Alliance Healthcare in the UK announced its promise to reduce single-use secondary plastic within the business by 60% within three years, as part of its “Getting drastic with plastic” campaign. The plastics saving initiatives have been live within the business since 2019 and even the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have not stopped progress.
“We recognize that as an industry leader we must pioneer the way in reducing our impact on the environment,” says Julian Mount, Managing Director, Alliance Healthcare UK. “Our three year plan will entail an ambitious 35% reduction of single-use plastic secondary packaging by September 2021.”
The work being carried out across the entire workforce includes removal of invoice bags, switching to paper bubble wrap and investment in reusable totes to replace plastic bags and cardboard packaging for the division’s Health and Beauty customers. Every year, over two million units of single-use plastic bags and cardboard boxes will be removed from Alliance Healthcare UK’s operations, considerably lessening its carbon footprint.
To date, Alliance Healthcare UK has already saved over 39 tons; by the close of fiscal-year 2021, that number will rise to 131 tons. The aim is to have reduced the overall use of single-use secondary plastic by 60% by September 2022.
To engage team members in the effort, Alliance Healthcare UK colleagues can visit “Getting drastic with plastic” campaign installations – all produced from completely plant-based materials – at each of its 14 Service Center sites across the UK. By visiting these installations, colleagues can learn about the company’s goals and get involved with local initiatives, while also considering their own day-to-day behaviors that may impact the environment.