As a leading player in the UK office supplies sector, VOW takes its corporate social responsibility very seriously. In keeping with this commitment, the specialist business supplies wholesaler has announced four key areas of focus for 2019 and beyond.
The four-point plan is part of a comprehensive framework called Evolution, which connects the company’s social responsibility to its people, stakeholders, supply chain and the natural environment.
“VOW works closely with our supplier and dealer partners to provide an integrated supply chain to the consumer,” explains VOW Marketing Director Helen Wade. “Being able to demonstrate that every element of this is socially responsible is a key part of winning and retaining business – and we are determined to keep an emphasis on this as we grow.”
The first area is the environment, with an array of targets to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas production, while increasing biodiversity at VOW sites. Top-line targets for 2022 include reducing electricity and gas use by 30% and water use by 10%. Another element of this pillar is a focus on a reduction of packaging waste. VOW are currently reviewing a ban on plastic void fill, the introduction of a waste-reducing third box size, a policy of suppliers delivering on VOW totes and the introduction of pallet collars to reduce shrink wrap.
The second subject in the spotlight is the setting of high standards in the supply chain, with a zero-tolerance of illegal, unethical, counterfeit or substandard products. Along with an ever increasing range of environmentally friendly products.