Why true sustainability extends beyond products

Sustainability must be about people and supply chains, reports Myriam Bevillon, Head of R&D, Quality and Sustainability, Gunnebo Safe Storage.

Sustainability is often framed in terms of environmental matters in product innovation – materials, efficiency and carbon footprints.

While these elements are crucial, they are only part of a much larger puzzle. True sustainability extends beyond products to include people, technology, supply chains and customers.

Moving beyond compliance

Carbon emissions contribute to global warming, affecting climate, biodiversity and humanity. While awareness is growing, solutions are complex and legislation is evolving.

Compliance with frameworks like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is necessary, but true sustainability goes beyond regulations – it must be embedded into every aspect of business operations.

Customers and investors increasingly expect transparency, making sustainability a must-have rather than a differentiator.

Businesses that integrate sustainability into the whole value chain and sales process, including procurement, HR, R&D and operations are more likely to achieve long-term success and resilience.

The human element

A sustainable business protects and nurtures its workforce.

Occupational health and safety (OHS) measures go beyond legal compliance; they present a culture where employees feel safe, valued and engaged.

Strong OHS protocols lead to lower absenteeism, higher productivity and stronger employee retention.

Digital reporting tools provide real-time monitoring of incidents, enabling swift responses and risk prevention. Addressing mental health and well-being through wellness programs and work-life balance policies enhances overall sustainability efforts.

A sustainable workforce is also one that is diverse and inclusive. Companies with a commitment to diversity perform better, have a broader talent pool and encourage more innovation.

Ensuring equal access to opportunities for professional development, irrelevant of gender, helps create a work environment where employees thrive and contribute more effectively to corporate goals.

Investing in people

With automation, AI and digital transformation reshaping industries – especially security technology – continuous learning is essential.

Companies that invest in upskilling and embrace training not only futureproof their workforce but also create meaningful career pathways.

Trainee programs, mentorship initiatives, apprenticeships and internal training academies help employees grow while also fostering diversity and inclusion.

Encouraging more women into traditionally male-dominated industries, for instance, expands talent pools and drives innovation.

Beyond internal efforts, businesses can also engage with communities through outreach programs, sharing knowledge with schools and universities to inspire future sustainability-driven careers.

Companies proactively addressing workforce sustainability through employee wellbeing, training and diversity create an engaged and committed workforce.

Long-term investment in people not only benefits employees but also strengthens overall business performance.

Addressing the hidden carbon footprint

While direct emissions are easier to measure, the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint comes from indirect emissions.

That’s why it’s crucial to consider the entire supply value chain, including suppliers, customers and product use.

Effectively managing this impact requires transparency, collaboration and the adoption of carbon accounting tools or blockchain-based tracking systems.

Procurement strategies can prioritise suppliers committed to emissions reductions, renewable energy use and efficient logistics.

Regional production over global shipping, for example, can significantly cut transportation-related emissions.

Businesses can collaborate with suppliers to set clear sustainability goals and monitor progress.

Establishing long-term partnerships with sustainable suppliers helps ensure that environmental and ethical commitments are met across the supply chain.

Ethical and sustainable sourcing

Sustainable procurement ensures materials and components are sourced ethically, avoiding environmental harm and worker exploitation.

Supplier audits, adherence to human rights policies and fair labour practices are critical.

Industries like construction and manufacturing are increasingly prioritising low-carbon and recycled materials to mitigate resource scarcity and regulatory risks.

Circular economy principles should also be integrated into supply chains.

By promoting recycled materials, reducing excess packaging and designing products with end-of-life recovery in mind, businesses can lower their environmental impact and build resilience.

Consumers are becoming more conscious of supply chain ethics.

Transparency in sourcing practices enhances brand reputation and fosters customer trust. Companies that lead in sustainable sourcing can differentiate themselves in competitive markets.

Renewable energy and circular economy practices

Companies worldwide are adopting renewable energy to power operations, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing business resilience.

Solar, wind and biomass energy solutions, alongside smart grids and AI-driven energy management can optimise consumption while maintaining efficiency.

Shifting from a “take-make-dispose” model to a circular economy further strengthens sustainability efforts.

Designing products for longevity, repairability and recyclability not only reduces waste but also enhances customer loyalty.

Strategies such as buy-back programs, remanufacturing and materials recovery can drive cost savings and environmental benefits. Having a zero-landfill target helps to drive this further.

Initiatives focused on waste reduction and a frugal mindset can involve valorising waste through energy-efficient production techniques and using biodegradable materials for packaging.

Reconsidering ‘re-use’ strategies – such as repurposing packaging waste for alternative applications – further minimises waste.

By incorporating circular economy principles, businesses can reduce reliance on finite resources and enhance long-term operational sustainability.

Governance: Leadership and accountability

Regulatory bodies are enforcing stricter sustainability reporting, making transparency essential.

This is as an opportunity to lead in corporate responsibility rather than just a compliance requirement.

Aligning with frameworks like CSRD and carefully curated Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) helps companies stay ahead of regulatory shifts while building trust with stakeholders.

Proving a commitment to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well below 2oC above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5oC.

Investors, too, are prioritising sustainability, making ESG integration a key factor in financial and operational planning. Leadership commitment is crucial.

Sustainability should not be siloed within a single department but championed across all business functions. Companies that make it a core priority will be better positioned for long-term impact and resilience.

A strong sustainability governance framework includes clear objectives, performance metrics and accountability mechanisms.

Regular sustainability reporting allows businesses to track progress and continuously improve strategies.

Beyond surface-level commitments

The next phase of corporate sustainability will require deeper stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making and stronger accountability.

Companies must move beyond surface-level commitments to integrate sustainability into every aspect of their business.

Corporate partnerships and cross-industry collaborations will be key to accelerating sustainability efforts. Businesses must share best practices, invest in innovation and work collectively to address environmental and social challenges.

Being proud of a sustainable journey and being willing to produce a digital record to provide essential information is designed to improve transparency and traceability of products and to promote circularity.

Gunnebo Safe Storage: Leading by example

With sustainability embedded in its culture since 1994, Gunnebo Safe Storage remains committed to ambitious environmental targets, employee development and sustainable procurement.

In 2024, Gunnebo Safe Storage as part of Gunnebo Group, validated its SBTi, committing to a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2045, supported by new ESG 3+3 years targets.

The completion of its 2022–2023 GHG inventories strengthens emissions management, while a significant proportion of energy in Europe now comes from renewable sources.

In Asia, solar panel installations and biomass sourcing are underway, while the USA is exploring alternatives. In fact, we have a target that all plants will operate under 100% renewable energy as soon as possible.

European plants in Germany have pioneered low-carbon cement in vault doors, strong rooms and high graded safes, significantly reducing emissions.

The launch of the ModuleGuard range reinforced sustainability by incorporating lightweight, flexible materials for easier installation and lower environmental impact.

The Gunnebo UpSkill Trainee Programme continues to acquire and develop future talent, while governance initiatives include early CSRD reporting preparation and sustainability-focused procurement.

As sustainability efforts mature in 2025, Gunnebo Safe Storage remains committed to innovation, transparency and industry leadership in environmental and social responsibility.

Here, the future of sustainability depends on collective action, where responsible leadership, sustainable supply chains and workforce wellbeing drive lasting positive change for both people and the planet.