In an era where environmental consciousness is of high importance, sourcing materials locally has emerged as a sustainable practice that carries numerous benefits for the environment.
Local sourcing minimises long-distance transportation, slashing emissions, energy use, and transport infrastructure strain. Let’s explore six environmental benefits of sourcing materials locally:
1. Transport Emissions
One of the most evident and immediate advantages of local sourcing is the significant reduction in transport emissions. When materials are sourced locally, they travel shorter distances, consuming less fuels and fewer carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere. This decrease in carbon emissions is a critical step in mitigating climate change, as transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Energy Efficiency
Local suppliers can minimise energy consumption by reducing transportation distances, thus promoting energy efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact associated with energy production and consumption. In addition, local suppliers often have more control over their energy sources and are likely to use more efficient methods in their production processes.
3. Reduced Packaging
Another major advantage of local sourcing is the reduction in packaging materials. Products that need to withstand long journeys when travelling internationally often require extensive packaging to protect them during transport. Local sourcing allows for more direct and shorter supply chains; requiring less packaging, minimising waste, and decreasing production emissions associated with manufacturing packaging.
4. Preserving Local Ecosystems
By reducing the pressure to convert land for industrial use or agriculture to support exports, local sourcing helps protect the balance of ecosystems. The preservation of ecosystems is vital for maintaining biodiversity, conserving natural resources, and safeguarding the environment’s long-term health.
5. Boosting Local Economies
Supporting local businesses through local sourcing can lead to economic growth and job creation. When businesses source materials locally, they invest in the communities where they operate and create employment opportunities.
6. Promotion of Circular Economy
By sourcing materials locally, businesses can establish effective recycling and reuse systems. This approach reduces the need for resource production and minimises waste generation. In a circular economy, products and materials are continuously reused and recycled, further diminishing the environmental footprint of the production process.
Sancell’s Local Sourcing Initiatives
At Sancell, our products are Australian-made and always will be. More recently, we have placed a strong emphasis, where possible, on sourcing our materials locally. Australian-made and locally sourced products have a significantly lower carbon footprint due to reduced transportation distances. Additionally, we adopt 25% renewable energy with GreenPower at our Melbourne site, saving 458 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
In 2023, we took a significant leap in our commitment to sustainability by incorporating post-consumer recycled materials into our flagship products. What makes this initiative even more remarkable is that the recycled waste comes from Australia.
In addition to post-consumer recycling, all our post-industrial recycled content comes directly from our manufacturing processes. We’ve implemented an in-house recycling program to ensure that this material is efficiently repurposed and reintegrated into our products, allowing us to close the loop on waste and create more sustainable offerings.
Furthermore, much of Sancell’s packaging also contains locally sourced materials, local recycled content, and/or is reused including outer bags, cartons, and corner pieces.
Check out our full environmental story here.
