Since launching Resins ‘R’ Us back in 2019, our mission has always been to deliver top-quality resin bound products with service and delivery to match. But alongside our business goals, we’ve also been on a quieter, ongoing journey: becoming a more sustainable company, one small step at a time.
Our Sustainability Journey: Small Steps, Long-Term Impact
We’ll be the first to say – no industry is perfect when it comes to the environment. But we believe progress is better than perfection.
Over the past few years, we’ve been making conscious changes to the way we operate, reducing our footprint and building a futureproof business that not only serves our customers but also respects the planet.
Here’s a look at what we’ve done so far – and how we’re continuing to improve.
Moving to the Cloud
One of our first steps was digital. Early on, we made the move to an in-the-cloud IT server, reducing our reliance on physical hardware and energy-intensive local infrastructure. This shift hasn’t just made us more agile and connected; it’s also reduced the power demands of running on-site servers and lowered our electronic waste in the long run.
Cloud computing is generally more energy-efficient due to large data centres optimising server loads, using renewable energy sources, and maintaining high operational efficiency.
For us, it’s a smarter, cleaner way of working.
Reusing What We Can
We believe that reusing is just as important as recycling. That’s why we’ve found simple, effective ways to reuse materials within our operations wherever possible.
Paper shredding, for example, doesn’t just get thrown away. Instead, shredded office paper goes straight to our warehouse, where it’s repurposed as protective packaging material. This keeps waste out of landfills and reduces the need for single-use fillers like bubble wrap or foam.
To reduce our impact even further, we’ve also made the switch to ordering recycled paper for our office printers. It’s a small change that supports a more circular use of resources and helps cut down on the demand for virgin paper production.
We also reuse pallets and cardboard boxes wherever we can. While many pallets are single-use in some industries, we inspect and rotate ours for multiple cycles, cutting down on the demand for new timber and the waste associated with damaged or discarded ones.
Smarter Waste Management in the Warehouse
Warehouses are typically where waste builds up, and we’ve been working to tackle it head-on. We’ve implemented waste segregation practices across our site to ensure recyclable materials like cardboard are kept separate and sent to proper recycling facilities, rather than ending up in landfill.
Cardboard makes up a large part of packaging waste, and by diverting it from general bins, we’re reducing our environmental impact and doing our bit to support a circular economy.
As part of this, we’ve trained our warehouse team to be conscious about sorting waste, and we’ve made it as easy as possible to do the right thing – clearly labelled bins, clear procedures, and regular checks.
Introducing Electric Vehicles
As we continue to grow, transport remains a key area of focus for reducing our carbon footprint. We’ve recently begun introducing electric vehicles (EVs) into our company vehicle fleet – an exciting step forward in lowering our emissions and embracing cleaner logistics.
While we know the full transition will take time, these early changes mark a firm commitment to cutting down on fossil fuel use and investing in long-term sustainability. EVs not only help reduce local air pollution, but also support our wider goals of running a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible operation.
Supporting Simpler Recycling
With the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling scheme now in motion, we’re fully on board. We’ve updated our internal systems and workflows to make sure we’re not just compliant but fully aligned with the latest best practices in business waste management.
This includes something many businesses overlook: food waste segregation. Even in a light industrial setting, food waste from staff kitchens and break rooms adds up. By separating it from general waste, we’re reducing contamination, supporting composting, and meeting the standards laid out in Simpler Recycling.
Partnering with Wastecom
One of the biggest steps in our sustainability journey has been teaming up with the waste management experts at Wastecom. They’ve helped us shape a waste strategy that’s not just legally compliant, but also genuinely impactful.
Through our partnership, we’ve been able to:
- Track our waste streams accurately
- Implement efficient collection schedules
- Stay compliant with changing regulations
- Reduce landfill contribution
- Prepare for future environmental standards
Working with Wastecom has helped us take the guesswork out of waste.
Their consultancy-led approach has given us confidence that we’re not just doing the bare minimum, but taking real steps towards a better future.
Continuous Improvement
We don’t see sustainability as a box to tick. It’s a mindset; one that influences our decisions every day, from sourcing materials to handling returns, from staff education to operational upgrades.
Since 2019, we’ve learned that small, consistent changes can have a big impact over time. And we’re not done yet. We’re currently exploring:
- Using more recyclable and biodegradable materials in our packaging
- Offering sustainability training to all team members
- Reducing our reliance on plastic across the business
- Tracking and publishing our environmental data
As a growing company, we know we won’t get everything perfect right away. But we believe in progress.
Each decision we make today sets the tone for tomorrow.
Why It Matters
For us, sustainability isn’t about following trends; it’s about responsibility. As a supplier in the construction and landscaping industry, we understand the importance of long-term thinking. Whether it’s building a driveway, a footpath, or a company, the foundations matter.
By choosing more sustainable practices, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact but also creating a more resilient business for our team, our customers, and our community.
Want to Know More?
If you’re a customer, partner, or just someone who’s interested in what we’re doing behind the scenes, we’d love to hear from you. Sustainability is a shared journey, and we know there’s always more to learn.
Thank you to our team, our partners (especially Wastecom), and our customers for supporting us on this path. Here’s to a cleaner, greener future – one pallet, one piece of packaging, and one smart choice at a time.
