In Continental Europe, we understand our role as an influential leader in the transition to a more sustainable and equitable futur and have identified four key areas where we can have the greatest impact.
These four pillars shape our sustainability strategy worldwide, under the governance of our Board Sustainability Committee. Our teams across Bunzl Continental Europe ensure that all our decisions and investments are fully aligned with these pillars.
The impacts of climate change are already with us, as extreme weather and biodiversity loss affect the communities least able to withstand them. Without concerted and ambitious action from companies and governments, climate change will have a significant effect on our businesses and our daily lives. At Bunzl we have implemented SBTi approved targets, and are committedto a 27.5% absolute reduction in Scope 2 carbon emissions by 2030. We have also committed to ensuring 79% of our suppliers have set SBTs by 2027 and to reaching net zero by 2050, including Scope 3 emissions.
Our solutions significantly reduce road miles and minimise both our own and our customers’ carbon footprint by consolidating multiple items into single mixed pallet deliveries. We also play our part by cutting emissions across our own business. At Bunzl Continental Europe, we are currently transitioning some of our commercial fleets to hydrotreated vegetable (HVO100) biofuel, and also introducing more electric or hybrid cars and trucks, for a reduction of emitted CO2. We are also investing in green electricity. Over 3,500 solar panels with a capacity of 1,212 kilowatt peak (kWp) have been installed on the roof at our site in Arnhem in The Netherlands, generating the equivalent of the electricity consumption of more than 475 households a year. And over 50% of the electricity we procure in Europe is green.
Urban distribution causes 20% of traffic congestion* and 25% of C02 emissions*. In Spain, we partner with global food, catering and hospitality specialist Aramark, to reduce its carbon footprint as it serves over 370,000 meals a day in 1,400 locations. First, our carbon footprint calculator identified optimization opportunities that reduced deliveries by 34%. We then brought in our last-mile distribution specialist Geever for zero-emission delivery in Barcelona. In 2022, the first year of the initiative, it cut emissions by 25% in Barcelona, saving 40.5 tonnes of C02 and allowing Aramark to both keep its emissions in check and grow its business.
*Source: Keys to last-mile logistics, Deloitte 2020
Companies will not grow sustainably if they are unable to attract, retain and get the best out of people with diverse talents. Bunzl is a large family of local businesses serving multiple sectors worldwide. They have a track record of creating an inclusive working environment where people can bring their best wherever they come from. We are committed to building on this diversity to create leadership opportunities for people from under represented groups, particularly women and those from minority ethnic backgrounds. We will continue to take further steps to ensure that we have a truly inclusive culture. At Bunzl Continental Europe, we have created a central Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging committee at Senior Management level, along with similar committees in each of our 17 countries. Unique to the Bunzl Group, this structure means the DEI&B framework and initiatives discussed and decided centrally are then adapted to varied needs and culture of each country by its own local DEI&B committee.
Power BI Specialist
Bunzl Continental Europe
Originally from Pakistan and from a very diverse background, I always wanted to join an international, open company and that’s what I have found at Bunzl. After obtaining a scholarship to study in the United States, I went on to finish my studies in Hungary and was then head-hunted to work at Bunzl’s Budapest office, as part of the Bunzl Continental Europe IT team. I was the only person in the team who wasn’t from Hungary or the Netherlands, but there were no issues in terms of culture or language and it was a wonderful start to my journey at Bunzl. My goal was to work in western Europe and, after about six months, when I was offered a new opportunity outside of the company, my manager was very supportive and I was able to stay in my role and transfer to the office in Amsterdam, so that I could keep building on what I’d learned so far. I love working as part of the central team, with the opportunity to collaborate with people across Bunzl Continental Europe. I never feel as if I’m someone from a different background. There are people here from many countries, and no-one sees any difference in the workplace.
Our scale means we can drive change quickly and we are well placed to provide customers with trusted and objective advice on complex issues. We use our unique position at the centre of the supply chain, working with customers and suppliers, to lead the transition towards a sustainable approach to packaging. We recognise our responsibility to be part of the solution, supporting our customers in moving to alternative materials and especially in removing, replacing and reducing single use plastics, and supplying recyclable, compostable or reusable packaging. We help our customers adapt to changing legislation and partner with them to encourage closed-loop solutions, supporting their circular initiatives and recycling practices.
Responsible purchasing is a challenge for our customers. Our French operating company Groupe PLG has developed Ecoscoring, a web-based tool that rates the sustainability of its products, helping customers navigate its portfolio and understand the environmental and health impact and sustainability of each product. By analysing its customers’ purchases, PLG can also help them meet their sustainability targets by recommending higher-rated alternatives. To date, over 8,300 items or 90% of the PLG catalogue (excluding PPE and medical devices) have been rated via Ecoscoring’s independently verified calculation method.
The impacts of our business go far beyond our people, premises and vehicles. Our commitment to respecting human rights is secured by our industry-leading global supply chain solutions team in Shanghai.
This is a competitive advantage in our industry, with our 50-strong team regularly auditing direct suppliers to ensure that the products they manufacture are of the highest quality and that they are treating their employees fairly, in line with our customers’ expectations and our own. We respect all legal requirements regarding raw materials and manufacturing processes that are relevant to our product ranges.
Ensuring respect for human rights means building solid and lasting relationships with our suppliers, providing them with support and guidance as well as monitoring their social performance. We consider them to be our partners and strive for them to feel the same about us.
Purchasing Director
The supply chain structure in Bunzl Continental Europe is a dynamic network, by the BCE Purchasing Sounding Board we are able to navigate market fluctuations in all our regions and market segments. Our decentralized purchasing structure fosters agility and adaptability, while robust risk management safeguards our operations. This approach, coupled with a keen focus on sustainability and ESG positions Bunzl to exceed customer expectations, achieve competitive consolidation and drive long-term value.
Grocery, food service, safety, cleaning & hygiene, retail, healthcare and other end-user markets.
