29 July 2025

On the road to net zero: Slashing carbon emissions by 21.2%

As part of the journey towards net zero by 2045, Arco is highlighting a 21.2% reduction in carbon emissions over a single year — the largest annual fall achieved so far.

Arco National Distribution Centre roof-mounted solar panels

ArcoExperts in Safety

At Arco, supporting safer workplaces goes hand in hand with taking responsibility for environmental impact. That’s why this latest progress matters: Scope 1 and 2 emissions have fallen by 21.2% in just one year, making it the strongest annual reduction to date. It also significantly exceeds the original 5.5% target and marks an important milestone on the route to net zero by 2045.

The achievement features in the Arco Sustainability Report 2024, which outlines the progress being made through the A Safe Tomorrow strategy. From investment in cleaner energy to a stronger focus on more responsible products, we continue to build on practical actions designed to benefit people, customers and the planet.

Over the past year, a number of changes have helped accelerate progress. Solar panels are now contributing power to buildings, while global water consumption has been reduced by 22.6%. The next phase will go further still, with science-based targets aligned to the SBTi planned for 2025 and an expanded focus on Scope 3 emissions, including manufacturing, transport and end-of-life disposal.

Supporting more responsible product choices

Alongside work to cut emissions and reduce water use, Arco has also expanded the Responsible Choice range of PPE and workwear by 200%. With clear, verifiable sustainability claims or recognised certifications, the range is designed to help customers identify products that support more responsible purchasing decisions.

Progress is also being made in material selection. In FY24, 10% of textile sales came from Better Textiles, with a target to increase this to 17.5% by 2025 in line with the WRAP Textiles 2030 initiative.

Woman wearing Arco Responsible Choice jacket stood in front of a white van

The Arco Responsible Choice product range allows customers to make eco-friendlier choices.

Advancing circularity through practical action

Circular approaches are continuing to develop, with Arco working alongside customers to help close the loop. This includes recycling initiatives, take-back schemes, and services such as laundry and repair that can extend garment life. Investment in digital tools is also improving visibility and traceability across Responsible ranges.

Efforts to reduce waste and packaging have continued as well. In FY24, around 90% of the cardboard, plastic, clothing and building waste generated across sites was recycled. Work to cut single-use plastics and simplify packaging across the supply chain is also helping make reuse and recycling easier.

Creating impact beyond the environment

The wider sustainability agenda also includes social impact. This year, £39.3 million in social value was generated through volunteering and support for community initiatives, including £4 million in Hull and East Yorkshire. Long-term charity partnerships such as Macmillan Cancer Support remain in place, and a new partnership with The Mental Health Foundation was launched in May.

Commenting on this progress, Guy Bruce, Arco CEO, said:

"At Arco, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. From the energy powering our buildings, to the materials that make up our products, to the way we work with our suppliers, we're always thinking of new ways to help secure a safer tomorrow.

"As Experts in Safety, Arco's core purpose has always been to keep people safe at work. And with a clear commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, we truly believe we can help secure a safer tomorrow for people, businesses and the planet."