As 2024 draws to a close, we look back with pride at the milestones we’ve achieved together at The Rakem Group. This year has been about more than just business; it’s been about making a real difference in our community, for the environment, and through our people.
From donating over £100,000 to local charities, reaching a new milestone as Silver Patrons of Bury Hospice, to advancing our sustainability goals with ISO 14001 certification and cutting emissions through innovative solutions, we’ve shown that integrity and care drive everything we do.
Our teams have gone above and beyond, volunteering their time, participating in charity events, and embracing our core values of family, fun, friendly, innovation and integrity.
Our impact in 2024
At Rakem Group, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s a driving force behind our entire operation. This year, we’ve made significant strides in reducing our environmental impact through innovative practices and strategic changes. Our achievements, including ISO 14001 certification, waste management breakthroughs, and emission reduction initiatives, reflect our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.
ISO 14001 Certification
In 2024, achieving ISO 14001 certification marked a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. This certification is more than a badge of honour; it’s a testament to our systematic approach to environmental management. It signifies our dedication to minimising environmental impact through continuous improvement, ensuring that every facet of our operations meets’ rigorous environmental standards.
Emissions Reduction: Targeted and Effective Solutions
Our recent analysis of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions provided critical insights into where we could make the most impact. Two products accounted for 78% of our purchased goods and services emissions, equating to 3,016.88 tonnes. In response, we shifted strategically by switching our customers to a more potent product, reducing the quantity needed by half. This change is projected to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in 2024, demonstrating our proactive approach to sustainability.
Our total emissions stand at 11,892.16 tonnes, a commendable figure for a distribution and manufacturing company. This reduction underscores our commitment to ongoing environmental improvement and highlights our leadership in sustainable business practices.
Innovative Packaging: Reducing Plastic Usage
We are trialling pouches instead of bottles for one of our main paint customers to further reduce our environmental footprint. This simple yet effective change is expected to significantly reduce plastic usage, aligning with our broader waste reduction goals and sustainable resource management. By embracing this innovative packaging solution, we are reducing plastic waste and enhancing the sustainability of our entire product line.
Our Commitment to Future Sustainability
Our achievements this year are just the beginning. As we look to the future, we are committed to expanding our sustainability initiatives:
- CO2 Reduction: We anticipate a substantial decrease in emissions as our customers fully adopt the more potent product.
- Plastic Waste Minimisation: We plan to extend the use of pouches to additional products, further reducing plastic in our supply chain.
- Continual Improvement: We will continue to monitor and reduce our Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, ensuring we stay at the forefront of sustainable practices in our industry.
As we celebrate these accomplishments, we’re excited for an even brighter and more impactful 2025 ahead. Thank you for being a part of this amazing journey.
