Today is World Environment Day 2025, a global day dedicated to raising awareness and to encourage people and businesses to act more sustainably. The theme for 2025 is Plastic Pollution, calling for collective action to combat increasing levels of plastic in our environment.
At phs, we are always looking at how we can work more sustainably. Over the past few years, we have reduced the amount of plastic used in our business operations, with even more projects currently in the pipeline to further reduce our usage.
Working towards Net-Zero emissions by 2040
phs has a target to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2040. We have committed to science-based targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to reduce our Scope 1, 2, and 3 carbon emissions and this is highlighted in our Carbon Reduction Plan. Our efforts so far have resulted in a significant year-on-year reduction in our carbon footprint, including a 13.6% reduction in 2023 and a 6% reduction in 2022
Reducing packaging waste
A key area of our focus to reduce our plastic use has been to reduce the amount used in our product packaging. We exceed the Packaging Waste Regulations 2007 recovery, reuse, and recycling obligations for packaging. Wherever possible we aim to use zero plastic packaging for our products and are always working to replace plastic containers with cardboard alternatives.
We work on a ‘paper wrapped in paper’ approach which focuses on eliminating plastic use and using recycled FSC accredited and sustainable material source. This includes the use of alternative materials such as bamboo and sugar cane.
phs only uses single use plastics in outer packaging and pallet wrap, with steps taken to ensure these wraps are LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) which is categorised as code 4 plastic. This means plastic wrap can be recycled both commercially and domestically. This type of plastic is also considered less toxic than other types of plastics.
Product Refurbishment
At phs, we have our own range of hygiene products. This allows us to have an inhouse team of experts who focus on refurbishing and recycling our products to prolong their life. This works to reduce waste whilst minimising our impact on the environment and enhancing our contribution to the circular economy.
By refurbishing and reusing items such as hand dryers and hygiene dispensers, we significantly reduce the amount of plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Mats made from recycled plastic
Our wide range of mats are all made from either recycled fishing nets or recycled plastic bottles.
For example, our logo mats are all made from rPET, with each square metre of the mat made from 68 plastic bottles. If not recycled, plastic bottles can last for over 450 years in the marine environment.
Our range of Eco Standard Mats are made from Econyl. This is a regenerated nylon made from recovered nylon waste - such as fishing nets from the oceans and aquacultures, fabric scraps from mills and carpets destined for landfills.
By using discarded plastic to create matting solutions, we are able to offer our customers sustainable solutions as standard. After fulfilling their purpose, our mats are recycled for equestrian wear or converted into a refuse derived fuel for energy.
Healthcare Bins made from recycled plastic
Our range of essential healthcare disposal units are made from up to 100% recycled plastic. By offering a range of sustainable healthcare units as standard, we are minimising our environmental impact while contributing to a healthier and more sustainable healthcare system. Our efforts are driven by a deep commitment to preserving the well-being of our planet and the communities we serve.
As well as a range of healthcare disposal units made from recycled plastic, we offer cardboard clinical waste containers. These cardboard containers are a solid and compliant solution for non-sharp clinical waste, offering a 100% reduction in single use plastics. All bags used to collect and dispose of offensive and clinical waste are also made from a minimum of 97% recycled content.
As well as the Healthcare bins we will shortly be launching a wider range of products made from recycled plastic, so watch this space!
Reusable crates with phs Teacrate
phs Teacrate are focused on prolonging the life of rental plastic crates to minimise their impact on landfill and plastic waste.
These crates are made of the toughest plastic, to ensuring they can withstand heavy use every day. When crates do become damaged, the first step to assess if they can be repaired rather than replaced. Last year, we repaired 1,082 crates last year instead of sending them to waste.
When crates do reach the end of their lifecycle, they are sent to be recycled rather than to landfill. These crates are then chipped into plastic chips for reuse, to ensuring plastic crates from phs Teacrate are never single use.
phs Greenleaf uses fibre glass instead of plastic
phs Greenleaf provide a wide range of rental plants to businesses across the whole of the UK. To reduce reliance on plastic, plant containers provided by phs Greenleaf are made from fibre glass rather than plastic.
Replacing plastic with a less energy intensive container means we have also improved recycling and end of life treatment options for these contains. Switching to fibre glass containers has reduced the carbon footprint of containers used by over 50%. We also source containers manufactured using wind power to further reduce the environmental impact of our operations.
Our Magnificent 7 ESG Commitment
