Air New Zealand trials reusable cups on flights

Air New Zealand’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Kiri Hannifin, highlighted this week on LinkedIn that the airline had begun a trial of reusable and ‘bring your own’ cups on flights. During the trial flights, the single-use water and hot drink cups usually offered to customers were removed and replaced with a reusable option.

Last November, the airline announced the removal of similar cups in its airport lounges. That move is estimated to save nearly one million single-use cups from waste streams each year.

While the single-use cups for hot drinks were commercially compostable, most were ending up in landfill due to the limited composting infrastructure in New Zealand.

Ellen’s View:

“It’s great to see Air New Zealand make small but meaningful changes across their services. While Air New Zealand has also recognised the bigger challenges that the airline industry plays in decarbonisation and sustainability, it’s important to make these smaller yet impactful changes to areas of everyday business.

“Trials such as this help to both grow and embed sustainability within the business and across its value chain – another reminder that it all adds up. We’re excited to see the results of the trial, and hopefully a roll-out of reusable cups on all flights soon.”

Which? investigation reveals concerns over some bamboo loo rolls

An investigation by Which? has revealed that some bamboo toilet paper, often marketed as a sustainable alternative may not be as eco-friendly as touted.

Among the UK's leading brands, three out of five were discovered to use other, less environmentally friendly woods in their manufacturing processes, with one producer having only 2.7% bamboo fibre in its paper.

Two of the top bamboo loo roll brands in the UK, Who Gives A Crap and The Cheeky Panda, were found to contain 100% bamboo.

Read more on the investigation here.

SURVEY: UK organisations feel overwhelmed by sustainability reporting

According to a new survey from Mitie, UK businesses and organisations are feeling overwhelmed by the strain of sustainability reporting.

The results of the survey reveal that 55 per cent of UK sustainability decision makers think that current sustainability reporting requirements are too complex, while 38% admitted they are not clear on what they should be reporting on.

Sustainability leaders also expressed concerns on what might happen if an organisation’s reporting were to be deemed insufficient, with 60% reporting to be concerned about reputation being impacted.

59% are worried that insufficient reporting could impact company finances including facing fines, falling profits and potential loss of shareholders.

Whether you’re feeling the pressure to address your impact, struggling to understand ESG regulations and standards, or don’t have the time or budget to make a start, FuturePlus is the solution for you.

FuturePlus provides the tools and support to organisations of any size, sector or geography. Click here to book a demo.

Businesses and investors call on EU to target at least 90 per cent emissions cut by 2040

Investment and business leaders from over 100 companies including Unilever, Coca-Cola, Google and Ikea have signed a joint letter calling on the EU to set a more ambitious emissions reduction target by 2040.

In a letter coordinated by CLG Europe, leaders from across the block called on the EU to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least 90% by 2040.

“There is no doubt, climate change is multiplying the risks we face as ecosystems, economic and people. So today - businesses and investors are demanding bold and decisive action. A target of at least 90% emissions cuts by 2040 will prevent future shocks and finally deliver the crucial energy transition. It will bring economic transformation and increase the EU's competitiveness.” - Ursula Woodburn, Director of Corporate Leaders Group Europe

“To be ready for 2050, we need a 2040 EU emission reduction target of at least 90%. A significant part of this reduction needs to come from the building sector, which currently accounts for over a third of GHG emissions. At VELUX, by 2030, we aim to achieve a 100% reduction of operational emissions (scope 1 and 2) and reduce our carbon emissions from our value chain by 50% (scope 3). To get there, we collaborate closely with our whole value chain to create low carbon, energy efficient and healthy buildings.” - Lars Petersson, CEO of VELUX

Supermarkets increase EV chargers

The majority of UK supermarkets have rapidly increased their stock of electric vehicle (EV) chargers in car parks.

The analysis from the RAC and Zapmap now shows that one in 10 supermarkets now offer them. Throughout 2023, more than 600 new charging locations were installed, seeing a year-on-year increase of 59%.

Tesco leads the way with the largest charging network of any supermarket, with 1,305 devices in place. While Sainsbury’s saw the biggest year-on-year growth, moving from 53 to 157, with plans to install 750 charging bays by the end of 2024.

Book a demo

FuturePlus empowers companies, investors, and asset managers of all sizes to understand, measure, evidence, improve, and report on their sustainability impact and goals.

We adopt a future-focused view of what makes a sustainable business, assessing sustainability across five key themes: Climate, Environment, Social, Economic, and Diversity and Inclusion. We measure your current impact and what you want to achieve in the future.

Most importantly, we help you get there.

Book a demo here.