As an organisation Bunzl Australia New Zealand is continually looking for opportunities to create a sustainable future for us and all those who follow. By collaborating with leading companies across sectors to find more sustainable solutions where applicable and ensure better alternatives where possible, the recently implemented Sustainability Ambassador Program ensures that sustainability goals are being prioritised at a local level as well.
We sat down with Sustainability Ambassador Gareth Anderson from our Sydney branch to discuss why they chose to become apart of the program and the importance of sustainability in his industry.
Why did you volunteer to become a Sustainability Ambassador?
I initially volunteered to become a Sustainability Ambassador to get a better understanding of what Sustainable products Bunzl are bringing to market so that I could pass on the knowledge to my customers. However, I quickly found that there was far more to sustainability than just products alone.
With the program we’ve had the opportunity to learn about what sustainability means across the whole of our business (from sustainable sourcing, auditing our supply chain, creating better work environments, reducing emissions, developing sustainable products, developing tools to measure environmental impacts) and this has given me a clearer understanding of the sustainability challenges Bunzl faces, embraces and drives.
Being a Sustainability Ambassador means that I can share my knowledge gained with my customers and my colleagues
Do you have any professional goals when it comes to sustainability?
My personal professional goals are to see Bunzl continue to operate at the forefront of sustainability initiatives in our industry and continue to be seen as a company raising the bar for others to follow.
The industry that we operate in provides many sustainability challenges, but globally Bunzl have clear goals set out with a specific timeframe to address these.
What are you most excited to work with your customers about in the sustainability space?
I have been most excited to work with my customer base in the ACT and NSW to help transition them through the legislative changes which have begun to ban single use plastics and replace them with sustainable alternatives. This has, at times, been very challenging but ultimately very rewarding as we see the continued removal of so many environmentally damaging products.
Is there anything that you’d like to see more of when it comes to sustainability?
Many buyers in the industry still see sustainability as an expensive luxury. I would like to see sustainability across the supply chain be accepted as the norm – as opposed to the exception. I will personally embrace the challenge of passing on the knowledge that I have gained to help my customers embrace sustainability across their businesses.
What changes do you find most exciting surrounding sustainability in your space?
I believe the legislative changes being made in all states are highlighting sustainability issues to a greater audience, which can only drive change on a larger scale.
Contact your Bunzl Representative to find out how Bunzl can help you meet your sustainability goals.
