The SDGs were established in 2015 as a global framework to address the challenges we face to a sustainable future. Although our efforts could contribute to a number of the 17 Goals, we have carefully selected the following six as our priority. These are the SDGs on which we believe we can make the biggest impact between now and 2030:
To achieve net-zero carbon in our own operations (scopes 1 & 2)
Emissions and Net Zero Transition
Resource Management & Circularity
Materials Sourcing
Nature & Biodiversity
Avoiding Pollution
Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Working Conditions & Ethical Labour
Skills & Talent
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Social Value/Community Engagement
Sustainable Procurement
Finance, Insurance & Pricing
Job & Value Creation
We will report annually on our progress against these Goals as part of our wider Sustainability reporting and we have set out in our plans the specific targets we aim to contribute to and where they align to our own sustainability framework.
As a manufacturing company we cannot avoid impacting on the natural environment, but we can manage those impacts to ensure they are positive where possible and neutral at a minimum. Our impact on the environment relates to the materials we source and use, the emissions from our processes, how we manage resources and how we value natural capital by appreciating biodiversity and protecting nature.
Emissions and Net Zero Transition - We measure, monitor and reduce our emissions in our own operations and our wider value chain, setting out a credible pathway to reach net zero by 2050 or before.
Resource Management & Circularity - We manage all resources – energy, water, materials and any waste – in an efficient way and operate with circularity as our guiding principle, from design to delivery of our finished goods.
Materials Sourcing - We source materials from the most sustainable and renewable sources possible, mindful of their impact on people and planet from a supply chain that supports our efforts.
Nature & Biodiversity - We recognise and respect the natural capital on which we depend for our business, protecting and enhancing nature and biodiversity where we can.
Avoiding Pollution - We make every effort to prevent any form of pollution from our manufacturing processes and operation
Health, Safety & Wellbeing - The most important consideration when it comes to our people is not only their safety, but their wellbeing. We strive for a happy, healthy and engaged workforce that feels valued and supported in all they do.
Working Conditions & Ethical Labour - Within the HML Group, we provide good working conditions and set high standards when it comes to fairness, equity and a positive culture. We expect the same within our supply chain and choose suppliers who meet our standards.
Skills & Talent - Our successful and sustainable growth depends on having people with the skills to help us innovate and improve and we invest in nurturing those skills.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - We embrace the diversity of thought, opinion and experience that different demographics bring, knowing this adds value to our business and wider society and we strive to be fair and inclusive in all our dealings with people.
Social Value/Community Engagement - We create a lasting impact on people that doesn’t stop at our factory doors, as we invest our skills and resources to drive positive change in our local communities through partnerships and collaboration.
In our economic structures and processes, doing the right thing guides our judgement. Knowing when we need to adapt to better reflect a fast moving world and the changing needs of stakeholders, and doing that openly and honestly, is what makes us resilient.
Sustainable Procurement - We have a choice over where and how we procure our goods and services, and we are committed to spending our money to develop and hone a supply chain we can be proud of. Sustainable procurement will be a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts.
Finance, Insurance & Pricing - Money has power, and we will ensure ours is used to secure banking and insurance with an ethical focus. Similarly, we will work to educate customers in considering the whole-life cost of our goods, factoring this into our pricing to educate and change mindsets.
Job & Value Creation - Our biggest contribution to society is to provide good jobs that support the economy. We will champion ‘green’ skills and high value roles as we grow and diversify.
