Sustana Group, a recycled fibers and paper products provider, is a supply chain partner for many companies that are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, says chairman and CEO Fabian de Armas. With that in mind, the company has built a new sustainability strategy that will guide the company in its future business operations. The strategy focuses on environmental stewardship, workplace and communities, and a circular value chain.
Sustana says it hopes to create a “sustainable, closed-loop fiber future,” and believes it can achieve this future through collaboration, transparency, and strategic decision-making and measurement.
As environmentally-friendly practices become the new standard, especially in the food and beverage industries, brands must shift and evolve with consumer attitudes, Sustana’s Jay Hunsberger wrote in a recent Environmental Leader article. “It’s up to businesses to lead the way in environmental stewardship, and more and more, they’re making an effort to address these issues by setting new standards and measurable goals to move the needle.”
Creating the Strategy
To inform its new strategy, Sustana conducted a formal analysis of its priority sustainability focus areas.
The company incorporated key objectives from the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as input from internal and external stakeholders.
Goals
The company’s new strategy sets benchmarks for future measurement. Goals include:
- Achieving zero waste to landfill in all pulp and paper operations and offices by 2030;
- Increasing recovery of new sources of waste fibers, and increasing use of recycled fibers across all products, by 20% by 2030.
- Increasing partnerships with external organizations to divert paper waste from landfills by 2030;
- Raising awareness of recycling through community outreach programs by 2025;
- Involving 100% of employees in Sustana Group’s vision of diversity and inclusion by 2025.
Creating the Closed Loop
The paper recycling industry is shifting toward a closed looped fiber future, says Renee Yardley of Sustana sister-company Rolland. “This can be achieved when businesses do three key things: work together to change their approach to sustainable supply chains, set specific goals, and prioritize continuous innovation,” she told Environmental Leader recently. “As our society searches for better, environmentally-friendly solutions for its recyclable waste, businesses must focus on playing an active role in the circular economy, rather than short-term shifts and single-issue reporting of environmental impact.”
Want more details on the closed-loop economy and strategies to get there? Head to Denver in May for ELEMCON to learn, share, network and celebrate the industry!