By Scott Will
In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Keter, a global leader in home and garden solutions, is making significant strides in sustainability under the guidance of CEO Alejandro Pena. The 2023 Sustainability Report showcases its commitment to eco-friendly practices and circular economy principles.
At the heart of Keter’s sustainability efforts is its innovative approach to recycling. Despite the challenges of sourcing recycled resins for large-scale manufacturing, the company has maintained an impressive 41% recycled content rate in its products. This achievement is mainly due to Keter’s in-house recycling capabilities through its U.S.-based subsidiary, Trigon. The technical experts at Keter continually explore new recycling opportunities, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable manufacturing.
Keter’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its products. The company has made substantial progress in reducing its carbon footprint, reporting an 8% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations. This reduction is attributed to ongoing efficiency efforts and the strategic procurement of electricity from renewable energy suppliers.
The company’s waste management efforts have also shown remarkable improvement. In 2023, Keter significantly reduced its landfill waste to just 6%, a dramatic decrease from 20% in the previous year. This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to minimizing its environmental impact across all operations.
Keter’s global reach allows it to implement sustainable practices internationally. The company sells its products in over 110 countries through over 25,000 retail stores and online platforms. With 20 manufacturing sites across ten countries, Keter is well-positioned to drive sustainability initiatives throughout its extensive supply chain.
Keter has taken proactive steps in the Benelux region to support the EU’s circular economy action plan. The company has implemented product take-back and recycling programs with key retailers such as Blokker and Action. These initiatives reduce waste and create new products from recycled materials. For instance, the partnership with Action, operational since August 2023, has already produced round, black organizer containers made from recycled materials.
Keter’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its organizational structure. The company has established a dedicated sustainability network led by a global chief sustainability officer and supported by regional heads. This structure ensures consistent implementation of sustainable practices across Keter’s international operations. Regular meetings at both global and regional levels keep the focus on sustainability goals and progress.
Employee engagement is a crucial component of Keter’s sustainability strategy. The company keeps its workforce informed and involved through various channels, including quarterly newsletters that share progress updates and best practices. In 2023 alone, Keter organized over 65 sustainability-focused meetings and training events for employees, demonstrating its commitment to building a culture of sustainability from within.
Keter’s influence in the sustainability conversation extends beyond its operations. In 2023, the company’s sustainability managers and teams actively participated in more than 20 external conferences and webinars. This engagement showcases Keter’s role as a thought leader in sustainability within the home and garden products industry.
Looking ahead, Keter has set ambitious goals. The company aims to increase its recycled content to 55% by 2025, a target that underscores its industry leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship. This goal is supported by various initiatives to enhance recycling capabilities and reduce reliance on virgin materials.
Under Alejandro Pena’s leadership, Keter is not just adapting to changing environmental expectations but actively shaping a more sustainable future for the sector. The company’s approach demonstrates that combining business growth with environmental responsibility is possible, setting a benchmark for others in the industry to follow.
As Keter continues to innovate and expand its sustainable practices, it is clear that the company is committed to shaping what’s next for a better day. By creating, inventing, designing, and building solutions for homes, gardens, and storage that enable more sustainable lifestyles, Keter plays a crucial role in transitioning to a more circular and environmentally friendly economy.
