LRQA issues world’s first Responsible Plastic Management Certificate

Launched in 2020, the RPM Standard aims to encourage proactive steps for tackling the ever-growing issue of plastic waste. To achieve certification, Evergreen Garden Care implemented a range of processes in line with the requirements of the RPM Standard before engaging LRQA to carry out the audit, which was delivered remotely. 

The RPM programme sees companies follow a five-step process in order to make changes to their operations. Once this is completed, an audit by LRQA takes place to enable successful organisations to achieve certification to the Standard. As part of the auditing process, Evergreen Garden Care reviewed the plastic flowing in and out of the business and provided an action plan that detailed how it would monitor improvements to futureproof changes made.

From sourcing of materials through to manufacturing and packaging, processes were implemented to reduce plastic waste wherever possible. Clear messaging was introduced on products encouraging consumers to reuse them, while steps were taken to increase the use of recycled materials during manufacturing. Evergreen Garden Care also made the commitment to use 90% recycled plastic by 2023 to demonstrate its long-term sustainable ambitions.

“Due to the global scale of the company, it was important to carry out a widespread assessment. We remotely covered sites in the UK, including its head office in London, as well as Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Here, we audited a number of the company’s departments and premises, including its sales, marketing, controls and fertiliser operations, as well as its research stations. The remote audit allowed us to gain a thorough overview of the management systems across 18 sites and more than 10 countries.” Lead Auditor, Brett Booth, LRQA.

As part of its certification, Evergreen Garden Care will be listed publicly in the RPM online directory. Additionally, it has access to the RPM Trust Mark to illustrate its commitment to tackling the issue of plastic pollution to buyers, stakeholders and external parties.

Peter Marshall, Chair of the RPM Program said: “It’s great to see the first RPM certification delivered by LRQA to Evergreen Garden Care, a leading multinational organisation with the associated Evergreen and Miracle-Gro recognised brands. This complements Evergreen’s other green efforts and credentials. The RPM Standard is applicable to any type of organisation regardless of size and we look forward to the next set of certifications”.

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Contact us to find out more about the Responsible Plastic Management standard.