Our Sustainable Approach
In line with APCO’s 2025 National Packaging Targets, we aim to make our packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
ALS’ Sustainable Business Approach
Alongside our dedication to APCO’s 2025 goals, we aim to conduct our own business activities in a sustainable way. Our approach involves:
1. Partnering with like-minded Customers,
2. Giving back to the Community
3. Working on becoming an employer of choice for our People.
4. And working harder for the Planet.
We have been able to incorporate these values into our business through our sustainable packaging initiatives and our community partnerships.
Big, Bold, Meaningful Group Goals
As part of ALSCO Group, we are also committed to achieving our Big, Bold, Meaningful Group Goals. By 2030, we hope to achieve four major sustainable goals including:
1. Net Zero Waste
ALS has an important role to play in reducing packaging waste and achieving zero net waste by 2030. Previously, our growing business meant that we were using an increasing amount of pallet wrap which created more plastic wastage. Since removing pallet wrap altogether wasn’t an option, we were tasked with finding an environmentally-friendly alternative.
The solution to this issue was resolved when we adopted Signet’s Enviro Film. This switch allowed us to eliminate 2000kg of virgin, unrecyclable plastic from our supply chain. Signet’s Enviro Film is 100% recyclable through soft plastics recycling channels. It is composed of 30% recycled and certified post-consumer reclaim (PCR) and 20% renewable plant-based plastic produced from sugarcane.
Once we realised the sustainable benefits, we also substituted our plastic strapping tape with Signet’s reusable Velcro Logistrap. Unlike our previous plastic strapping tape, Velco Logistrap is reusable and recyclable. Switching to Signet’s eco-friendly packaging solutions stopped 8000m of tape from entering the landfill. It also allowed us to become a sustainable linen supplier without compromising on quality.
Our commitment to APCO’s 2025 National Packaging Targets means that we regularly review our products to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary packaging. By increasing pack sizes and supplying some products in bulk carton quantities, we are able to reduce packaging waste.
2. Improve energy, carbon, and water efficiency by 20%
Reducing our carbon footprint is one of the main focuses of our Big, Bold, Meaningful Group Goals. The first step towards this goal was ALSCO’s 2021 energy and carbon assessment which provided a clearer picture of our environmental impact. A comprehensive energy audit of each branch was conducted and the measurement of carbon emissions was divided into three categories: direct, indirect, and other. This assessment allowed ALSCO to identify key areas for improvement and develop strategies to meet our energy targets in the short and long term.
3. Invest $8 million in our staff and community
ALS recognises the importance of giving back to the community and are proud partners with CORE Community Services. CORE Community Services is a not-for-profit community organisation, offering services such as Aged and Disability, Children, Multicultural Communities, and Youth. CORE Community Services offers an Intensive Support Program which provides transitional accommodation.
This service is available to young people and young families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The youngest and most vulnerable clients have access to 10 studio apartments connected to CORE Services’ Liverpool office. The program also includes 38 other units and houses across Liverpool and Fairfield LGAs.
All clients are provided with a furnished property including household furniture, kitchenware, linen, and appliances. ALS has been able to contribute to this program by supplying, assembling, and delivering packs of bed linen and towelling. These packs were provided to participants of the Intensive Support program who were moving into their transitional accommodation.
4. 100% ethical supply partners
As part of ALSCO Group, we reject all forms of modern slavery, including slavery, servitude, human trafficking, and forced labour. We recognise and respect the human rights of everyone we work with, including our employees, customers, suppliers, and business partners. We’re dedicated to sourcing products ethically and partnering with like-minded businesses who share our passion for sustainability.
ALS is proud of the accomplishments in becoming a more sustainable linen supplier that we’ve made so far. We’re constantly looking for new ways to incorporate our sustainable beliefs into our business practices.
Visit ALSCO’s Sustainability page to find out more about our future sustainability initiatives.
