FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) has published a new insights report ‘Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability‘, which underscores the brand’s commitment to taking concrete actions following the publication of its sustainability vision and roadmap, The Love Sustainability Journey.
Supporting businesses in turning sustainability ideas into action, the report helps to identify and overcome future challenges to implementation. Outlining areas where businesses can improve their operational and systemic sustainability it is designed to help navigate collective change.
Highlighting the multiple challenges faced by businesses, the report provides data-driven recommendations to combat ‘green confusion’, reassess purchasing decisions and ultimately improve operational and systemic sustainability.
This drive for change sits against a backdrop of commercial considerations and in the face of inflation, which was cited by 80 per cent of businesses as their most significant challenge in the coming years.
Whilst findings from the report show that the number one issue cited as a barrier by businesses is a lack of sustainable products, Why Product Longevity is a Powerful First Step to Improving Commercial Sustainability dispels the myth that recycled materials are the only route to ‘greener practices’. It argues that low frequency sustainability – making significant strides in the reduction of consumption – is far more effective than an increase in so-called ‘green purchasing’ for both the planet and business’ budgets.
For 60 per cent of businesses the perceived investment and increase in ongoing costs for more sustainable practices is considered a barrier to implementation. The report reveals that by extending the life cycle of passive products, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact by up to 72 per cent and their costs by up to a third. This subsequent reallocation of resource and investment will allow organisations to invest in innovation, improving their overall sustainability.
Emilio Capelli, VP Sales & Marketing International for Commercial at Newell Brands said: “We know that a staggering 95 per cent of decision makers want to do more on sustainability but face various challenges to implementation. RCP is dedicated to being part of a concerted sustainability effort across the business world not just through its products, but through vital education and sustainability tools. The brand has already made progress when it comes to changing attitudes surrounding efficacy and cost of sustainable products but there is still work to be done.”
RCP announced its Love Sustainability Journey last year to start open, transparent conversations surrounding its own sustainability practices.
Part of Newell Brands global portfolio of brands, RCP is an international leader in the design, manufacture and delivery of waste management, hygiene and cleaning products.
With the current economic crisis resulting in higher prices and more of a squeeze on resources, FMs need to ensure that they have robust building and maintenance services in place to control costs and reduce the need for emergency repairs. When it comes to drainage and plumbing there are also the challenges of dealing with extreme weather, from droughts to flooding, the need to meet stringent regulations and to avoid causing environmental damage.
UK drainage specialist, Metro Rod, has launched a survey which explores the main areas of interest for FMs in maintaining drainage and plumbing, including how they currently assess their supply chains to ensure they’re working with partners that meet the highest possible standards and provide value for money.
The results will be published online so that you can see how you compare to others within the sector.
The survey should take just 5-10 minutes of your time, and as a thank you, you will be entered into a prize draw, where one lucky winner will be picked at random to receive a £100 Amazon voucher.
To take part click here.
