Keter, a global leader in outdoor living and storage solutions, has recently unveiled its 2023 Sustainability Report under the leadership of CEO Alejandro Pena. The report showcases the company’s significant progress in environmental stewardship and its commitment to creating a more sustainable future for the home and garden industry.
One of Keter’s most notable achievements is maintaining a recycled content rate of over 41% in its products during 2023, despite the challenges in sourcing recycled resins for large-scale manufacturing. This success is primarily attributed to two key factors: the consistent supply of recycled content from Trigon, Keter’s in-house recycler in the U.S., and the tireless efforts of the company’s technical experts in exploring new recycling opportunities.
Keter’s environmental initiatives extend beyond recycling. The company reported 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. By the end of 2023, Keter had achieved a 24.6% reduction in emissions per ton compared to 2018 levels, bringing it close to its pledged 25% reduction target.
Alejandro Pena articulated Keter’s mission, stating, “We continue to pursue our purpose and our passion, which is to shape what’s next for a better day by creating, inventing, designing, and building solutions for homes, gardens, and storage, so that our customers and communities can live comfortably and adopt more sustainable lifestyles.”
The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its waste reduction efforts. In 2023, Keter dramatically decreased its landfill waste to just 6%, a significant improvement 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 plays a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices internationally. The company sells its products in over 110 countries through over 25,000 retail stores and online platforms. With 20 manufacturing sites across ten countries, Keter is well-positioned to drive sustainability initiatives throughout its extensive supply chain.
Keter has taken proactive steps in the Benelux region to support the EU’s circular economy action plan. The company 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. For instance, the partnership with Action, operational since August 2023, has already produced round, black organizer containers in various sizes made from recycled materials.
To ensure consistent implementation of sustainable practices, Keter has established a dedicated sustainability network led by a global chief sustainability officer and supported by regional heads. This structure facilitates regular communication and progress monitoring at both international and regional levels. In 2023, the international sustainability team met weekly and reported quarterly progress on their strategy and goals to executive management.
Employee engagement is a critical component of Keter’s sustainability strategy. In 2023 alone, the company organized over 65 sustainability-focused meetings and training events for employees. Moreover, sustainability managers and teams actively participated in more than 20 external conferences and webinars throughout the year, demonstrating Keter’s commitment to being a leader in the broader conversation around sustainability.
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.
Under Alejandro Pena’s leadership, Keter is not just adapting to changing environmental expectations but actively shaping a more sustainable future for the 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 in the home and garden products industry.
