Brambles Reports Progress in 2024 Sustainability Review

Brambles, a global supply chain solutions company, has released its 2024 Sustainability Review, highlighting significant advancements in its sustainability initiatives. The report underscores progress across multiple environmental and resource efficiency metrics, reflecting the company's commitment to sustainable practices.

Forestry and Material Sourcing Achievements

Brambles has announced substantial achievements in sustainable forestry and material sourcing. The company has enabled the sustainable growth of 1.7 million trees and replaced 2.6 million trees through its certification programs. This effort supports Brambles' goal of maintaining 100% sustainable sourcing, which remains a cornerstone of its environmental strategy.

In addition to forestry efforts, the company has made strides in material usage, reporting that 42% of its plastic material now comes from upcycled content. This development is part of Brambles' broader commitment to resource efficiency and waste reduction.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Usage

Brambles has reported a 15% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with its 2025 sustainability targets. The company has also launched its 2030 Sustainability Program to further these goals. The report highlights a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions and a 27% decrease in carbon emissions, from 22,317 to 16,253 metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e).

Third-party logistics emissions have decreased by 18%, from 177,567 to 146,074 MTCO2e. Additionally, total energy consumption has been reduced by 7%, down to 2,445 million megawatt-hours (MWh).

Waste Management and Recycling Initiatives

Brambles has achieved a 92% diversion-from-landfill rate, with Post Consumer Brands reaching a 95% landfill diversion rate and Foodservice achieving 93%. Notably, Weetabix has maintained its zero-waste status since fiscal 2016. These efforts are part of a broader waste management strategy that emphasizes recycling and landfill diversion.

Packaging innovations have also been a focus, with 96% of Brambles' packaging now being recyclable. The company aims for 100% recyclable cereal packaging by 2025 and has already achieved this milestone with Weetabix in 2022. A 59% reduction in material for Weetabix's paper-wrap has been reported, alongside a 200-tonne annual reduction in plastic usage.

Other packaging initiatives include testing inner bags with 30% recycled content and 8th Avenue piloting recycled containers and pouches. Bob Evans Farms is also testing sustainable sausage trays as part of these efforts.

Community Impact and Future Goals

Brambles' sustainability strategy is not limited to environmental metrics; it also focuses on community impact. In 2024, the company donated 13 million pounds of food, marking a 13% increase from 2023.

Brambles' strategy integrates sustainability as a fundamental component, described as the fourth pillar of its long-term business strategy. The company's efforts also extend to ethical sourcing, with 91% of its cocoa volume sourced from farming communities.

Looking ahead, Brambles is committed to further reducing its environmental footprint and enhancing resource efficiency. The company's ongoing initiatives and progress towards its 2025 and 2030 sustainability targets underscore its dedication to sustainable development and corporate responsibility.

Sustainability is integral to Brambles' long-term strategy, underpinning its commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement.