Recent Highlights:
● New State of the art warehousing featuring Solar Power and Energy Efficiency
● Eco Shopability: Introduction of the “eco icon” products containing WBC’s benchmark of at least 70% recyclable content & 100% recyclability
● New Sustainability page launched Dec 2021
● Clearer visibility of key manufacturing materials enabling customers to make a more informed choice in how they shop
● Increased visibility of our social commitments including the forestry project and Cocobagh webpages

Carbon footprint

More than a decade ago, we decided to do something about our carbon footprint.
One thing we didn’t want to do was simply ‘write a cheque’ to an offset agency and forget about it.

We wanted to do something we could actually see making a difference, so we started planting trees.

As a packaging supplier we use a lot of paper and wood in our product range. So when we were looking at ways to offset our carbon footprint in a relevant and hands-on way, planting trees seemed like the perfect fit. And what better way to do it than involve our customers.

Land in the UK was too expensive and at the time we were making pine boxes near Bordeaux in France, so we took the opportunity to purchase 66 acres of land there which needed some love.

We began planting Maritime pine trees on the remaining 60 acres, leaving the small areas of natural woodland intact.

We donated and planted one tree for every order over £150.

Within four years we had fully planted the land with 33,000 Maritime pine trees. The trees are now around 6-12m high and will reach maturity around 2040.

Has It Reduced Our Carbon Footprint?

Honestly? We’re not 100% sure! Any scientist will tell you there are many variables, but by industry standard calculations our trees are set to absorb around 235 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Whilst 235 tonnes may not sound like a vast amount, it’s significantly more than many PLCs manage annually, so we’re really proud of the project and couldn’t have achieved it without your help.

Next Steps

WBC has an option to purchase more land and re-start our popular tree planting programme in 2022, so watch this space.

Also for 2022 is a project to properly appraise our carbon position as a company so we can realistically see how far we’ve come to offset it.

Using Sea Freight

To minimise emissions, it’s our policy to use sea freight and we have improved our planning processes with suppliers to ensure this.

We actively encourage all our customers to plan well ahead to avoid airfreight.

Staff welfare & progression

We believe our team is our greatest asset and recognise our responsibility to ensure they’re afforded professional development throughout their employment.

Our aim is to support and develop our team so they feel confident and valued members of WBC.

We’ve initiated a successful program of progressive performance and development reviews to enable our staff to discuss their ongoing performance and where necessary, improve relevant skills and knowledge they require to underpin their role and career aspirations.

If that’s the professional development side, then their personal growth and well-being is of equal if not more importance. Here are some of the initiatives we’ve implemented as part of internal wellness commitments.

● One thing we guarantee is you’ll always eat well at WBC; whether it’s toast in the morning, free healthy lunches, or an endless supply of really great coffee. No need to dip into your pocket, that one’s on us.

● Because we think it matters, WBC is committed to paying all permanent staff a minimum London living wage and we are currently awaiting status from the https://www.livingwage.org.uk/

● Proud champions of the government's Cycle scheme, staff can purchase a bike and equipment to cycle to work and repay the company via salary sacrifice over 12 months, saving 25%.

● All staff are automatically enrolled in a contributory pension scheme to help them save for the future.

● An interest-free loan of up to £3,000 is available for all employees. This can be used towards a rent deposit (for those wanting to move closer to work) or a season ticket for public transport to help reduce travel by car.

● 24-hour employee assistance program for staff and family members seven days a week, 365 days a year including:

Life support: Unlimited access to counselling for emotional problems and a pathway to structured telephone counselling or face-to-face counselling sessions (employees only) at your convenience.

Legal information: For any issues that cause anxiety or distress including debt management, accountancy, lawsuits, consumer disputes, property or neighbour legalities (employees only).

Bereavement support: Health Assured offers qualified and experienced counsellors who can help with grief and related stress plus a team of legal advisors to help with legal issues.

Medical information: Qualified nurses are on hand to offer advice on a range of medical or health related issues. They can’t diagnose but can offer a sympathetic ear and practical information and advice.

CBT online: We recognise the value of self-help tools in dealing with a range of issues, which is why we have a range of CBT self-help modules, informative factsheets and invaluable advice videos from leading qualified counsellors.

Solar Power & Energy Efficiency

As part of our sustainability commitment, in October 2021 we took the massive plunge and relocated to a new 33,000 sq ft state of the art warehouse rated Grade A for efficiency with low energy solutions, zoned temperature control and solar panels on the roof which most days produce enough electricity to power our operations and even our staff cars.

We’ve switched all our heating and cooling to electricity-based power and no longer use gas in the business. Our head office heating system is run through a heat pump to ensure maximum efficiency.

50% of the vehicles used within the business are electric and are charged wherever possible using electricity we have generated through solar power.

Waste management & recycling

We constantly review the way we pack and distribute our products to minimise waste whilst ensuring that products arrive intact.

We nest products at point of production where possible to reduce the volume of containers we ship each year.

Our production team constantly finds new ways to reduce the amount of packaging used in shipment including reducing the use of plastic in the supply chain.

Ecological care & regeneration

Rather than simply paying someone to offset our carbon, we decided to do something practical about it ourselves.

We purchased 66 acres of land in South-West France and started planting one tree for every customer order. Within two years we'd planted over 33,000 trees absorbing 235 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Packaging

When designing and manufacturing products, we’re committed to sourcing materials that have less of an impact on people and the environment.

For us, conscious shopping starts with good product knowledge, we’re committed to always ensuring our customers have as much information available to allow them to make the most informed product choices when purchasing from us.

In January 2022 we introduced a new way to shop with WBC that points customers directly towards our ‘eco icon’ products which are best of the best eco alternatives to what they might be currently buying. The eco icon educates our customers on what our benchmark is and how to find those products.

Whilst the vast majority of our products have a high recycled content and are 100% recyclable, we have picked out the very best of them to be flagged “ECO”.
These products are made from 70%+ recycled content and are 100% recyclable.

That’s our benchmark and we’re working to increase it each year.

Read more about our Materials and what we’re doing to increase sustainability

NPD

We constantly reviewing our range to keep it fresh but over the last few years the emphasis has been more and more on making sure that new products tick the ECO box wherever possible.

This might involve removing any plastic from the product and its packaging or finding a recycled or bio-degradable alternative for the plastic-based part.

We also look at secondary use for our products to ensure they can have an ongoing use so that products like wicker hampers and trays or wooden boxes are usually kept and used by the recipient as storage which is even better than recycling.

Diversity & inclusivity

Based in one of the most culturally diverse boroughs in south east London, with 15 nationalities in our office, we have always been an inclusive, community minded employer that celebrates diversity. Perhaps we’ve taken it for granted that this goes without saying.

However we understand that for transparency it’s important we weave this into our commitment agenda and therefore targets and commitment detail is a work in progress to be developed and added to our charter in 2022.

Community focused activities

We believe in supporting local small and independent businesses firstly in our area but then in the regions where we manufacture. Each year we work closely with a number of associations and food groups, offering discounts, training and member benefits. This year we are working in partnership with: SIBA, Historic Houses, Wine GB, Vindependents.

Current Social Programs include:

Cocobagh Social Business Venture

We have worked closely with our Jute and Cotton bag supplier in West Bengal, India for over 10 years now.

Together we launched the Cocobagh Social Business Venture in 2015, creating opportunities for local women who have little to no access to training or employment by teaching them the art of bag making.

Buying Cocobagh products ensures continued investment in a project that’s making a tangible difference in the local community.

Visit cocobagh.org

Prince’s Trust

WBC began trading with the help of a small business loan from the Prince’s Trust over three decades ago.

We know first-hand the difference organisations like this can make and so we’re proud to support their work with donations and mentoring programs for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.

Local Initiatives

Supply Chain Partners

Shortening supply chains

61% of what we sell is sourced from within the UK or Europe and we are looking to increase this wherever possible.

One thing we’ll never do is compromise on quality or security of supply, so in some cases we still source or manufacture products from further afield when we will feel no alternative can be found.

We constantly review the way we pack and distribute our products to minimise waste whilst ensuring that products arrive intact.

We nest products at point of production where possible to reduce the volume of containers we ship each year.

Our production team constantly finds new ways to reduce the amount of packaging used in shipment including reducing the use of plastic in the supply chain.
Your answer
Please tell us how you plan to measure the improvements of each of the areas you have ticked above? Please include targets for a timeline between one to five years, plus any longer term goals.