Australian Packaging Covenant
The APC is a voluntary agreement between industries in the
packaging chain and all spheres of government, based on the
principles of shared responsibility through product stewardship,
and applied throughout the packaging chain, from raw material
suppliers to retailers and the ultimate disposal of waste
packaging.
Since becoming a signatory in July 2008, the Group has embraced the
principles of product stewardship to ensure the environmental
impact on new or existing packaging is continuously monitored and
minimised, via a collaborative approach with our Trade Partners,
and education of our team members and customers. As part of the
Group's commitment to the APC and its focus on future
sustainability, we aim to:
- Optimise packaging to achieve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact without compromising quality and safety.
- Adopt and implement the Sustainable Packaging Guidelines.
- Use packaging that is sourced from recycled product, where appropriate.
- Use packaging that is made from recyclable materials, where appropriate.
- Re-use packaging where possible.
- Continue to look for opportunities to recycle in our stores and offices.
- Inform our customers of the recycling abilities of the packaging they have obtained on our house-branded products.
- Analyse, monitor, review and report on our progress, and update the plan annually.
- Recycle product where possible and cost effective (eg. lead acid batteries).
- Look for opportunities to be part of or support community-based litter reduction programs (i.e. Clean Up Australia and Bikes for Humanity) to reduce litter.
APC Certificate of Registration
Super Retail Group APC Action Plan
Paper Usage Reduction
Super Retail Group is committed to using our resources such as
office paper as efficiently as possible. All office team members
are encouraged not to print and copy unnecessarily and our
processes are changing to encourage this further.
Some changes we are currently implementing are the way:
- we supply and deliver payroll information
- our Support Office receives faxes
- our new team members are sent information
- our Trade Partners send invoicing information
- we send information to the stores.
Plastic Bag Reduction
Super Retail Group is committed to meet all applicable local, state and federal environmental requirements for single use plastic bags. BCF has removed plastic bags from its entire national network of 64 stores and replaced with affordable environmental bags as an option to customers. Newspapers are utilised for consumables such as frozen bait. SCA has also introduced biodegradable bags and reusable bags in stores.
Power Usage Reduction
Super Retail Group is currently exploring options to reduce power usage. These include:
- Behavioural control - educating Team Members on how to reduce power usage
- Installation of control equipment, eg. light sensors
- Structural - skylights
- Energy saving devices, eg. dimmers
Catalogue Paper Reduction/Recycling
Super Retail Group is committed to utilising paper that is produced from fully sustainable diverse rainforests that are independently certified and are fully recyclable. Supercheap Auto & Goldcross Cycles catalogues are now produced in line with this commitment with BCF soon to follow. BCF's catalogues are currently printed on a paper that varies between 60 to 80% recycled paper.
Remember catalogues are 100% recyclable so please consider this when disposing of them.
Recycling
Super Retail Group is currently exploring the options to offer its consumers the ability to return directly to our retail stores selected products which will be collected and distributed to recycling facilities or charity organizations.
Our battery recycling program initiative started in 2009 as SCA teamed up with Century Yuasa to provide the product return service to SCA customers and the local community in general. Returned batteries are collected by Century Yuasa and delivered to specialist recycling and reprocessing centres which conform to the latest environmental legislations and processes. Component metals, acids and plastics are reclaimed, recycled and put back into the manufacturing process to build more batteries and household products. This helps reduce the impact on natural resources and protects the environment for future generations.
In 2010 Gold Cross Cycles teamed up with Bicycles for Humanity and Toll Transport for a 10 days promotion to collect customers' used bicycles in Gold Cross stores and send them to communities in Africa. The promotion collected over 150 bicycles across the stores, which would potentially be sent to the landfill.
Our plan is to explore further options as an added service and convenience for our consumers.
Goldcross Cycles Carbon Calculator
Located on the Goldcross Cycles website, the carbon calculator allows cyclists to pledge their commitment to our planet by swapping carbon high transport for earth friendly cycling.
After keying in information including weekly destinations, car type and engine size, price paid for petrol etc, the calculator shows your contribution in terms of CO2 reduction, calories burned and dollars saved on petrol.
Trade Partner Information
Sustainable Packaging Guidelines
Sustainable Packaging Guidelines (Mandarin version)