In 2020, 12 million tonnes of packaging was placed on the UK market, some of which contains plastics that are hard to recycle. The Government are engaging with businesses and local authorities to shape the future vision of waste reforms through industry-wide sprint events, deep dive sessions and fortnightly forums. Individuals and businesses are being urged to do their part in limiting their single-use plastic waste.
More than 171 trillion pieces of plastic are now estimated to be floating in the world's oceans, according to scientists. If no action is taken, that figure could triple by 2040. We at HFR Solutions are working towards improving our sustainability as an organisation. The latest step we have taken is no longer purchasing single-use plastic water bottles.
WWF listed 'bring your own bottle' in their Ten Tips to Reduce your Plastic Waste article. Plastic bottles are one of the most common sources of plastic pollution and are frequently found on beach cleans globally, the lids commonly end up in seabirds' stomach. Globally, the UK is believed to be the fifth-largest producer of single-use plastic waste, with an estimated three million metric tons generated in 2019.
As of October 2023, a range of polluting single-use plastic will be banned following the Government's consultation. Last year, the Government introduced the Plastic Packaging Tax in attempt to eliminate avoidable plastic waste. Meanwhile, single-use plastic carrier bag charge has successfully cut sales by over 97% in the main supermarkets.
Apple has committed to becoming 100% carbon neutral for its products, with 81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment. With smaller businesses estimated to account for around 50% of all UK business-driven emissions, we have made changes in our organisation to help transition to net zero.
Sustainability at HFR Solutions
Water bottles – reducing single-use plastic waste, delegates and visitors encouraged to bring reusable refillable bottles.
QR Codes – our feedback is collected online via QR codes in our training classrooms.
Going paperless – all our certificates, invoices and purchase orders are digital.
Vehicles – fleet to become fully hybrid or electric.
Stationary – eco-friendly office supplies, 100% recyclable pens.
VR Training – Firefighting foam can cause water pollution and lead to the de-oxygenation of water. Our Fire Extinguisher training is available as a virtual reality course, which reduces our environmental impact.
Economic, social and environmental sustainability is a must in todays business environment. Becoming a more sustainable corporation also adds brand value, enables you to meet consumer demands, increases efficiency, attracts valuable talent and creates new opportunities. Let's work together to become more sustainable and reduce our carbon footprint.
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