Our growing range of eco products makes it easier for you to make informed choices that are better for you and the planet. And we're working hard to become greener in all aspects of our business - be it making use of recycled and recyclable materials where possible, reducing unnecessary packaging, and eliminating single-use plastic. We know there's a long way to go and more we can do, but with your help we'll build a better, more sustainable business for the good of everyone.
We insist that any products we stock that contain wood or paper are from a sustainable source.
All our catalogues and media inserts are printed on sustainably sourced paper, and our mail order packaging contains a high percentage of recycled content.
We are reviewing all our product packaging to ensure that a) we use less of it, and b) it contains a significant amount of recycled or sustainable content. And we encourage our third-party suppliers to do the same.
The production of palm oil has expanded rapidly over the last few decades, putting massive pressure on the environment in the form of deforestation and the destruction of habitats of already endangered species.
All of our suppliers of own-label products use palm oil that is sustainably sourced and RSPO certified. You can read more about RSPO here.
We consider the sustainability of our products when putting them in our range, making sure that every Lakeland product meets our rigorous quality measures. It's thanks to that attention to detail that we're able to offer a retail-industry busting 3 year guarantee. And if you are looking to replace a well-worn piece of kitchenware with a new one from Lakeland, you can do your bit for the planet by recycling your old one through us for free. Visit recycleyourelectricals.org.uk for details.
We need to ensure the sustainability of our business, and that includes considering the environmental impacts of our supply chain. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure that any concerns with ingredients, goods or services are addressed promptly and a solution found.
We are signed up toThe Plastics Pact - a trailblazing, collaborative initiative that aims to bring about a circular economy for plastics.
96% of Lakeland own brand packaging is recyclable and we are working hard on meeting the WRAP target of 100%. And just by swapping the little plastic hangers on the packaging of our Lakeland Blue Bakeware range to recyclable versions, we've saved the use of 3.89 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic - a small change that is already making a big difference.
As part of our membership of WRAP, we are committed to do the following by 2025:
We are members of OPRL (On Pack Recycling Label) https://oprl.org.uk. We have been working hard to update our packaging with the latest symbols and scored 100% in our 2023 audit.
The symbols aid customers to understand what can be recycled and where to go if not commonly accepted at kerbside collections. We are also expanding our front of store soft plastic packaging collection points in more of our stores so you can return packaging such as fruit and veg bags, crisp packets, cling film and wrappers.
We are trying to be greener in all aspects of our business from top to bottom. Moreover, talking of top, we have a 'living roof' of sedum at our Windermere head office. We have also reduced our energy consumption by switching to LED lighting and using movement sensors and timers. We recycle the pallets, cardboard and plastics that arrive at our distribution centre. We are actively looking for ways to reduce energy by using solar energy, ways of making our forklift trucks more efficient by switching to rechargeable batteries. Ongoing projects to replace less efficient air conditioning units with newer ones.
Each year, we donate money generated from our small-size carrier bag charge to an environmental cause. In 2024 we have supported Cumbria Wildlife Trust with a £20,000 donation. This will support the conservation of red squirrels. Once found all over the UK, they are now only seen in wooded areas in small parts of the UK (including the north of England). Made eternally popular through Beatrix Potter's character Squirrel Nutkin - by working together we can ensure this much loved species is known by future generations. We have also supported the Scottish Wildlife Trust and Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, to ensure that the proceeds from carrier bag sales in those nations, go towards good causes in that same nation.
Our myLakeland Charity Pot is another way we help our environment, namely by making donations to The Woodland Trust (plus other good causes). Most recently, their work has focused on the restoration of Great Knott Wood near Windermere, which was destroyed by wildfire.
If you'd like to know how you can do your bit too, take a look at our guide to recycling, which is full of handy hints and tips https://www.lakeland.co.uk/blogs/inspiration/tips-for-recycling
