Southgate Global, a leader in the supply of packaging equipment, consumables and servicing in operational logistics and fulfilment, has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey.
With the support of One Carbon World, a carbon neutral not-for-profit organisation, Southgate has recently attained carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2 for the year 2022 (the current certification year), marking a significant accomplishment in their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Given the sectors Southgate operates within, such as 3PL, e-commerce, retail, post & parcel, and general manufacturing, the organisation is particularly conscious of the need, and the importance of, reducing its carbon footprint. Serving over 3,000 customers in more than 20 countries, this is a key milestone in Southgate’s work to minimise its environmental impact and align its operations with a more sustainable future.
By achieving carbon neutrality for Scopes 1 and 2, it confirms an organisation has implemented all the changes needed to deal with both direct emissions from their owned or controlled sources and indirect emissions arising from the purchase and use of the power the business needs.
“We’d like to think that Southgate is setting an example for businesses in the packaging industry and demonstrating the transformative power of environmental initiatives as we conduct our daily operations,” says Gavin Gill, Head of Compliance at Southgate Global.
“But our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just ‘putting our own house in order’. To make a significant and lasting impact on our industry we recognise that everything we produce and sell must also be as sustainable as possible.”
In fact, Southgate is recognised as an Ecovadis silver-rated enterprise and is continually looking to introduce sustainable product innovations under its Pacplus packaging consumables and Optimax packaging equipment brands. Recent examples include:
- 100% biodegradable WAT and lower energy WAP tape dispensers
- Self-adhesive kraft paper tapes and masking tapes, made from natural wood pulp
- Environmentally friendly hot melt adhesive
- Recycled plastic and paper void fill pillow packs
- Paper, sealable mail bags
- The RSW6 robot pallet wrapper which can slash film usage by up to 75%
- And currently in development - a fully recyclable cardboard strap
In addition to this drive for product sustainability, Southgate’s expertise in legislation assists customers in complying with UK and EU green packaging laws further emphasising its ability to see sustainability as a shared responsibility, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness.
“These are just a few examples of our work in getting more sustainability into the world of packaging equipment, consumables and servicing as we now focus even harder on our products and services on the road to achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 3 and beyond,” said Gill.
“With the help of the Carbon Trust and One Carbon World, our overarching objective is to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This strategic focus underscores our commitment to addressing a comprehensive range of emissions and contributing to a sustainable future.”