Corporate sustainability is a very popular word at present. Whether one is an activist, an environmental scientist, or a part of business and manufacturing, reducing our impact on the Earth seems to be a top priority for many in society. The common understanding is to manage and preserve our natural resources efficiently to ensure that future generations do not run out.
In a paper titled Planetary Boundaries: Exploring the Safe Operating Space for Humanity Rockström et al., (2009) identified 9 planetary boundaries that are interconnected and therefore, under threat from the destabilising effects of human behaviour. With that being said, a holistic approach is necessary to understand how our impact ripples across the natural systems of our planet.
For a better understanding, the planetary boundaries (Rockström et al., 2009) are listed as follows:
- Climate Change – loss of polar ice sheets and increase of atmospheric CO2 levels
- Ocean Acidification – decimation of coral reefs and reduction of ocean pH
- Stratospheric Ozone – UV radiation
- Global Phosphorus and Nitrogen Cycles – fertiliser production and crop cultivation
- Atmospheric Aerosol Loading – impacting atmospheric circulation (e.g. monsoon systems)
- Freshwater Use – surface and groundwater
- Land Use Change – conversion of land to cropland
- Biodiversity Loss – including damage to ecosystems
- Chemical Pollution – emissions and pollutants
The point is not to describe our impending doom in detail, but rather to illustrate the various natural systems that have been highlighted in sustainability research in order to raise awareness. Therefore, when one hears about ‘corporate sustainability’ and ‘environmental degradation’, there is more understanding and context of the sustainability narrative.
Corporate Sustainability
Business and economic activities are factors that can play a big part in sustainable development. With the current global economy being built on a foundation of globalisation and consumption, reinventing the norms of production and trade can create a more stable foundation on which to grow.
It is now commonly understood that fuelling the aspirations of a growing global population – the provision of housing, mobility and food, electricity and water and modern consumer goods – will not be possible without very large improvements in the material and energy efficiency of the global economy. (Schandl et al., 2016:11)
However, with the international arena being a complex web of trade and economic transactions, this is no easy task. Therefore, one should strive to learn about their position in the Anthropocene (era of humanity’s impact on the earth), how our actions and interactions shape the environment, and then confidently support ways in which to improve our behaviour and attitudes. Regardless of who your supplier is, it is important to understand the hidden costs behind the choices we make. This means where we source our materials from, how they are produced, the logistics involved, the working environment and corporate culture, the impact of B2B relationships, as well as the impact on the natural environment.
From our perspective at Sun Plastics (i.e., business, manufacturer, and employer) we actively promote sustainable development in several ways:
Economic
Focusing on the development of the plastic packaging industry in Southern Africa: increasing the market share of locally produced plastic packaging by isolating key areas for product development. Additionally, we procure from local raw material and polymer suppliers, while offering competitive pricing and shorter lead times – in comparison to imports – to our customers. As the company grows, so too shall the capacity for product potential and conversion capabilities to sustainable packaging solutions. That being said, investment in Sun Plastics equals investment in local manufacturing.
Social
Our factory has employed over 140 people from the local community in Gaborone. With upskilling and training opportunities, we are contributing towards a competent labour force and increasing the living standards of our employees and their families.
Environmental
Although we produce traditional plastic packaging, our focus is to reduce impact by localising production and supply, while investing in the latest technologies and machinery to innovate the potential for value added to the industry. For example, we recycle in-house waste, offer recyclable and biodegradable materials, and contribute towards the government’s EPR scheme.
If you are looking to convert to biodegradable plastic packaging solutions for your business or personal use, Sun Plastics has a wide range of sustainable packaging solutions to suit your needs. Contact us at Sun Plastics today.