Environment
2007/08 Corporate Social Responsibility Report
Sustainable products
The maintenance of the earth’s biodiversity is an important aspect of sustainable development and involves all sectors of society. Many aspects of commercial operations have a potential impact on biodiversity. For Alliance Boots the two key areas of impact arise from sourcing of raw materials and from the sites which we operate.
Our environmental management processes seek to minimise any negative impacts. We take account of protected species and habitats, as required by national and international legislation, and encourage opportunities to promote biodiversity.
The impact of chemicals on human health and the environment has long been a matter of concern for manufacturers and retailers in relation to product formulation, development and manufacture. All our products are in some way made or processed using chemicals which is why we have highlighted the use of chemicals as a key sustainable indicator for the Group.
To regulate our chemicals usage, our businesses set realistic but challenging targets and objectives as appropriate. Before taking decisive action for the benefit of our customers, the environment, our business and society as a whole, we take account of facts, ongoing debates, public perception and stakeholder dialogue to ensure we are addressing the right issues at the right pace.
Improving the environmental and social performance of the products we sell is a natural way of making a positive contribution to sustainable development. It is also a stimulus for innovation, developing new product ideas that enhance customer convenience and confidence. Our aim therefore is to take an holistic approach to product sustainability embracing the whole product lifecycle, from concept and design, through to customer use and final disposal of packaging and waste product.
Carrier bags
In line with our corporate social responsibility strategy and voluntary government commitments, Boots UK is taking action to reduce the impact that carrier bags have on the environment whilst still focusing on the needs of the customer. We are committed to issuing less single use carrier bags, a strategy endorsed by our customers, with 76% saying it is important for businesses to have a policy on cutting the use of carrier bags (Source UK Health & Beauty Customer Insights Survey June 2007). Our objective is to continue to increase the amount of recycled content used in the carrier bags and to offer a choice of reusable bags. Bag sizes have also been reduced to fit real customer needs. Together these have permitted large reductions in the tonnages of virgin plastic we use. Our “Gorgeous” reusable cotton bag was launched in early 2008 as an alternative to traditional plastic carrier bags (including a contribution to our women’s cancer charity partners) and is now available across the UK.
Conserving water
Many of the products we make contain purified water as an ingredient but much more water is used in cleaning and sanitising process equipment, including manufacturing vessels and packing lines. The need to ensure cleanliness is paramount; nevertheless, our manufacturing operations have reduced water usage by 9% compared to our base year of 2003/04. Through a series of measures, such as installing timer-controlled wash cycles on production equipment, we expect to achieve further savings.
“Making a positive contribution to sustainable development”