Lyreco Goodness means doing the right thing
We know there’s a lot to be done to reverse the damage to our planet as well as to help build better workplaces and communities for people. And we want to lead by example.
We don’t just help businesses achieve their sustainability goals with sustainable products. We don’t just help organisations look after their people with DSE assessments and the equipment to support wellbeing. We practice what we preach – that’s Lyreco Goodness.
Here’s what we’re doing…
Carbon reduction
Lyreco’s most significant energy-saving and carbon-cutting initiatives began back in 2011. Since then, we’ve met our yearly carbon reduction target every year since 2015.
In March 2021, we were proud to announce that Lyreco’s 22 UK sites became energy carbon-neutral. This was achieved by cutting CO² emissions by 57% since 2010. This is estimated to be the equivalent of 11,000 tonnes of carbon.
We achieved energy carbon neutral for all Lyreco sites at the end of 2020 though not did not achieve the same target for 2021.
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at Lyreco
At our UK and Ireland Head Office in Telford, we installed 13,860 solar panels in 2015, which was one of the largest rooftop solar arrays in the UK at that time. These panels generate an average of 2.5 to 3 million kWh of electricity annually. The output varies each year due to factors such as sunlight availability, temperature, and maintenance periods. As of 2025, our highest recorded annual generation was 2.8 million kWh in 2021.
Since 2019, all 22 Lyreco sites in the UK and Ireland have sourced electricity backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates. This means the electricity we use from the grid is matched by renewable electricity generation, verified by the REGO scheme.
In addition to sourcing renewable electricity, we have focused on reducing consumption. In 2020, we replaced all lighting across our 55,000m² Telford site with LED technology, resulting in a 49% reduction in lighting electricity use following installation.
These initiatives are part of our ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency across our operations.
Transport
-
Investing in a growing fleet of electric vehicles, including a fully electric fleet operating within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
-
Optimising delivery routes to reduce mileage and fuel use.
-
Consolidating customer orders to lower the number of trips required.
-
Providing training for drivers in advanced fuel-efficient driving techniques.
-
Installing 330 video telematics systems that help drivers navigate more safely and efficiently.
-
Committing to the Clean Van Commitment, aiming for zero-emission city deliveries by 2028.
Since 2013, Lyreco has reduced fuel consumption by over 24% per delivery.
Carbon footprint calculator
How do we measure our carbon footprint? Our current method for assessing carbon emissions was established in 2010 as part of the former Eco-Future CSR strategy 2012-2018. Progress is measured using the bespoke Lyreco Carbon Footprint Calculator – adopted by all our subsidiaries.
Based on the international standard ISO 14064, the Lyreco Carbon Footprint Calculator takes into account:
Scope 1
Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
Scope 2
Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy
Scope 3
Any other indirect emissions from sources not directly controlled by the company: Movement of People (employee business travel) and Direct Waste (waste disposal)
Green initiatives
As well as these corporate initiatives, we like to get hands-on when it comes to helping the planet – especially if it means we can get close to nature.
Eco-garden
We’ve created a sustainable eco-garden in partnership with Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Business Environmental Support Scheme for Telford (BESST), at Lyreco’s head office in Telford.
Beehives
Since 2016, we installed several beehives outside the Telford head office to support and maintain Telford’s ecosystem and bee population. Since 2016, our bees have produced over 225kg of honey which was sold back to employees, with all proceeds being donated to support Lyreco For Education.
Plastic reduction
By 2025, Lyreco will have banned all single-use plastics from all our offices. In addition, we have donated aluminium bottles to local walking groups to encourage the use of reusable bottles and the reduction of single-use plastic.
Bird boxes
From waste pallets generated in our warehouse, we engaged a local primary school to build bird boxes during the 2021 World Environmental Day Campaign. Out of the 15 boxes built, half were put up at the Telford site and the rest around the primary school site.
Lyreco wins prestigious sustainability in business award
It’s great to see the results of our strategy and practices in hard data, but we were particularly proud to be awarded the EcoVadis Gold in 2023.
Ecovadis is the world’s largest and most trusted independent provider of business sustainability ratings. The assessment covers the concrete actions and results achieved in the fields of environment, labour and human rights, sustainable procurement and ethics.
Culture is key
Lyreco Goodness means constantly working to reduce emissions to be as sustainable as we can be.
We’ve done well so far and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but there’s still work to be done.
We’re confident and optimistic about the future because Lyreco Goodness isn’t just about technology and initiatives: sustainability, charity and wellbeing runs throughout our culture.
Read more about how we support our people and build a culture of wellbeing.
Carbon Zero Convention
In 2020 we held our first fully carbon-neutral convention where sustainability was the priority at every stage – from planning up to implementation.
We provided everyone with wristbands made from recycled plastic, free reusable water bottles and switched to paperless event literature. We even took it a step further by offsetting the carbon of attendee travel to the event by planting trees in the West Midlands – resulting in the offset of 39t CO2. Planting also allowed us to contribute to the preservation of both the UK and Brazilian Amazon rainforest natural environment and biodiversity.
Lyreco Goodness Customer CSR Community in Practice
We are building a networking group to support our customers as they integrate sustainability and social responsibility into their business.
One of the aims of Community in Practice (CoP) is to share best practice and advice. This includes examples of how other organisations have implemented CSR initiatives as well as bringing in guest speakers from related industries to discuss specific topics.
If you would like to know more or want to join this community please email wise.goodness@lyreco.com
Sustainability for our customers
Read about how we’re helping our businesses like yours build sustainable workplaces.
