Sustainability

We’re on a mission to reduce, reuse and recycle to minimise our impact on the environment. Through initiatives focussed on removing single-use plastics and switching to renewable fuels, we’re working towards a more sustainable future, including big transformations within our own workplace.

Renewable energy

We source all our electricity from renewable sources across all sites we operate, and ensure our Gas is carbon offset. Partnering with leading companies in renewable energy, we also support the sector and work with partners on innovative safety and PPE solutions for unique hazardous environments.

On the road

Local deliveries are made in our electric van where possible. For deliveries further afield, our preferred national parcel network is DPD, which commits to making every parcel they deliver carbon neutral. We have also installed EV charging points at our office and distribution centre locations, and we have EVs and hybrids in our fleet.

Our products

We have ‘head-to-toe’ sustainable PPE workwear and partner with manufacturers to develop products that can help you build a sustainable strategy. Our paper packaging is also 100% recycled (made from FSC certified paper), 100% recyclable and 100% biodegradable.

We have workwear available that’s made from 100% recycled polyester and creates 50% less emissions and 50% less carbon dioxide than standard polyester. This includes a pair of hi-vis cargo trousers that are made from 14 recycled plastic bottles.

Our road to Net Zero

Internal changes are only the start. We look beyond the emissions generated by our distribution centre to understand how the goods and services we use impact the environment. We’re working in partnership with suppliers, customers, and manufacturers to influence the entire value chain.

This is all part of Tower’s ‘Scope 3’ journey. Scopes are the basis for mandatory Green House Gas (GHG) reporting in the UK. Here’s some basic definitions of what the three scopes entail:

• Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources. This includes fuel combustion and company vehicles
• Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting company
• Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. This includes business travel in non-company vehicles, as well as employee commuting. It also includes emissions arising from your purchased goods and services and both upstream and downstream transportation and distribution

Sourcing sustainably

We’re dedicated to finding alternative, greener materials. Our extensive workwear range now includes 100% recycled (made with polyester or recycled bottles), biodegradable, reusable, and vegan products. We use FSC certified paper products (hand towels and toilet paper) and 100% recycled personal paper products.

Innovating to make a difference

We’re continually scanning the horizon to find more sustainable ways of working. So far, we’ve created a super concentrated chemical that reduces single-use plastic bottles and developed an environmentally non-polluting disinfectant.

Garment shredding and recycling

Your old uniforms and workwear can be transformed into new garments thanks to our recycling processes. This is an important way to ensure you are not abdicating responsibility for your employee workwear and PPE. Lean more here.

Efficient stock management

Through our order management and control platform, CTRL Cloud, we’re enabling our customers to have greater control and transparency over their stock – reducing duplications, enhancing order accuracy, and creating efficiency.

ISO14001:2015 Environmental Standard

Our journey towards sustainability is just that – a journey. We are accredited to ISO14001:2015, which sets objectives and targets for our business. These include:

• Monitoring paper usage (sheets) and the CO2 produced.
• Using meter readings (gas, water, electricity) to monitor and reduce high usage.
• Monitoring Sales Rep fuel mileage vs number of scheduled appointments.
• Measuring our carbon footprint to look at ways to reduce in 2022/23.
• Improving employee awareness through training, e.g., the NEBOSH Environmental Awareness at Work qualification.

You can learn more about Tower’s approach to sustainability in our Insight articles.