strategy, but the world around us demands that we all do more. We're taking action today to ensure our commitments accelerate our transition to a low carbon, circular, economy.
By 2025, test up to 5 reuse pilots and continue to manufacture 100% recyclable and reusable packaging.
Carbon
By 2030, reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 46% compared to 2019/20.
By 2027, encourage 100% of our strategic suppliers (representing 76% of purchased goods and services emissions) to set their own science-based targets.
By 2050, reach Net Zero GHG emissions.
People & Communities
By 2030, engage ten million (an increase from five million) people on the Circular Economy and circular lifestyles.
By 2025, inclusive leadership workshops completed by all leadership teams across all sites.
By 2030, improve gender diversity towards 40% women in senior leadership and set an aspiration of other protected characteristics.
Strive to achieve Vision Zero – zero accidents, and ultimately, zero harm.
Nature
By 2025, measure and improve biodiversity in our own forests and assess our dependencies on nature.
Set targets to regenerate nature taking a science-based approach.
By 2030, 10% reduction in water-withdrawal intensity at mills at risk of water stress compared to 2019.
To address climate change, it is critical we adopt low carbon, renewable, energy sources. But we must also address how we make and use things in our everyday lives, by moving to the Circular Economy.
Miles Roberts
Group Chief Executive
Through our Circular Design Principles, we already act as the gateway to the circular economy for our customers, helping some of the world’s most recognisable FMCG brands meet their sustainability goals, alongside our own.
Miles Roberts
Group Chief Executive
Using our Circular Design Principles and Circular Design Metrics, we support customers to design out waste and pollution and keep materials in use for longer, reducing demand for natural resources. Since their creation in 2019, the Circular Design Metrics have supported thousands of design projects. Around 3,000 solutions featuring Circular Design Metrics are presented to customers every month, supporting their transition to the Circular Economy.
