Skincare brand Ecostore has announced it will be carbon neutral by the end of 2019, having offset 769 tonnes of carbon already through its carboNZero-certified manufacturing plant since 2010.
The business now aims to offset all the carbon it generates across its Australia and New Zealand operations.
“Businesses need to step up and recognize that they can and must be a force for good,” Ecostore managing director Pablo Kraus said.
“Corporates have an incredible opportunity to pave the way for future generations. We must lead by example, empower others, act, make changes.”
Ecostore general manager of supply chain Tony Morpeth said the business is currently investigating ways to reduce electricity, LPG and fuel use, water use during manufacturing and freight emissions from the transportation of goods.
In order to achieve this, the retailer partnered with NZ environmental certification provider Enviro-Mark Solutions.
“Taking action on climate change, by reducing carbon emissions, is one of the biggest challenges faced by business but rising to the challenge will identify opportunities and drive innovation,” Enviro-Mark Solutions chief executive Dr Ann Smith said.
“With Ecostore’s ambitious plans to offset their impacts in the short term, and commitment to continual emissions reduction and environmental improvement for the long term, they are setting an excellent example for other organisations.”
Kraus said the key to Ecostore’s success is its holistic approach – from how it chooses its partners and sources its materials to what it does about its products’ lifecycle.
Ecostore was named New Zealand’s most authentic brand in the Brand Alpha 2019 Top 20 Most Authentic Brands report, graded on visibility, value, vitality, and virtue.