Recycling Lives publishes first ESG Report underpinning commitment to circular economy

Recycling and waste management company Recycling Lives has published its first ESG report, underpinning its commitment to Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and the circular economy. 

The report includes the firm’s sustainability results from the past Fiscal Year (1 March 2021 – 28 February 2022), demonstrating how Recycling Lives is responding to the challenges faced by climate change and its progress in environmental innovation and social impact, which sit at the heart of the firm's purpose.

The report references the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) core standards and against scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions for the reduction of greenhouse gasses in 2023 and beyond. 

Key highlights include: 

• Diverted 91% of waste received from landfill  
• Delivered £28.9m of social value  
• Helped 75 ex-offenders secure jobs  
• 95% success rate for offenders - where the national average reoffending rate stands at around 60%, Recycling Lives report under 5% 
• Responsibly recycled 150,000+ cars 
• Generated 500,000+ tonnes of high-quality shredded steel 

Gerry Marshall, CEO of Recycling Lives said: “This first ESG Report aims to communicate in full transparency our sustainability progress to date, our social value achievements and importantly, our ambitions of where we want to be in the future. It highlights how sustainability – both people and planet - sits at the heart of everything we do, effectively holding ourselves to account to ensure our brand promise of ‘Good Business’ is maintained – a successful, profitable business which isn’t at the expense of the environment or society.  

“I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made – from driving ground-breaking innovation across our industry, achieving B Corp certification to delivering significant social value in communities the length and breadth of the country – all whilst making continuous and iterative improvements to our business model and operations. This report highlights the strong foundation for the company's continued evolution and provides a platform to build from year on year to keep improving.” 

Founded in 1977 and restructured in 2008 to put social value at its core, Recycling Lives has seen significant growth and expansion in recent years, demonstrating sustainable business as a fully embedded ethos. The firm is the UK’s largest end of life vehicle processor, and its continued focus on environmental innovation and social value reinforce its status as a sector leader in ESG, with four business streams comprising Vehicle Processing, Metal Processing, Producer Responsibility Compliance offering WEEE, packaging & batteries, and Environmental Services (sometimes known as Total Waste Management).  

The ESG Report is released following a brand refresh for the firm, built off the company’s three core pillars: Social Value, Environmental Innovation and Commercial Aspiration – or as Recycling Lives refers to it - ‘Good Business’, reflecting its purpose, beliefs, and goals.  

It also follows the firm’s B Corp certification in December last year, another acknowledgement of the company’s dedication to delivering positive social impact and driving a sustainable circular economy. 

To learn more about Recycling Lives including its commitments, progress, and results, read the full report here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/f686787c00.html

For more press information, images, or media enquiries, please contact the Recycling Lives press team: [email protected] / 020 7479 0910