An holistic approach to sustainability
03 December 2024
Blackmores, a trailblazer in health and wellness, is setting a high standard with its ambitious goal to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 and develop a Nature Positive strategy.
By zeroing in on impactful, feasible projects, Blackmores has achieved a 40% reduction in emissions from its 2020 baseline year.
This has been achieved by introducing new technologies, streamlining processes and adopting renewable energy sources. Projects included upgrading energy metering and monitoring in its manufacturing facilities with support from the NSW Government.
A net zero pathway
The company continues to evolve its strategic plan and explore innovative ways to decarbonise its electricity purchases and enhance its carbon management systems. Sustainability Advantage has supplied crucial expertise to help the company evaluate its current investments and spotlight future projects.
Sally Townsend, Blackmores’ Head of Sustainability, shares the transformative impact of this journey:
“These efforts are not just about meeting targets—they're about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and driving the company towards its 2030 net zero goal. The support from the NSW Government has deepened our team’s understanding of net zero and bolstered our capacity to identify and implement emissions reduction initiatives”.
Tackling supply chain emissions
One of Blackmores' significant hurdles is tackling indirect emissions from its supply chain. Townsend emphasises that Sustainability Advantage has been invaluable in helping achieve the industry-wide collaboration necessary for them to set and achieve meaningful reduction targets.
In 2023 Blackmores joined with McPhersons to support an innovative partnership with Complementary Medicines Australia to pilot a sector-specific Sustainability Advantage Net Zero Emissions Leadership Accelerator.
Complementary Medicines Australia is the peak industry body for the complementary medicines supply chain in Australia, including manufacturers, raw material suppliers, researchers and retailers.
By partnering with suppliers and encouraging others in their sector to embark on their journey to decarbonise and reduce impact, these leading organisations aim to enhance supply chain resilience and cut emissions as a sector.
Beyond reducing emissions, Blackmores is also dedicated to improving its environmental impact on nature.
As Townsend explains, “Just as we’ve recognised areas where innovative solutions are crucial, we also recognise that we can’t get to net zero without embracing nature-based solutions.”
The company was among the first to trial Science-Based Targets for Nature, underscoring its commitment to comprehensive environmental stewardship. The trial confirmed the need to start local when collecting data in a complex global supply chain and helped identify next steps to address data gaps in Blackmores’ nature-related supply chain risks.
Blackmores is committed to integrating nature-based solutions into their business strategies.
Blackmores is setting a new benchmark in the industry through their ongoing partnership with the NSW Government. Their commitment to leadership, ambitious goals, and effective implementation not only results in operational efficiencies but also drives positive change.
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