SUSTAINABILITY REPORT - 2018 OFFICEMAX NEW ZEALAND
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OFFICEMAX NEW ZEALAND 2018 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
We’re putting About OfficeMax
a stake in the New Zealand
ground OfficeMax New Zealand Ltd. is owned by
Platinum Equity, a US based firm with
This is our second sustainability
a global portfolio of companies across
report, which seeks to
diverse industries.
communicate the economic, social
and environmental impacts of its We trace our roots back to 1871 with the
operations to stakeholders. establishment of Coulls Somerville Wilkie, a
printing and publishing company. Through
This report covers the operations
various changes of ownership, mergers and
of OfficeMax New Zealand, for
acquisitions, the company honed its office
the period January 1, 2018 to
and school supplies focus, and grew its
December 31, 2018.
national network.
This report uses the Global
In New Zealand, OfficeMax operates from
Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards
more than 19 locations offering distribution,
as a reference. Where applicable,
retail, sales and shared service activities.
the relevant standards are noted.
OfficeMax is a progressive provider of
office supplies, solutions and services, as
well as workplace products and furniture;
its product range extends to more than
100,000 products.
Our dedicated account managers and
product specialists support businesses of all
sizes, plus schools and families throughout
the country. Orders are taken online, by
phone or email, or through a store visit.
OfficeMax’s account team and courier
partners provide highly reliable, extensive
rural and urban delivery, too.
Contents
About OfficeMax New Zealand 2
Message from our MD 4
MATERIAL ISSUES
What’s important to us 5
How we’ve made a difference in 2018 6
We couldn’t do it without our people 8
Caring for our community 12
Putting our customers first 14
Keeping our supply chain ethical 19
Managing freight efficiently 22
Waging a war on waste 24
OUR SUSTAINABILITY TIMELINE
Moving forward every year 27
3
officemax.co.nz
Message from our MD
Kia ora and welcome Our ownership change to Platinum Equity,
has further enabled our progress as we
continue to improve our systems and
Our headway with sustainability
processes driven by our Kiwi values and long
is one of the things I am most history of serving New Zealanders.
proud of this year – after more
In terms of economic sustainability, our
than a decade of hard work strategy to offer a broader range of
we are building tangible categories such as safety, cleaning, hygiene
momentum with customers, and technology has led to strong sales
growth and a more complete product range
suppliers and, of course, our own
to our customers.
dedicated team of eco-warriors.
Purchasing Waiwhetu Distributors, a
It’s making a real difference to
Wellington-based supplier to cleaning
the way we approach every companies, has further allowed us to
business decision. extend our product range. Everything
from highly efficient vacuum cleaners and
floor scrubbers, to automated dispensers
that help customers reduce chemical use.
Along the way, we have also been able to
improve the health, safety, and efficiency of
Waiwhetu’s own operations.
As a nationwide provider of business
consumables, we have our finger on the
pulse of New Zealand when it comes to
sustainability and this year customers
have been especially focussed on
reducing plastics.
In response to this and to make this goal When CEO of Barnardos, Jeff Sanders, So, I’m extremely proud of OfficeMax and MATERIAL ISSUES
achievable, our retail stores have done away visited OfficeMax this year, he talked about our ongoing commitment to Kiwi kids.
with single-use plastic bags, we’ve reduced the difference we’re making to individual
With ongoing progress in our sustainability
What’s
the packaging required for some products
and we’re exploring opportunities for further
children through our ongoing sponsorship
of Max e-Grants and the 0800 What’s Up
journey, we are frequently being asked important
to share our experiences and our
improvements in 2019. helpline. His presentation struck a chord
expertise. Both existing and potential to us
with me as I grew up in a family that was not
To help our customers recycle e-waste such customers include sustainability in their
materially wealthy, so I know how it feels to The six topics outlined in this
as computers and printers, we’ve introduced tender documents and we’ve seen an
go without. My Dad was an immigrant to 2018 report are those that
the TechCollect recycling service. Unwanted, increase in interest from customers
New Zealand on an assisted scheme to be stakeholders identified in 2017
end-of-life items can simply be dropped at and suppliers who want to learn how to
a farm labourer. as being most relevant and
one of our OfficeMax retail stores and for create, implement, and manage their own
important to the sustainability
corporate organisations, we collect larger sustainability programmes.
of the OfficeMax business.
volumes directly, across the country.
Our people remain the most vital and
Without realising it the ‘Reduce,
This year our first four electric vehicles (EV’s) valued part of OfficeMax. I am constantly 1 W
e couldn’t do it without
took to Auckland roads and we are now
Re-use, Recycle’ ethos was built impressed by their determination to find the our people
exploring other opportunities for EV use. into our daily lives. best solutions to drive improved customer
We also added a new GPS tool to assist experience and satisfaction. 2 C
aring for our community
driver safety and manage fuel consumption The local supermarket brought bruised fruit
They care about sustainability. They are 3 Putting our customers first
through better driver behaviour. and veges as well as out of date bread and
creative and passionate. I am very grateful
cakes to the farm for the pigs. We would
Community involvement right across the for their ongoing support. 4 Keeping our supply
sort through it, cutting out the bad bits and
country is a core value for us. In 2018, we chain ethical
using the rest. Mum bottled the things she Regards
gave back more than $817,000 through our
could, making chutney’s and sauces and
School Rewards programme (totalling more Kevin Obern 5 M
anaging freight efficiently
pretty much everything else came from our
than $4.8 million over the past 12 years).
own vege garden. Clothes were patched 6 W
aging a war on waste
This funding has been used by schools
and darned to make them last longer and
to give young Kiwis access to technology,
toys were handed down amongst family
furniture, sporting equipment and other
and friends. This was my first lesson in
teaching resources vital to their education.
sustainability – it has never left me!
5
officemax.co.nz
How we’ve made a
difference in 2018
We’re chasing that > Introduced TechCollect, New Zealand’s > R
eported a steady increase and sustained
first free dedicated e-waste recycling increase in employee engagement and
magical 1%.
service, hosted at OfficeMax retail participation rates.
With TechCollect and stores across the country. TechCollect
> D
eveloped a mental health programme
Croxley Recycling, less gives households and small businesses
as part of our broader wellness initiative.
a recycling option for out-of-date and
than 1% of your old > Julie Roberts, our Health, Safety and
unused office technology products such
printer is ending up as computers, tablets, mice, keyboards Sustainability Manager, played a
in landfill. and more. pivotal role in winning major contracts
as sustainability continues to gain in
EMPLOYEE > Invested more than $872,000 in
importance for our customers.
Max e-Grants as of December 2018,
helping more than 14,000 kiwi kids > P
urchased Waiwhetu Distributors, a
(working in partnership with 11 preferred Wellington-based business that supplies
suppliers). Max e-Grants provides grants cleaning products and machinery.
of up to $5,000 per child for basics such The acquisition expands our range of
as uniforms, stationery and school trips. cleaning machinery and has contributed
to a 30% increase in sales in this category.
> G
ave back more than $817,000 through
our School Rewards programme, bringing > F
or our own-brand OfficeMax
our total School Rewards giving to more products, we updated our stringent
than $4.8 million. sustainability audits to be more focussed
on sustainability and product life
> Introduced four electric cars to the
cycle considerations.
fleet and a new GPS system to better
understand driver behaviour.
Both initiatives will contribute to a
lower emissions profile for OfficeMax.
7 officemax.co.nz
We couldn’t do it
without our people
They’re at the heart of OfficeMax. In research for this report, customers, Our employees have stood beside us
The people who are Our 700+ employees serve customers suppliers and employees reiterated the through the change of ownership of the
involved in our contract from Northland to Southland, ensuring importance of OfficeMax’s people to our OfficeMax business, remaining resolute and
customers receive a friendly and business and praised our supportive and engaged. In fact, many ideas for sustainability
really want it to succeed.
efficient service. respectful working culture. improvements implemented across our
They will do anything to business have come from them.
make it work.
CUSTOMER
Staying engaged Engaged employees are committed to
OfficeMax and its goals, and care deeply
I think they’re a fantastic about its reputation and performance.
We conduct an employee engagement
72%
people organisation.
survey annually to measure how The commitment and hard work of our
They have had similar employees are feeling about OfficeMax Human Resources team is demonstrated
leadership for a long time. as a place of work. through an increase in employee
The staff are engaged participation in the survey.
and you can feel that
when you walk into 2015 2016 2017 2018 An engagement score of 72%
their premises. compares very favourably to
76%
Participation
78%
Participation
80%
Participation
83%
Participation
international benchmarks.
SUPPLIER
Rate Rate Rate Rate
65%
Engagement
66%
Engagement
70%
Engagement
72%
Engagement
Rate Rate Rate Rate
“I work with good people
in my department, who are
“Leaders in our organisation practically now my family.”
allow opportunities for “A fantastic culture of hard
learning and development. working and driven people
Team members create a all striving for the same goal. “I am treated with
warm working environment. OfficeMax also has a respect and there is a
There is a desire to be fabulous family feel and this friendly atmosphere.”
“OfficeMax is an
the best we can for our inclusive, diverse, caring comes from the Executive
customers.” organisation with a pleasant Leadership Team and is
culture and friendly endorsed by the managers.”
collaborative people.”
9
officemax.co.nz
The year’s Wellness for all
highlights: Our Tracksuit-Inc® wellness initiative
grew from 327 employee participation in
> Flu
vaccines or vouchers were
2017 to 491 in 2018.
provided to 354 employees in
2018, up from 332 in 2017. Tracksuit-Inc® gives our employees
personalised access to holistic health
> Employees
were able to
resources, activities and goals, including
participate in and self-fund
fitness, diet, sleep, social connections
evening yoga classes on site.
and/or team competitions.
> All
employees have Death in
Service Benefit Insurance.
> H
ealth and Safety
Representatives hold monthly
meetings to evaluate progress
on various initiatives. The
Keeping our and Highly Commended awards for
outstanding leadership in health, safety
Partnering with St John New Zealand,
we supported 120 managers as
meetings ensure OfficeMax
meets its legal obligations people safe and sustainability. they initiated conversations around
and embeds a culture of mental health with their team. We also
> Highly
Commended HSS Representative
safety, focusing on all aspects OfficeMax has a fully integrated provided advice so that managers
– Corey Murphy from our Highbrook
of health and wellbeing. Health and Safety management would know what to do if an employee
Distribution Centre.
system, working towards an needed help.
> S
ponsored participation > H
SS Representative of the Year –
accident-free, hazards-controlled,
in Rotary Walk/Run for During our annual Health, Safety and
physically and emotionally Jill de Lacey from our Hickory Place
28 entrants. Sustainability Week, we held lunchbox
safe environment. Christchurch office.
talks with experts from 0800 What’s
Each site (19 in total) has a nominated In 2018, the HSS team focused on Up, the Barnardos helpline for young
Health, Safety & Sustainability (HSS) reducing waste, and improving safety and people that OfficeMax sponsors, to
Representative who leads OfficeMax’s staff wellness. help our employees talk with children
safety and sustainability work about mental health issues.
As part of its wellness initiative, the team
programme. During our annual HSS
developed a mental health programme, with
Representative conference, we award
the aim of creating a culture of acceptance
our HSS Representative of the Year
and helpfulness.Managing risk better Legislation Registers
OfficeMax has a fully integrated system – Compliance We’ve reduced
to proactively identify hazards and risks in the number
the workplace.
OfficeMax has an active register for
Environmental Legislation, Council Bylaws, of workplace Marilyn Vickery
We conduct annual health monitoring, to Standards and Relationships with Other Acts Retail Manager
monitor employees for exposure to health Register (Register of Legislation and Other incidents OfficeMax, Christchurch
hazards. Employees can raise hazards Requirements Plus Compliance Procedures).
through our ‘Find It Fix It’ form or when an The Health, Safety and Sustainability My job is to make every customer
These are reviewed during each internal
accident or incident has occurred. We also team made a concerted effort in 2018 happy who walks in our door.
audit and annually to ensure compliance.
conduct regular reviews and monitor critical to make trainings for employee’s fun,
When it comes to sustainability,
engaging and creative. As a result,
hazards and environmental issues in our
Health and Safety Hazards & Risk Register.
Audits and there was a decline in reported
we move forward really quickly.
We continue to look at ways we
Compliance workplace incidents in 2018.
can improve.
Site HSS We participate in external audits and
We recorded two Lost Time Injuries
Mine’s been a great experience –
in 2018, resulting in 14 days of
Internal audits have gained certifications for our systems employee absence. During 2018,
everybody here is open and willing
to discuss issues. We continue to
to comply with legislative requirements. there were 23 accepted ACC claims
All of our sites participate in an annual give good feedback internally and
and five customer H&S incidents
onsite Health, Safety and Sustainability OfficeMax is independently audited by the reduce our waste.
involving products.
audit conducted by the HSS Manager following organisations: The big thing for us in terms of
& Coordinator. There were four formal complaints
> A
S/NZS 4801 Health and Safety sustainability is: what will that
about driver behaviour involving
The audit includes a gap analysis around product do to the environment?
> M
inistry for Primary Industry, to maintain company cars; this is a 50% reduction
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and Anything we can direct away from
compliance with food safety requirements from 2017, showing that the new GPS
areas of improvement. We also request waste to landfill is good. We are
safety monitoring system is making a
employee feedback. Sites must achieve 80 > E
nvironmental Protection Authority
positive difference. focused on these areas because
percent to pass the requirement. (EPA), to maintain requirements under
we have goals and targets, and we
the Hazardous Substances and New
In addition, employees complete an online or want to hit those targets. We have
Organism Act. All distribution centres
in-person training programme to review H&S moved away from plastic bags and
are certificated for the management
policies and legislation; the programmes are This section of OfficeMax’s Sustainability report that’s exciting. As a business we
of dangerous goods, test location
reviewed at least bi-annually. references GRI 401, GRI 401-2, GRI 403-1 and GRI 403-2. want to hit the targets that show
certificates and stationery certificates
we are doing our bit to improve
> ISO14001 for its Environmental the environment.
11
Management System
officemax.co.nzCaring for our community
The year 2018 saw growing national
sentiment focused on child wellbeing.
0800 What’s Up
It’s an issue we know well: for more than We are an official sponsor of 0800 What’s
a decade, OfficeMax has played a part Up, a free phone counselling helpline and
in improving the lives of young New web-chat service for kids to talk confidentially
We really value our
Zealanders who are ‘doing it tough’. to trained counsellors.
relationship with
In the last decade, OfficeMax’s support of Facilitated by Barnardos, 0800 What’s Up
OfficeMax.
Max e-Grants, in partnership with Barnardos, takes approximately 30,000 calls per year
They make such a has improved the lives of thousands of
large contribution via children who are going without the basics.
from children as young as 5-years-old. The
service has been helping young people
Max e-Grants
supporting Max e-Grants Barnardos is also the facilitator of the 0800 across New Zealand for the past 13 years. Max e-Grants provides grants of up to
What’s Up helpline, which we fund. This $5,000 per child for basics such as
and 0800 What’s Up that 0800 What’s Up is available 7 days a week,
service gives kids a person to talk to when 365 days a year, from 12pm to 11pm (and uniforms, stationery and school trips.
the lives of many children they have nowhere else to turn. 3pm to 10pm for the online chat service). The extra help also prevents boys and
in need are changed girls from feeling isolated or left out
Our School Rewards programme provides In 2016, OfficeMax developed a
for the better every much needed funds for schools all over due to economic disadvantage.
colour-me-in bag to raise awareness of
single day. New Zealand and aligns directly to the In the year to December 2018, we
0800 What’s Up, with $5 of each sale being
education channel of our business. It’s also donated to Barnardos to help run 0800 supported another 1209 Kiwi kids.
JAN BROOME, BARNARDOS
another way we can help Kiwi kids – and What’s Up. In total over eight years, we have
their teachers – thrive. provided much needed support
To date, OfficeMax sold more than 4,000
to more than 14,000 children and
bags and raised more than $20,000.
their families.
OfficeMax has invested more than
$872,000 in Max e-Grants as of
December 2018, in partnership
with 11 preferred suppliers.Education Sponsorship
& Business Partnerships
School Rewards Since the programme began 12 years
ago, OfficeMax has given $4.8 million
OfficeMax also supports businesses and
organisations that contribute to the education
School Rewards enables parents who to schools. In 2018, more than $817,000 community, including the following:
shop online or in-store for student supplies was donated and used by schools for
> Association of Integrated Schools (Platinum Sponsor)
to nominate a school to receive rewards. resources or improving facilities.
Schools report that the rewards are often > Catholic Primary Principals Association and Catholic
65% of all parents surveyed* said that
used for technology and new furniture, Education Office
School Rewards was important when
as well as sporting equipment and other choosing a retailer for their back to > Early Childhood Council (Business Partner)
teaching resources. school purchases.
> Independent Schools of NZ (Silver Sponsor)
*OfficeMax Survey conducted February 2018
> N
ational Association of Secondary Deputy
This section of OfficeMax’s Sustainability report
references GRI 201-1 and GRI 203-2. & Assistant Principals
> NZ Area Schools
> NZ Kindergarten Association
> NZ Principals Federation (Bronze Business Partner)
> N
Z School Executive Officers Association
(Gold Sponsor)
> Rural and Teaching Principals
> Secondary Principals Association of New Zealand
> R
egional Principals Associations (from Northland
to Southland)
> New Zealand Kindergarten Inc.
> New Zealand Playcentre Federation
> Te Rito Maioha / Early Childhood New Zealand
13
officemax.co.nzPutting our customers first
Our customers represent all facets Our business strategy reflects the changing This year, customer feedback identified
of New Zealand society. From the needs of our customers. As office product packaging as a major focus area for us –
education products we provide to volumes such as paper, envelopes and and one we are taking action to address.
families and teachers, to café, packaging, traditional items decline in use, other Our customer-first culture is deeply
I think having a sustainable technology, furniture and cleaning categories such as health and safety and embedded in what we do and how we
supply chain is critical solutions for large businesses and cleaning are growing. We are concentrating provide our services.
for OfficeMax because government departments, we support on expanding these growing categories
New Zealanders with our products from and providing products and services that
we know increasingly
early childhood through education, work provide solutions for our customers as
consumers are interested and even in aged care. their needs evolve.
in these issues and will
pry into things to find out
information.
CUSTOMER Our customers The increasing interest in sustainability
is also an indication of public sentiment:
Julie’s presentations and expertise
were critical in OfficeMax winning a
love sustainability our customers are responding to their number of major contracts in 2018
audiences, who are increasingly interested and we anticipate that sustainability
While service and price continue in the life cycle of products and services will continue to play a role in future
They look to see where to be important priorities for our they purchase. As proof of the change in RFP responses.
customers, in 2018, OfficeMax sentiment across New Zealand, OfficeMax
changes in society
was increasingly asked during sold more paper bags in 2018 than previous
are happening and presentations and RFP responses years as our customers moved away from
adapt their business to describe its sustainability plastic in response to public sentiment.
to take advantage of strategy and values. It is a welcome
This trend also gives our sustainability
trend that allows us to detail our
those changes. manager, Julie Roberts, a platform to lead the
sustainability credentials.
discussion on how customers may improve
SUPPLIER
their own sustainability initiatives.
Julie Roberts – OfficeMax Health,
Safety and Sustainability ManagerIntroducing our very Products and Building up STEAM
own Customer offerings are on Schools are mandated to have a digital technologies
Satisfaction Police the up and up! curriculum by 2020 and to assist schools to achieve
this target, OfficeMax has launched a range of products
Service and delivery is important to us. OfficeMax boosted its product lines to support teachers. We have partnered with leading
OfficeMax has 17 stores from Whangarei educators and a digital learning specialist to work with
by 6% in 2018, with the acquisition
to Invercargill and offers free, next-day customers to develop workshops and products with a
of Waiwhetu adding to our cleaning
business delivery for orders over $50 excl. focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts
category offer; in this category,
GST to most of New Zealand. Our sales team and maths) learning for children.
our sales are up by more than 30%
– the largest business-to-business team in compared to 2017. To support this exciting new initiative, OfficeMax’s
our industry, in New Zealand – is available Specialised Helpdesk is a phone, email and online
We saw a decline in the number of orders
to customers by phone or in person. service that enables customers to give feedback and to
as customers consolidated their purchases
In 2018, OfficeMax created a new team request advice on products.
into fewer deliveries.
that is focused on identifying reasons
why customers may be dissatisfied
Our education category continues to
grow and innovate. As schools adopt new
Recycling made easy
with our service or products. The team
will identify gaps in our processes and,
teaching methods such as digital learning, for customers
classroom needs change and we adapt
through continuous improvement, will
to teachers’ needs. OfficeMax provides OfficeMax partners with Croxley Recycling, who operate
take action to improve outcomes for
furniture and education products to a nationwide collection service through its Recycling
our customers. support open learning environments; this Collection Box. When customers have filled the box with
In 2018, we introduced a customer category has grown 10% on the prior year. empty toner and inkjet cartridges, Croxley Recycling
self-service element to our online ordering will collect the box free-of-charge. OfficeMax also hosts
system to enable easy and convenient TechCollect, featured earlier in this report.
processing of products for return to us;
previously returns were processed by
phone through our Customer Contact
Centre or in person; this option is already
proving popular with customers.
15
officemax.co.nzGreat Customer Feedback
OfficeMax uses the Net Promoter Score to continual improvement and place interest to our customers: in Quarter Three
methodology to gain customer insight importance on all customer feedback of 2018, in response to the question ‘what is
Our EcoMax to enable us to continually improve our we receive. the single biggest thing we should improve
range sets the customer experience.
NPS scores also help us identify trends
upon,’ 11% of customers answered “eco
packaging” – an increase from 5% in Quarter
bar high Our NPS score in 2018 was 51 – this is
considered to be a very high score for a
around customer attitudes and sentiment.
NPS feedback in 2018 shows us that
Two. For government customers, the figure
was 15% in Quarter Three.
business in our sector. We are committed increasingly, packaging and plastics are of
OfficeMax EcoMax products must
have a minimum of 30% recycled
content, and/or are made from
recyclable plastics, and feature Understanding Carbon Emissions is just the start
one or more environmental
In 2015, OfficeMax introduced a Using the tool, customers can accurately
accreditations. These products
carboNZero Compatible Freight Carbon predict carbon monoxide emissions
are highlighted in green in the
Emissions Calculator for customers to associated with each order.
OfficeMax catalogues. There were
use to track freight carbon emissions
1728 products available in the
from orders.
EcoMax range in 2018.
To ensure customers are well
informed concerning products’
environmental and social
footprints, OfficeMax investigates
accreditations during the Managing carbon
procurement phase and assigns
labels, such as ‘Fair Trade’ or
emissions just got easier
‘Totally Chlorine Free’ where
Climate change is arguably the the greenhouse gases we generate.
a product meets a standard.
biggest issue of our time.
Catalogues contain information In 2016, with the assistance of carbon
on more than 13 social and As a large company, OfficeMax has a specialists Catalyst® Ltd, we embarked on
environmental accreditations. role to play in limiting our contribution a journey of measuring, monitoring and
to global warming through minimising mitigating the carbon we emit.To reduce our carbon footprint, 2018 GHG Emissions
we’re putting on smaller shoes BY SCOPE: 1,703 TONNES CO2e
SCOPE 1 48%
In 2018, our organisation’s carbon by one employee on a full-time basis; this Below we summarise the boundary of
SCOPE 2 25%
footprint was 1,703 tonnes CO2e. latter figure is referred to as our intensity this measurement, the emission sources
carbon footprint. (i.e. the activities that contribute to the SCOPE 3 27%
This equates to 2.29 tonnes CO2e Per Full
footprint) and the hotspots.
Time Equivalent (FTE), the hours worked
BY SOURCE
PETROL 33%
SCOPE 1: LPG 12%
DIRECT 48% REFRIGERANTS
ELECTRICITY
3%
25%
EMISSIONS SOURCES of OfficeMax’s
Fuel combusted Natural LPG used by Refrigerant gas
Footprint in 2018
by fleet vehicles Gas use forklifts losses to the AIR TRAVEL 12%
(petrol & diesel) atmosphere
WASTE 15%
SCOPE 2:
27%
INDIRECT of OfficeMax’s
EMISSIONS SOURCES Emissions When we set our 2026
Lighting Copiers Machinery
target, we aimed high
As part of OfficeMax’s carbon
SCOPE 3:
27% management plan, we have set
ourselves a 2026 target of a 20%
INDIRECT of OfficeMax’s reduction in GHG emissions per
EMISSIONS SOURCES Carbon Footprint
Air Travel Waste disposal at landfill FTE (against 2016 levels).
OUR 2026 TARGET
The head office and sales offices accounted for 52% of all carbon emissions.
Retail stores accounted for 30% and distribution centres 18%.
At time of publication, OfficeMax’s carbon footprint has not been formally verified. Plans are in place to have our carbon emissions independently audited in 2019.
20%
reduction
17
officemax.co.nzWe’re using technology How we’re going So, how are we increased by 14.5%. The increase in absolute
emissions is in part driven by the acquisition
to reduce travel
to get there: tracking after of Waiwhetu Distributors.
for meetings.
1 Diverting
organic waste 2 years? Against our baseline, after two years we
EMPLOYEE have actually increased our intensity
from landfill by recycling
Good, but not good enough. To achieve emissions by 1.3% as the graph below
all cardboard packaging
a 20% reduction in intensity emissions by demonstrates. We understand that our
and paper, composting
2026 (against 2016 base levels) an average long-term reduction strategy cannot be
kitchen waste and reusing or
annual reduction of 2% is needed. expected to achieve immediate, consistent,
repurposing unwanted
linear reductions all the time, but we will
wooden pallet bases In 2017 we achieved a 2.7% reduction
carefully monitor and review the direction
in intensity emissions and a reduction in
2 Reducing
travel for meetings our 2019 footprint to ensure we achieve our
absolute emissions of 4.1%.
where practical 10-year target.
In 2018, however, intensity emissions
3 Staged
and systematic This section of OfficeMax’s Sustainability report
grew by 4.1%, and absolute emissions
conversion of company cars references GRI 404-2.
to electric vehicles
4 Improving
energy efficiency in 2.40
stores, offices and distribution
centres through a LED light
2.30
Tonnes CO2e per FTT
replacement policy and the 2.7% 4.1% Overall increase
1.3%
possible installation of solar 2.29
2.20
panels to selected distribution 2.26
centres and/or office buildings. 2.20
2.10
Our journey to lowering emissions
is already underway, with waste and
2.00
energy audits in place at all of our
2016 2017 2018
sites (as described in this report).
We are converting to virtual meetings
whenever possible and will scope Percentage of Emissions
our electric fleet conversion strategy Overall increase of 1.3%
in 2019.Keeping our supply chain ethical
Ethical sourcing is core to who we are
and what we do. In 2018, we continued
We stand behind Our sourcing process leaves no
stone unturned:
to hold ourselves and our suppliers our OfficeMax 1 Our
sourcing team starts with thorough
accountable to maintain high standards
in this important area.
own-brand products research to determine if the supplier
has a good reputation. In doing so, we I think they are a good
OfficeMax’s range of 18,000 stocked More than 1,200 of our 18,000 products check existing accreditations such as
corporate citizen – from
products falls into 47 categories. are OfficeMax own-brand products. ISO 9001:2015 on quality, Business
Social Compliance Initiative (BSCI), or
a corporate citizen
When a consumer picks up an OfficeMax
For our own-brand OfficeMax products,
pen or file folder, they can be assured the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) perspective they want to
we conduct stringent sustainability audits
which were revised this year to be even
these products have been through an certification. We also investigate whether be doing the right thing.
extensive vetting process. the supplier already works with large,
more focused on sustainability and product SUPPLIER
recognised international brands who are
lifecycle considerations. Each manufacturer is audited, assessed
known to have high ethical standards.
and scored on health and safety, housing,
For other brands, we carefully choose to
working hours, ethics, freedom of 2 Next,
we initiate a factory audit carried
only work with reputable organisations,
association, environmental compliance out by our specialist auditors – usually
who share our values both in New Zealand We give them the data
and remuneration. SGS or UL, two of the world’s leading
and internationally.
inspection, factory audit, verification, around the content of our
In 2018, OfficeMax updated its Request for
testing and certification companies. products and they use
Keeping our Proposal (RFP) terms for OfficeMax-branded
Our suppliers are located all over the
that information in their
products. We now gather information on
suppliers honest a potential product’s packaging, safety,
world, so our auditors will visit factories
OfficeMax catalogues.
from cities in China to small towns in
recyclability, disposal and end-of-life
OfficeMax has in place formal contracts Brazil to assure compliance. SUPPLIER
prospects, as well as its social impact
which ensure our suppliers adhere before we make a decision on its suitability. 3 The
auditors will ask between 25 and
to stringent rules related to working We also request a copy of the supplier’s 50 employees of the factory up to
conditions, employee rights, pay and environmental policy and evidence of 100 questions each about working
environmental outputs. its commitments. conditions, health and safety, general
HR, environmental practices and more.
19
officemax.co.nz4 If the factory passes, and the auditors
and OfficeMax in New Zealand are
> Of those audited, two had Zero
Tolerance-level violations and were
Legal compliance
satisfied with the report, we set removed from the supply chain (they matters, too
the supplier up in our system and no longer produce or supply goods
start trading. to OfficeMax). OfficeMax has an active directory of
Environmental Legislation, Council Bylaws,
5 O
ur auditors will return to the
factory every year to ensure If it’s not our brand, Standards and Relationships with Other Acts
Register (Register of Legislation and Other
ongoing compliance.
we make it our Requirements plus Compliance Procedures)
Our OfficeMax procurement managers
business to know
that lists all the legalisation, bylaws, product
also meet suppliers in person to ensure compliance (standards) that the business
mutual commitment to ethical practices, needs to meet.
More than 80% of OfficeMax products
and work with factory management
are supplied through third-party sourcing This is audited annually and reviewed for
teams to correct any violations, large
and distributing companies, rather than compliance of procedures.
or small.
being manufactured specifically for
This section of OfficeMax’s Sustainability report
Any Zero Tolerance violations, such as OfficeMax. OfficeMax chooses to work with references GRI 308-1 and GRI 308-2.
employment of child labour, withholding manufacturers and global brands, such as
passports, lack of fire escapes or attempted 3M, that are already known to have high
bribery, leads to supply being cancelled ethical and environmental standards.
immediately. Non-critical violations must be
New Zealand-owned suppliers are required
fixed within a prescribed time period.
to complete a Global Self-Assessment Survey
Manufacturers that are unable to meet (GSAS) and provide evidence to back up their
our requirements, or show proof of claims. The GSAS is diligently reviewed prior
improvement, will no longer be able to to being accepted by OfficeMax.
supply to OfficeMax.
> In the year 2018, OfficeMax affiliates
conducted audits on 67 suppliers and
102 factories.When it comes to > P
rogramme for the Endorsement
of Forest Certification (PEFC): PEFC
sustainable paper, best practice standards promote
we leave no sheet environmentally sound, socially just,
and economically viable management
unturned of forests globally.
Our paper suppliers range from small mills
As the largest importer and seller of cut-
in developing countries to large operations
sheet paper in New Zealand, we know how
owned and run by European and/or
vital it is that we play a lead role in ensuring
local entities.
our products are sustainably sourced.
Our most trusted suppliers have impressed
Every single sheet of our paper is
us with their on-site educational facilities;
environmentally certified; we simply
clean water management practices; and
only sell paper that meets stringent
dedication to sustainable tree farming,
environmental standards.
including educating local populations on
This means, no matter where in the world the value of native forests.
our paper is supplied from, our customers
OfficeMax branded paper – our biggest
can be confident in buying from us.
seller – is carbon neutral. Audited by the
We accept two major certifications: Carbon Reduction Institute, we pay per-unit
carbon emissions, and invest those charges
> F
orest Stewardship Council ® (FSC ®):
in clean wind power generation.
FSC ® certification guarantees that the
product has been grown in a sustainably
managed forest and that the supply chain
is managed responsibly.
21
officemax.co.nzManaging freight efficiently
Our nationwide reach is one of our
great strengths. Customers know that
Reducing fuel LogbookMe is also used to monitor driver
behaviour and safety: measured indicators
OfficeMax account managers understand consumption include hard acceleration, hard braking,
their regions and can get products to speeding and sudden deceleration.
them quickly. OfficeMax aimed for a 3% reduction in
We had GPS in the cars fuel consumption in 2016 and achieved
Driving safely also reduces fuel consumption.
This year saw the introduction of two If speed limits are exceeded, the driver and
for the first four years. a 4.5% saving. Our goal for 2018 was a
exciting initiatives: we introduced our first safety officer at OfficeMax are alerted by
We changed the system further 1% reduction, which we achieved.
four electric cars to the OfficeMax fleet, and email. The system also measures drivers’
and it gives better metrics we introduced a new GPS system to better Mobile sales staff and managers are hours to determine if they have driven for
to ensure our drivers are understand and improve driver behaviour. educated to reduce idling, which consumes too long. The parameters are four hours
an average of two litres of fuel an hour;
driving safely. Both initiatives will contribute to a lower maximum trip time for a single journey;
emissions profile for OfficeMax. reduce speed; and, improve transitions the minimum break after that period is
EMPLOYEE between accelerating and braking. 15 minutes.
Our customers have also indicated that they
would like to see more sustainable void fill Our new GPS tool, LogbookMe, is now Since being implemented in June, the new
and packaging solutions. We currently use installed in all of our fleet vehicles, allowing system has shown that while only a small
plastic air pillows as void fill; while these us to improve health and safety. In percentage of drivers regularly exceed
are made from recycled plastic and are emergencies or natural disasters, we are speed limits, that percentage has diminished
recyclable, new technology is enabling us to now able to alert our fleet drivers directly over time. Driver behaviour can be improved
plan to replace air pillows with even more and know where people are and ensure they and where appropriate, OfficeMax considers
environmentally-preferable options in the are safe. The system has already proven driver improvement options such as a Driver
near future. its worth during heavy snowstorms and Development programme for its employees.
flooding incidents.Sustainable Filling the void Going electric
procurement Void fill is the packaging material that keeps In 2018, OfficeMax introduced four electric
guidelines products safe from physical damage during vehicles that are engaged for short runs
transportation and delivery. within the Auckland region.
OfficeMax adheres to the SBC Freight The return of damaged stock and The Hyundai Ioniq cars charge
Efficiency Guidelines, which seek to shift replacement/re-delivery of products
freight choices from a lowest transportation at our Highbrook site each
to customers produces additional
cost model to mutually beneficial outcomes carbon emissions, uses more fuel and
evening and are a popular choice
linked to improved health and safety, with drivers and our broader
EV
packaging. As such, suitable void fill is
driver wellbeing, better economic and an important element in OfficeMax’s stakeholder community.
environmental performance, reduced environmental planning.
emissions, and a more resilient sector. These four electric vehicles have been
In 2016, OfficeMax changed its void fill used by OfficeMax as proof of concept.
In 2018, during the renewal of a freight solution from recycled paper to AirPlus We are now looking into other options for
contract, we worked with the transport Air Pillows, which are recyclable and electrification, including for warehouse
providers to ensure their compliance with reduce the volume of waste produced. heavy machinery.
the SBC Freight Efficiency Guidelines.
We have noticed an increasing desire from Many of our vehicles are driven over long
These guidelines enable us to lead our customers and employees to find a ranges unsuitable for electrification; where
conversations and include sustainability new void fill solution that avoids any type of possible, we replaced and upgraded our
as a core objective. plastic material. In 2019, we will be exploring petrol-powered vehicles to more fuel-
options for void fill that makes use of the efficient models.
latest technology in packaging solutions. This section of OfficeMax’s Sustainability report
references GRI 302-1 and GRI 302-4.
23
officemax.co.nzWaging a war on waste
OfficeMax aims to be as waste efficient we’re proud to be the initiator of TechCollect, the world. At OfficeMax, we do not use
as possible, while helping our customers New Zealand’s first free dedicated e-waste single-use plastic bags in our retail stores
achieve the same goal. recycling service. This new service has and we are working towards packaging
already proven popular with communities, solutions that will see a significant reduction
New Zealanders produce an estimated 20kg
our employees and with our customers. in our plastic packaging materials in 2019.
We have goals and of tech waste per person each year, and
much of that is being recycled incorrectly, Plastics are of increasing concern to
targets when it comes to
or not at all. Launched in November 2018, New Zealanders and to people around
reducing waste, and we
want to hit those targets.
As a business we want to
show that we are doing
our bit to improve the TechCollect Our goal is to work with New Zealanders to divert thousands of kilograms
of e-waste from landfill. TechCollect accepts and recycles the following items:
environment. TechCollect offers drop-off recycling
points for technology products at
EMPLOYEE OfficeMax’s retail locations across
New Zealand and is funded by technology
brands including Dell, Epson, Canon,
Microsoft, Toshiba and HP. Computer Monitors
(CRT & Flat Screen)
Already proving popular with Copiers Computers
& Laptops
communities, our employees and our
customers, we will extend our e-waste
recycling offer in 2019 with a broader
commercial service offer, designed Scanners Printers
to attract larger companies to utilise
the service.
Peripherals Cameras &
Video Cameras
TabletsToner and Inkjet We’re consuming
Cartridges Recycling less energy
Services OfficeMax’s energy consumption strategy
guides employees to make easy changes CASE STUDY
At OfficeMax, we are committed to playing
our part in building a circular economy;
that save energy.
Brian Cossey
our recycling partners will ensure at least In 2017, we set a target of a 15% reduction
Health, Safety & Sustainability Rep
90% of commodities recovered are used on baseline against 2016 energy usage;
OfficeMax Whangarei Retail Store
as raw materials in the manufacture of new by the close of the year, consumption was
products. Collected, chipped plastic is sent down by 12%. I am a retail sales assistant in Whangarei and an
to local manufacturers to be used in items In 2018, we set a target of a 7% reduction OfficeMax Health, Safety & Sustainability Rep.
such as electric fence insulators. and achieved this goal. I’m very proud of the fact that we as a company take
This year, a number of energy-saving sustainability seriously. We put a lot of effort into
Getting rid of initiatives were put in place at our head choosing what we sell, from sourcing to the disposing
office in Highbrook, our biggest site. We of goods.
plastic bags introduced sensors to automatically I’m proud that, in one month in 2018, we didn’t have
turn off lights when rooms are empty, any waste to landfill – only recycling. We are doing
Along with other large corporates, we
we also installed data loggers to identify everything we can to reduce waste with the tools
made a decision to remove single-use
opportunities for savings. available to us.
plastic bags from our retail stores.
All OfficeMax sites receive a monthly report Over the counter, we get a lot of feedback around
In 2018, we completed a full review of
on energy efficiency progress. Each site plastic bags and moving to paper bags – which we have
the plastic we use internally, i.e. in our
team reviews this data and identifies ways to done. There has been some feedback both ways, but
distribution and bagging processes.
reduce energy consumption. most people are in support.
In 2019, we anticipate further reduction
of our plastic use through new packaging In Northland, we have no recycling for polystyrene –
processes and technologies. but now through our internal programme I can now
send back polystyrene to be made into useful goods,
and it’s not filling up our landfill.
25
officemax.co.nzWarehouse We have increased our cardboard recycling from more than 269
tonnes in 2017 to 301 tonnes in 2018. We use compactors and
Waste Management high-density balers for efficient recycling of cardboard and plastic.
In 2018, we trialled a waste compactor in our Blenheim Road Retail
We’re proud of our waste reduction store to maximise recycling opportunities.
accomplishments, which are driven by
our enthusiastic and diligent employees.
We provide regular training to ensure OfficeMax composts food waste from its Highbrook cafeteria,
staff understand the recycling options which serves up to 200 people per day. In 2018 we diverted over
available to them. 18 tonnes from landfill.
Internally, OfficeMax conducts regular waste
audits and works with Waste Management
to measure waste generation. Our rubbish
bins are only collected when they are During site clear-ups, we changed our process to ensure furniture,
full, which reduces fuel consumption and metal and old promotional materials follow a recyclable pathway
carbon emissions. rather than being sent to a landfill.
In 2017, we exceeded our own targets and
managed an 8.9% reduction in waste going
to landfill. Unfortunately, our efforts were Our warehouse staff recycle bubble wrap, air pillows and plastics,
not reflected in meeting our overall target including strapping. Both Distribution Centres are now using a
of a 3% reduction in diversion to landfill recyclable shrink-wrap for delicate goods that is engineered to use
in 2018. Whilst disappointed, we continue less wrap with the same stability and strength.
to make improvements in other areas of
waste reduction. When we have physically damaged stock that is still safe to
For 2019, OfficeMax locations have a waste consume such as tea, coffee, and Milo, we send it to Ronald
reduction target of an additional 1.5% MacDonald House and Mercy Hospice. We have supported these
diversion to landfill. charities for more than seven years and are exploring other
categories where they may benefit.
This section of OfficeMax’s Sustainability report references
GRI 306-2 and GRI 203-2.OUR SUSTAINABILITY TIMELINE 2010
Moving forward We initiated a fleet car replacement
every year
programme and promoted video
conferencing between NZ and
Australia offices as well as locally to
2011 2018
We gained ISO 14001 accreditation, Introduced TechCollect,
minimise fuel emissions; we reduced New Zealand’s first free e-waste
which we still hold.
2001
trans-Tasman flights by two-thirds. recycling service for households and
Our Power Savers programme small businesses.
reduced energy consumption by 5%
We formalised our Health, Safety
& Environment work programme
and landfill programmes reduced
2012
2017
landfill waste by 10%.
and assigned representatives to
OfficeMax was named one of the
encourage these initiatives.
World’s Most Ethical Companies
2009
by the Ethisphere Institute and our In the seven years to December 2017,
Director of Merchandise, Richard 13,094 disadvantaged New Zealand
2004 Our Promise Tree Project was
launched amongst three South
Meares, was nominated into
the executive committee of the
children and their families have had
their lives changed for the better.
Thanks to OfficeMax’s Max e-Grants,
We joined the Packaging Council Packaging Council of New Zealand
Auckland schools, teaching Year 5 as a representative of Distribution & which provides a grant of up to
of New Zealand, which promotes a
students’ ways to cultivate a clean Sales for Wholesale. $5,000 per child for basics such as
whole-of-life approach to balancing
and green future. uniforms, stationery and school trips.
environmental, health and safety
impacts/outcomes and economics
throughout a product’s lifecycle.
2009 2013 2016
OfficeMax joined the Sustainable
2005
Health, Safety & Sustainability Business Council (SBC), which is a OfficeMax introduced AirPlus Air
Manager, Julie Roberts, won group of CEO-led companies that Pillows and a wider variety of cartons
Employee of the Year in the have a leading role in creating a to increase packaging efficiency and
We introduced our EcoMax Range
Sustainability category at the sustainable future for business, effectiveness, and reduce waste.
of nearly 800 products with
annual Packaging Council Awards. society and the environment. We
environmental credentials, including
OfficeMax was presented the were named one of the World’s Most
descriptions agreed upon by the
2015
Manukau Business Excellence Award Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere
Ministry for the Environment.
in both the Sustainability category Institute for the second year in a row.
and the Health & Safety category.
OfficeMax introduced a carboNZero
2007
Compatible Freight Carbon
2014
Emissions Calculator for customers
We received an Enviro-Mark® NZ
Gold certification for our three main
2008 Packaging Buyer, Bruce Campbell,
to use to track freight carbon
emissions from orders.
operations. This was upgraded to We expanded our range of Fair
was nominated into the executive
Enviro-Mark® NZ Diamond across Trade products and launched Paper
committee of the Packaging Council
our entire organisation in 2009. Pig reusable cardboard recycling
of New Zealand as a representative
trays. For every tray purchased, we
of Distribution & Sales for Wholesale.
donate a percentage of the sales to 27
CCS Disability Action.
officemax.co.nzLet’s get it done
2018 Sustainability Report
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