Collaborating for a Sustainable Future
In 2015, the United Nations identified 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are vital for the health and future of our planet. Recently, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres highlighted a concerning trend: "More than half of the world is being left behind in achieving the SDGs, with only 12% currently on track." He pinpointed the combined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution as major setbacks. However, there remains a beacon of hope as businesses spearhead initiatives, pooling expertise and embracing the spirit of collaboration encapsulated in SDG 17.
Partnerships Making a Difference
Collaborations between forward-thinking companies like Linstol, MNH, and major long-haul carriers are proving to be crucial. It is through unity that we can amplify our impact and make significant strides towards these global goals. The business world must adopt roles that are supportive, empathetic, inventive, passionate, and, importantly, cooperative to craft a more sustainable future.
Linstol's Three Pillars of Sustainability
As a prominent supplier to the airline industry, Linstol has crafted a sustainability strategy founded on three core pillars, each aligning with our commitment to protecting the natural environment and minimising waste and emissions:
- Working in Harmony with Nature: Innovative product design that respects and incorporates natural elements.
- Valuing Natural Resources: Conscious utilisation of materials that safeguard the planet’s assets.
- Reducing Emissions: Implementing processes that cut emissions from both products and operations.
This strategic approach has led us to identify and collaborate with partners who can help propel the SDGs forward within our sphere of influence.
A Powerful Collaboration: Plastic Bank
One standout initiative is our enduring partnership with Plastic Bank, a social enterprise combating ocean plastic pollution. This collaboration enhances our influence on SDGs such as SDG 12 for Responsible Production and Consumption and SDG 14, which focuses on Life Below Water.
Plastic Bank’s network in coastal areas of developing nations is instrumental in tackling ocean pollution head-on. Local waste collectors gain income and social benefits by gathering recyclable waste, which Plastic Bank then converts into Social Plastic. This material is subsequently used in our manufacturing process. Here’s a glimpse of what we’ve achieved together:
- Supported 875 members of Plastic Bank.
- Removed over 11 tons of potential ocean-bound waste across 99 communities.
- Incorporated 1,400 kg of Social Plastic into our Business Class Headsets and 9,840 kg into Economy Class Headsets for a major long-haul carrier.
Impacting Lives and the Environment
Our efforts not only address environmental issues but also improve the lives of individual waste collectors, supporting SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By reintroducing refurbished headsets through MNH, we extend their lifecycle, thereby reducing landfill waste and bolstering SDG 12.
The Power of Global Cooperation
The collaboration among Plastic Bank, Linstol, MNH and major long-haul carriers is a prime example of how joint efforts can address major global challenges like marine habitat destruction and ocean pollution. It's clear that partnerships like these are essential for achieving the SDGs.
Innovative collaborations between suppliers and conscious consumers are pivotal. With the 2030 deadline approaching, it's more crucial than ever to harness collective efforts to accelerate progress on these global goals.