Beyond Products: Why Sustainability Must Be About People and Supply Chains

Sustainability is more than just environmentally friendly product innovation. While reducing carbon footprints is crucial, true sustainability extends beyond products to include people, supply chains and governance.  

At Gunnebo Safe Storage, we take a holistic approach to drive lasting positive change. 

Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategy

Compliance with regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is important, but sustainability must be embedded in all business operations.  

Customers and investors expect honesty and transparency, making sustainability essential for long-term success. Companies that incorporate sustainability across procurement, HR, R&D and operations strengthen resilience and future-proof their businesses. 

Workforce Well-Being: A Core Focus 

A sustainable business prioritises the well-being of its employees. Occupational health and safety (OHS) measures present a culture where employees feel valued and engaged. Digital reporting tools allow real-time monitoring, improving response times and reducing risks. 

Diversity and inclusion also play a key role. Companies actively supporting equal opportunities enhance innovation and business performance. Investing in training programs, mentorship and apprenticeships helps create a skilled, diverse workforce –   ready for the future.  This includes looking beyond our own employees to reflect the well-being of teams and the workforce within our supply chain. 

Reducing Supply Chain Emissions 

A company’s largest carbon footprint often comes from its supply chain. To address this, businesses must work closely with suppliers, adopting transparent tracking systems and prioritising sustainable procurement.  

Sourcing ethically produced materials, reducing transportation emissions, and incorporating circular economy principles can significantly lower environmental impact. 

Sustainable procurement practices - such as supplier audits and human rights adherence - help ensure fair labour policies and responsible sourcing. Businesses that design products for recyclability, reduce packaging waste, and implement take-back programs contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Energy and the Circular Economy 

Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen business resilience. AI-driven energy management can further optimise consumption and efficiency.

Moving towards a circular economy - designing products for durability, repairability, and recyclability - enhances sustainability efforts. Achieving zero landfill waste and implementing material recovery strategies also drive cost savings and environmental benefits. 

Governance and Leadership in Sustainability 

Regulatory bodies are enforcing stricter sustainability reporting, but businesses should see this as an opportunity for leadership. Aligning with frameworks like the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps companies stay ahead of regulatory shifts while building trust with stakeholders.

Sustainability should be championed across all business functions, with clear objectives, performance metrics, and accountability mechanisms. Companies that embed ESG into their core strategies are better positioned for long-term success. 

Gunnebo Safe Storage: Leading by Example

Since 1994, sustainability has been embedded in Gunnebo Safe Storage’s culture.  

As part of the Gunnebo Group, we have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, with science-based targets (SBTi) guiding our progress.

Key initiatives include:

• Completing our 2022–2023 greenhouse gas inventories to enhance emissions management.
• Increasing reliance on renewable energy across our European operations, with solar and biomass initiatives expanding in Asia and the USA.
• Introducing low-carbon cement in our vault doors, strong rooms, and high-grade safes.
• Launching the ModuleGuard range, designed for easier installation and reduced environmental impact.
• Developing future talent through our UpSkill Trainee Programme.
• Preparing for CSRD reporting and enhancing sustainability in procurement.

Shaping the Future of Sustainability

As sustainability evolves, businesses must collaborate, share best practices and invest in innovation. At Gunnebo Safe Storage, we remain committed to embedding sustainability into our core values, ensuring our impact extends beyond products to people, partnerships, and responsible supply chains. By taking a proactive approach, we are shaping a more sustainable future for our industry, employees, and the planet.