Environmental endeavours
Rome wasn’t built in a day, but with a carbon-neutral goal set for 2030, we are currently ahead of schedule and will continue to do everything possible to bring our customers packaging, gifting and display solutions that also protect our planet.
We like to keep things transparent because we are, after all, in this together! And, from forestation projects to our work protocols, we’re proud of our progress in every area of our widespread sustainability plan:
Planting the seeds of our future
Because we’re all about packaging, it seemed fitting to offset our paper usage by purchasing 61 acres of land in Bordeaux, France, where we’ve successfully (through your investments in our products) planted over 33,000 pine trees to date. Currently absorbing a remarkable 319 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, they are set to be responsibly managed, creating a circular ecosystem that will benefit future generations.
Prioritising eco-friendly alternatives
We design and manufacture the majority of our products, giving us stewardship over the materials we use and how they’re sourced. From FSC-certified timber to recycled cotton, mango wood, minimal plastic usage and azo-free inks, we’ll go to the ends of the earth to find alternatives and innovations that ensure your environmental obligations are met. Look out for our “eco plus” icon, which indicatesproducts that comprise 70% recycled material and are 100% recyclable.
Being accountable
To remain on track and ensure that our disclosures are authentic, we are regularly audited – and we acknowledge our compliance partners, PEFC, SA 8000, GOTS, SEDEX and Achilles Network Silver for their continued commitment to this cause.
In addition, we believe in a fair pay policy and, by looking after our suppliers and distributors, can afford our customers the best possible products at competitive prices.
Part of our environmental obligation is ensuring that our operations are as green as possible. Energy efficiency is a key concern, and we have obtained a Grade A rating in our 33,000 sq ft Crawley warehouse. This has been achieved through implementing zoned temperature control, using gas-free heating and installing solar panels on the roof.
50% of our fleet is electric and, wherever possible, we charge all our vehicles using our solar-powered system.
By persistently researching new ways to shorten our supply chains, we now source 61% of our commodities from Europe and will continue to make appropriate changes going forward.
However, quality products with longer lifespans help to reduce waste, so to ensure best-in-class resources, some are brought in via sea freight. To sustain this, we urge customers to place orders well in advance.
From nesting products at point-of-production to how we pack and distribute them, our team makes every effort to reduce unnecessary packaging waste. This includes minimising our use of plastic, filling shipping containers efficiently and ensuring that freighted stock meets our sales forecasts for each quarter.
Social responsibilities
Our people mean the world to us, and we believe that embracing diversity brings out-of-the-box thinking, fresh approaches and interesting ideas. So, keeping them happy, providing new opportunities and expanding their growth is everything. But we also acknowledge a need for social engagement and creating impact where it counts:
The magic of Cocobagh...
In partnership with our jute and cotton bag supplier in West Bengal, India, WBC launched the Cocobagh Social Business Venture, bringing training and employment opportunities to widowed women in the area. Active since 2015, this sustainable collaboration offers basic finances and skills training in the art of bag making, thereby empowering recipients to thrive in a predominantly male-dominated industry; and allowing them to nurture and educate their children.
The word “Cocobagh” means “coconut garden” in Hindi and, through your interest in our quality totes and our continual reinvestment, we hope this initiative will grow like the palm trees we planted to mark its inauguration.
Read more...
The King’s Trust...
WBC began its journey with the help of a small business loan from the King’s Trust (formerly the Prince’s Trust) over three decades ago.
Experiencing first-hand the difference organisations like this can make, we’re proud that we can now pay it forward by supporting their work through donations and mentoring programmes for start-up businesses and entrepreneurs.
WBC’s fairtrade protocols...
Our fairtrade policy means that we’re committed to properly compensating our suppliers. This ensures that we maintain close partnerships with third parties and stakeholders, built on trust and transparency, while providing patrons with quality items that are durable, sustainable and live up to expectations.
What the future holds
Our sustainability campaign is an open-ended endeavour that will continue to take shape as we grow and change. The bottom line? We are devoted to preserving our planet by every means possible to ensure that a brighter future can be had by all. Join us in providing an environmental punch by choosing WBC as your packaging, gifting and retail display partner.