By Cruz Lena
Keter, a global leader in outdoor living and storage solutions, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report under the stewardship of CEO Alejandro Pena. The report highlights the company’s significant strides in implementing circular economy principles and its commitment to environmental responsibility in the home and garden sector.
At the forefront of Keter’s sustainability efforts is its impressive achievement in recycled content usage. Despite the challenges in sourcing recycled resins for large-scale manufacturing, the company maintained a recycled content rate of over 41% in 2023. This success is primarily attributed to Keter’s in-house recycler in the U.S., Trigon, which provides a steady stream of recycled materials. Additionally, Keter’s technical experts have been relentlessly exploring new recycling opportunities, pushing the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing.
Alejandro Pena emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability, stating, “At Keter, 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 environmental initiatives extend beyond recycling. Keter reported a significant reduction in its carbon footprint, achieving a 24.6% reduction in emissions per ton compared to 2018 levels. This puts the company within striking distance of its pledge to reduce emissions by 25%, demonstrating its commitment to combating climate change.
Keter’s global presence 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 from recycled materials.
Keter’s commitment to the circular economy is further evidenced by its membership in the Circular Plastics Alliance, which aims to boost the EU market for recycled plastics to 10 million metric tons by 2025. The company also participates in national and industry recycling schemes, such as Valorlux in Luxembourg, a nonprofit that organizes the collection of household packaging waste for reuse and recycling.
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.
Employee engagement is a critical component of Keter’s sustainability strategy. In 2023, the company organized over 65 sustainability-focused meetings and training events for employees. Moreover, Keter’s sustainability managers and teams actively participated in more than 20 external conferences and webinars throughout the year, demonstrating the company’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 outdoor living and storage solutions 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 playing a crucial role in the transition to a more circular and environmentally friendly economy in the home and garden products industry.
