PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
LEADING packaging solutions provider Pitreavie is continuing to make huge strides in its ESG (environmental, social and governance) journey after marking a number of important milestones over the past 18 months and setting out a five-year strategy spanning products, community, and the environment, with the aim of reducing the group’s carbon footprint and giving back to the local community.
Products
Pitreavie, which operates sites in Aberdeen, Cumbernauld and Glenrothes, manufactures bespoke corrugated packaging and temperature-sensitive shipping solutions, and prides itself on being a single source supplier, offering everything from timber crates and cases through to a wide range of packaging supplies.
The business is built on excellent customer service and works with customers at every stage of the process, from initial concept design to manufacture. “We are a packaging manufacturer but we’re primarily a solutions company,” shared MD Stephen Heslop. “We are able to offer solutions right across the packaging spectrum, providing a single source supply benefit to customers. Anybody who buys a cardboard box is going to use tape, labels, stretch wrap, strapping. Utilising all our product technologies saves customers time, money and is more environmentally friendly, with less deliveries.”
The firm has been successful in supporting customers to reduce their use of plastics, packaging waste, and prepare for the Extended Producer Responsibility legislation.
One of the latest innovations is offered by Sorbafreeze, Pitreavie’s chilled packaging division, which has introduced a paper-based product called Kerbcool; a fully kerbside recyclable insulated box that provides temperature-safe transit for up to 48 hours.
Pitreavie continue to supply innovative products including their pre-stretch pallet wrap. Its unique nano technology means less material is needed per pallet. Made from 30% recycled content, these hand and machine films meet the UK plastic packaging tax threshold, making them tax exempt.
Community
A core pillar of the group’s wider ESG framework is a commitment to constantly strive to benefit the communities in which it operates. Events are held throughout the year to raise money for nominated charities chosen by Pitreavie’s employees, which this year include Fife Gingerbread (which provides support to lone parents and families) and Strathcarron Hospice.
Environment
When it comes to Pitreavie’s green credentials, a number of sustainable practices have been implemented. All the paper used in the corrugate manufacturing process is recyclable and many of the products produced are fully recyclable.
For over a year now, Pitreavie has been working with environmental specialists Mabbett & Associates, looking at Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and examining everything from employee mileage to transport routes.
Stephen Heslop explained the business has an overarching strategy containing practical solutions designed to reduce its environmental impact over the next five years.
“All our company cars have to be hybrid, we’ve placed recycling bins in offices, and our latest corrugate waste compactor is solar-powered, meaning reduced carbon footprint as less waste collections are required,” he said. “We will develop more projects and improve lighting in the warehouses. You don’t realise how much we’ve actually done over the last 12-18 months until we start mapping it out. We’re quite proud of what we’ve achieved so far.”
Being a one-stop-shop provides significant gains for Pitreavie’s customers, too. There is just one point of contact and one account on ledgers. Pitreavie’s customers range from multi-national companies and major brands through to small butcher shops. Stephen revealed that the businesses Pitreavie works with are increasingly interested in the group’s environmental policy, adding that companies which neglect to embrace ambitious carbon targets risk creating a barrier to trade.
“More and more, companies are expecting their suppliers to have an environmental agenda that’s progressive,” Stephen added. “For Pitreavie, we have to be progressive because we always want to be ahead of the curve.”
