In a groundbreaking move for the outdoor furniture sector, Keter, under the leadership of CEO Alejandro Pena, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, showcasing remarkable progress in environmental stewardship. The report highlights Keter’s innovative approach to sustainability, particularly in recycling and waste reduction.
One of the most significant achievements outlined in the report is Keter’s success in maintaining a recycled content rate of over 41% in its products during 2023. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given the challenges in sourcing recycled resins for large-scale manufacturing. Alejandro Pena attributes this success to two key factors: the consistent supply of recycled content from Trigon, Keter’s in-house recycler in the U.S., and the relentless efforts of the company’s technical experts in exploring new recycling opportunities.
Keter’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond recycling. The company has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint, reporting an 8% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations. This reduction results from ongoing efficiency efforts by operational teams and the strategic procurement of electricity from suppliers offering energy from renewable sources.
The company’s waste management efforts have shown remarkable improvement. In 2023, Keter significantly reduced its landfill waste to just 6%, a dramatic decrease from 20% in the previous year. This achievement underscores the company’s dedication to minimizing its environmental impact across all operations.
Keter’s global reach allows it to implement sustainable practices internationally. The company has taken proactive steps to support the EU’s circular economy action plan, particularly in the Benelux region. It has implemented product take-back and recycling programs with key retailers such as Blokker and Action. These initiatives reduce waste and create new products from recycled materials.
One notable example is Keter’s partnership with Action, a European discount store chain. Operational since August 2023, this collaboration has already resulted in the production of round, black organizer containers in various sizes, all made from recycled materials. The collected products are processed through partners like GP Groot and Van Werven, who separate, sort, and grind the materials to meet Keter’s raw material specifications.
Keter’s commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in its organizational structure. The company has established a dedicated sustainability network led by a global chief sustainability officer and supported by regional heads. This structure ensures consistent implementation of sustainable practices across Keter’s international operations, which span 20 manufacturing sites in 10 countries.
Communication and employee engagement are crucial components of Keter’s sustainability strategy. In 2023, the global sustainability team met weekly and reported quarterly progress on their strategy and goals to executive management. Additionally, quarterly meetings were held at the regional level to monitor operational progress toward environmental goals in each area. The company organized over 65 sustainability-focused conferences and training events for employees in 2023 alone, demonstrating its commitment to building a culture of sustainability from within.
Looking ahead, Keter has set ambitious goals. The company aims to increase its recycled content to 55% by 2025, a target that underscores its industry leadership and commitment to environmental stewardship. This goal is supported by various initiatives to enhance recycling capabilities and reduce reliance on virgin materials.
Keter’s influence in the sustainability conversation extends beyond its operations. The company is a member of the Circular Plastics Alliance, which aims to boost the EU market for recycled plastics to 10 million metric tons by 2025. It also participates in national and industry recycling schemes, such as Valorlux in Luxembourg, a nonprofit that organizes the collection of household packaging waste for reuse and recycling.
Under Alejandro Pena’s leadership, Keter is not just adapting to changing environmental expectations but actively shaping a more sustainable future for the outdoor furniture sector. The company’s approach demonstrates that combining business growth with environmental responsibility is possible, setting a benchmark for others in the industry to follow. As Keter continues to innovate and expand its sustainable practices, it is clear that the company is committed to its vision of shaping what’s next for a better day, playing a crucial role in the transition to a more circular and environmentally friendly economy.
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