ESG Support
Sustainable businesses can contribute to achieving global sustainability goals, protecting the environment, ensure economic viability, meeting social responsibilities. These factors can collectively contribute to a business’s long-term success, vision and impact on their community.
The Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry are proud to be working in partnership with the University of Lincoln and Innovate UK on an exciting project for our members.
We are creating a brand-new service for our members to offer various types of sustainability support, focusing around environmental, social and governance impact.
Over the next year and a half (April 2025) we will be working with members new and old on how best we can help and support you on your ESG credentials.
We will be updating this page with news and project updates as we progress!
Explore the different sections of the hub below, If you have any questions or an interest in this project, please email Annabelle Sclater the project lead – Annabelle.sclater@lincs-chamber.co.uk or esg@lincs-chamber.co.uk
Happy National Recycling Week!
14th – 18th October
National recycling week is an annual campaign focused on helping people and businesses understand how they can help the environment by diverting products and materials away from landfill and recycle more.
We spoke to two of our members:
Reuseabox a UK supplier of new and used cardboard boxes, who are taking recycling to the next level- Rachael, marketing manager gave us an insight into the company and it’s model, showcasing how they have implemented recycling into the business.
Vale Clearances, a removals and clearances business covering Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Leicestershire – Sophie, Business and Finance Manager told us more about their business and recycling programme.
Reuseabox
Hi Rachael, can you tell us a bit about Reuseabox…
Reuseabox provides a better way for businesses to buy cardboard boxes by helping them reduce their costs and their environmental impact. As a certified B Corp, we are on a mission to inspire companies to reuse cardboard boxes before they are recycled while investing in the planet to create a better future.
Reuseabox was founded in 2015 by Jack Good shortly after he left school. In just 9 years with key investment in local people and becoming customer-centric in its approach, our team has grown rapidly to a multi-million-pound company.
Reuseabox is the only packaging provider that promotes circularity and is actively inspiring a global community to take action in these critical times for our planet. By doing so, we have developed partnerships with household names and global brands including Royal Mail, Yeo Valley, Oddbox, Tim’s Dairy, Hovis and Evri.
Can you tell us a bit about the Reuseabox model?
Years ago, we were shocked to discover that most cardboard boxes were only used once before being sent for recycling. Yes, recycling is necessary, but the problem is that cardboard can’t be recycled infinitely and the process itself is environmentally harmful.
We’re determined to prove that cardboard is not single-use, and why reusing cardboard boxes is better for the planet and better for your bottom line.
That’s why we partner with manufacturers who produce lots (and we mean lots!) of cardboard boxes every single day. And rather than sending them to be recycled, we save them, bring them back to our warehouse to be quality checked and then distribute them to companies who ship goods all across the world.
We do this because by keeping cardboard in use for longer, it reduces waste, protects the environment and contributes to a more circular economy. We know this because, in partnership with the University of Lincoln in 2019, we developed an environmental data tool that shows exactly how many trees, carbon, water and energy are saved when you reuse instead of recycling.
Is there any other ways you have implemented recycling and reuse in the business?
With net zero target deadlines looming, businesses have become so focused on making their packaging ‘recyclable’ that they are overlooking the sheer volume of packaging waste being produced.
Too many of us jump straight to recycling, thinking that it is the best thing to do. This needs to change.
The best way to reduce waste is to prevent it from being created in the first place. However, where prevention is not possible, we must try to reduce and reuse as much as possible before resorting to the less desirable part of the waste hierarchy that has a higher environmental impact. Because even recycling has a carbon footprint.
There is a global waste crisis, and there is increasing pressure from the government and consumers for businesses to take responsibility for the waste they produce. By focusing on the 3 Rs of waste management – and not just jumping to recycling – we can all take a more circular approach to our waste management. We need to prioritise preventing or reducing waste wherever possible, then look at avenues to reduce and finally recycle.
That’s how we create a circular economy and keep resources in use for longer.
Reuseabox
Vale Clearances
Hi! Sophie can you tell us a bit more about Vale clearances?
Certainly! Vale Clearances is a removals and clearance company, based on the boarder of 3 counties; Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire & Leicestershire. We have proudly been serving the community for nearly 4 years, rapidly growing in that time from a small team and one vehicle to a dedicated team of over 20 with a fleet of 10 vans. We specialise in comprehensive removal and clearance services for both domestic and business customers. With our “Vale Way” customer-centric approach to business, putting the customer first, going above and beyond including zero deposits and flexible no charge for date changes. Our commitment to excellent customer service and efficient, environmentally friendly solutions sets us apart in the industry.
With National Recycling Week In mind, can you please tell us a bit about your R3 project?
Our R3 project, which stands for Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, is an initiative that underscores Vale Clearances’ commitment to sustainable waste management. Launched 2 years ago, this project was created to address the growing concerns around waste and the environment in the industry. Our approach is centred on minimising waste sent to landfill and maximising the recovery of valuable materials.
The R3 project starts with a thorough assessment of all items collected during our clearance services. We work with local charities and community groups to ensure that reusable items find new homes, reducing the need for new products and supporting those in need. Items that cannot be reused are then recycled wherever possible. We’ve partnered with certified recycling facilities to process materials like metal, wood, and electronics, ensuring they are repurposed efficiently. We also sourced a waste facility that can take our non-recyclables and turn them into to energy that is sent to the national grid, meaning we send nothing at all to landfill.
The R3 project was inspired by our core belief that businesses must play a pivotal role in environmental stewardship. We understand that the waste we handle has an impact far beyond our operations, which is why we strive to set an example within the industry. The project has been well-received by our clients, who appreciate our commitment to a greener future, and it has become a central part of our business ethos.
Has Vale clearances always focused on their environmental impact?
Yes, Vale Clearances has prioritised environmental responsibility since our inception. From the early days, we recognised the importance of sustainable practices in the clearance and removals industry. We quickly formed relationships with local charities and community initiatives to donate unwanted items and this drove us to develop the R3 project and achieve our zero-landfill policy.
Our commitment to the environment was formally recognised when we received the Grantham Business Awards – Environmental Champions Award in 2023 a testament to our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. We have also proudly held ISO 14001 certification since 2022, reflecting our dedication to maintaining an effective environmental management system. Environmental sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a core value that drives every aspect of our business.
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