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Known internally as ‘Yorks’, these sleeves helped achieve a 10% reduction in waste and exceeded Royal Mail’s target of cutting waste by 25% compared to the 2020/21 base year.
The Yorks, which are engineered to last up to four years, are crafted from fully recyclable corrugated plastic, incorporating 30% recycled material. Royal Mail has stated that it intends for them to replace traditional fabric and cardboard inserts used in mail centres and delivery offices.
In addition to the reusable trolley sleeves, Royal Mail implemented a reuse programme for pallets and replaced single-use plastic cable ties with reusable ‘hook and loop’ straps in its mail bag practices. Looking ahead, the company plans to enhance recycling efficiencies in its operational processes.
Target
The company also met its 2030 target of reducing waste volumes by 25% ahead of schedule, achieving a 27% reduction against the base year. Almost all remaining waste was recycled, reused or diverted.
Zebrina Hanly, Royal Mail’s head of environment, said: “We have not only met our waste reduction target, but have done so seven years ahead of schedule. This wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of our engineering team and operational staff. Our mission isn’t over, however, and we’re continuing to work hard to maintain our position as the UK’s greenest delivery option.”
Royal Mail “remains committed” to its environmental goals, aiming for a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, alongside maintaining the lowest emissions per parcel among UK couriers.
