Page 66 - flipbook-ubp-IR

A new product that meets current market demands has been launched with environmental aspects in mind. We now supply 300kg and 600kg bagged products to limit any waste likely to occur during bulk deliveries.
Our choice of packaging was based on its reusability and recyclability besides other considerations such as adaptability, cost effectiveness, convenience and security. Hence, we opted for a mono-material packaging, foregoing branding to ease the recycling or upcycling process.
The collection of ‘used Big Bags’ is done via our Espace Maison shops through their “Geste Vert” initiative. Bins dedicated for used Big Bags have been added and two recycling channels have been identified so far:
1. Internal (re)use of the Big Bags by Gros Cailloux for green waste.
2. Upcycling at Precious Plastic, an NGO which transforms damaged Big Bags unfit for reuse into pellets and products such as furniture. We are currently working towards a partnership with this NGO.
INTRODUCTION ABOUT US MANAGEMENT APPROACH
NATURAL CAPITAL
Conscious packaging to close the circularity loop (Continuity and transformation)
Our interdisciplinary approach to integrating sustainability in business (Balancing it all)
The talent development of our employees is crucial to empower the Group transversally. Using sustainability as a strategic business approach across the Group, our Research and Development Manager, together with our Development and Sustainability Manager and the Communications and Marketing Manager of Espace Maison, have embarked on a ‘Sustainability for Business’ course designed by B Market Builder Mauritius. The course focuses on practical aspects of sustainability in the business world and complements theoretical knowledge and thinking. This year’s programme started in April 2022 and is expected to be completed in December 2022.
Additionally, our UBP Production Manager, worked on an MBA project entitled “Les enjeux d’un meilleur traitement des déchets de production pour UBP”, whose overall aim is to improve waste management for UBP’s core business. The objectives are to include circularity in UBP’s business model and reduce the Company’s dependency on its current raw materials, prepare for future changes in legislation, reduce our environmental impacts and production costs, which in turn, should improve our bottom-line performance and resilience.
Towards a Circular Economy (Balancing it all)
The Circular Economy Entrepreneurs’ Club was launched in a post Covid-19 context by Business Mauritius in October 2021 , where Circular Economy was identified as a bounce-back channel for resilience. The Club’s mission is to catalyse synergies at the local and regional levels for the emergence of a Circular Economy. Its vision is to contribute up to 1.5% of the National GDP and create 6,000 jobs by 2026. Thirteen sectors have been identified as elements for a Circular Economy, ranging from Plastics and E-Waste to vehicles (used tyres, batteries, oil). The designated champion for the construction and public works sector is our Development and Sustainability Manager, Egyla Ellapen. Her role is to disseminate the recommendations of the sector, hence facilitate inclusive consultations within the industry.
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UBP INTEGRATED REPORT 2022