Part 2: Leveraging credible climate action for business success

With sustainability as a core aspect of our business strategy, Lecta's 2024 Sustainability Report again underscores the company's progress in meeting targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) defined for 2030 in its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) roadmap. "Lecta has made significant progress in sustainability this year, earning external recognition from organizations like EcoVadis and SBTi. As we continue working toward the environmental, social and governance targets set out in our road​map for 2030, Lecta remains focused on generating a positive impact. Our efforts are driven by a clear vision: creating a more sustainable future for the next generations", states Lecta CEO Gilles Van Nieuwenhuyzen.

In a move to tackle the escalating issue of electronic waste (e-waste), the UK government has unveiled plans that will see producers and retailers covering the costs of recycling. From 2026 onwards, consumers can expect enhanced routes for disposing of electronic goods responsibly, marking a significant step towards a sustainable and circular economy. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) recently released a consultation outlining the initiative, emphasising a shift from taxpayer-funded disposal methods to a model where retailers bear the responsibility. This forward-looking approach aims to collect electronic waste, ranging from cables to toasters and power tools, directly from consumers’ homes or during their weekly shopping trips. Material Focus, a not-for-profit organization, reported that nearly half a billion small electrical items found their way to landfills last year. The issue intensifies during festive seasons, such as Christmas, when a staggering 500 tonnes of Christmas lights are discarded. With the upcoming measures set to take effect in 2026, the government envisions retailers stepping up to cover the costs, reducing the burden on taxpayers.

At PEFC we are convinced that one size does not fit all when it comes to forest certification. Forests are highly diverse; as is their management, local traditions, cultural and spiritual expectations, average property sizes and support structures. This is why we work through national forest certification systems, enabling countries to tailor their sustainable forest management requirements to their specific forest ecosystems, the legal framework and the socio-cultural context. While these national systems are developed locally, they need to undergo rigorous third-party assessment to ensure consistency with international requirements. International benchmark standards are used by our national members to develop their national standards. The benchmark standards set out the requirements that national standards must meet in order to achieve PEFC endorsement. Our Sustainable Forest Management standard is a benchmark standard. International standards are applied directly in the field. These include our standards for Chain of Custody and Trademarks, which are used by thousands of companies, certification bodies and accreditation bodies around the world.