From supply chain programmes like Sedex and EcoVadis, to global movements like B Corp and the UN Global Compact, Quadpack aims for a well-rounded approach towards making a positive impact
The word ‘sustainability’ has become so broad in scope as to be almost unnavigable. After a lot of noise with less action on the subject, has it lost its momentum? A host of certifications, initiatives and programmes exist that promise to help provide direction, but the question is, do they help? And how do you decide where to sign up? Quadpack believes in taking a targeted approach, based on specific objectives for its sustainable transformation.
Sustainability Director Marleen Swart explains: “We focus our efforts on three areas: a responsible supply chain, sustainable operations and conscious consumption. Our participation in these programmes is based on potential for impact to drive meaningful change, both internally and across the beauty sector. They align with our goals and, collectively, support us on our journey towards fulfilling our sustainability ambition.”
Objective: improving operational impact
EcoVadis – industry-leading sustainability ratings agency, which evaluates 21 criteria, based on international standards such as the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and the ISO 26000 standard for social responsibility.
What’s new? Quadpack renewed its Platinum certification, improving its score from 79 last year, to 83/100. The factories in Germany are also EcoVadis certified, Quadpack Kierspe with Gold and the Wicklein plant with Silver.
APlanet – a software platform used to collect, organise, measure, analyse and report ESG data for real-time auditability and data-driven insights to maximise positive impact.
What’s new? Quadpack has commenced live data capture of carbon footprint across all its operations, with AI-powered emissions tracking across Scopes 1, 2 and 3. With ready access to this data, Quadpack will next be considering the Science Based Targets Initiative and its framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with the Paris Agreement.
Objective: validating sustainability claims of packaging solutions
RecyClass – a certification which evaluates the compatibility of plastic packaging with the entire waste management chain, including collection, sorting and recycling.
Cradle to Cradle Certified – a multi-attribute standard which assesses the safety, circularity and responsibility of materials and products.
What’s new? Quadpack is working with both organisations to certify a number of its beauty packaging solutions.
Objective: ensuring a responsible supply chain
Sedex – a global data platform for supply chain assessment, where members store, analyse, share and report on sustainability practices. Sedex’s SMETA audits in particular make it easy to assess suppliers’ working conditions and environmental performance.
EcoVadis Ratings – EcoVadis’ sustainability ratings solution for supply chain assessment and monitoring.
What’s new? Quadpack has renewed its membership on both platforms
Objective: using business as a force for good
UN Global Compact – a United Nations-led voluntary initiative, with over 25,000 participating companies across the world working to implement its 17 sustainable development goals of Agenda 2030.
What’s new? Quadpack has signed up for SDG Ambition 2025, an accelerator programme from January through April, to move beyond incremental progress and step up transformative change.
B Corp – a non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet. Quadpack has been a B Corp since 2023.
What’s new? Following reassessment in September 2024, Quadpack is awaiting recertification and we’re expecting some excellent news! It’s also just coming to the end of B Corp Month, which this year puts the spotlight on the emerging generation of thought leaders who are creating a better future: Generation ‘B’.
Conscious Capitalism – a global non-profit movement, based on a holistic philosophy where purpose meets profit.
What’s new? Quadpack is a member of the European chapter of Conscious Capitalism in Spain, which has a busy agenda of events.
Objective: leading the industry’s eco-transition
B Beauty Coalition – a coalition of B Corporations working together to transform the impact of the beauty industry. Quadpack Founder Tim Eaves acts as the Coalition’s Treasurer.
What’s new? Following the AGM in January, three objectives were set for the next five years: to innovate for better practices; to create a shared platform for knowledge exchange; and to provide a collective voice to influence change in policy and consumer education.
Industry associations – The members of regional collectives like Beauty Cluster (Spain), Packaging Cluster (Spain), Cosmetic Valley (France) and APCO (Australia) work together to share knowledge and best practices in various areas, including sustainability.
Academic partnerships – Quadpack works with emerging talent in sustainable transformation, partnering with universities like EADA (sponsoring its final business degree project), ELISAVA (final design degree project) and ESSEC (programme for future beauty leaders), to nuture, guide and learn from tomorrow’s leaders.
Objective: making a positive social impact
Quadpack Foundation – a non-profit organisation established by Quadpack in 2016, which works with NGOs to empower and unlock the potential of young people in need.
What’s new? Project Orion is a new social initiative launched by the foundation, to connect companies, NGOs and young people in situations of vulnerability, to foster their incorporation into the labour market through internships, starting with Quadpack’s connections in the beauty industry.
Despite macro-economic challenges and global conflicts, the drive towards sustainability is alive and well, although overall progress is slower than anyone would wish in the beauty industry. For third-party support to be effective, companies need to choose strategically to maximise and accelerate their efforts. Sustainability strategies are not just about environmental and social impact. They are also about risk mitigation and resilience building, with the ultimate goal – in any sector – of building a circular economy that nurtures the planet.
Would you like to discuss the benefits of any of these programmes or do you know of others which would be a good fit? Then we’d love to hear from you! Contact our sustainability team.