Cromwell Carbon Reduction Plan

1. Introduction

Cromwell’s mission is to “maximise resourcefulness by providing industry-leading flexible film products”, and to stay true to its value of resourcefulness.  The company holds ISO14001 certification and is committed to invest in industry leading infrastructure and technology to support our growth and maintain high standards of safety and sustainability under the 6 Pillars of Excellence.  

As a UK-based wholesale supplier of polythene bags, we acknowledge our role in both the packaging supply chain and the broader environmental impact of plastic use, and are committed to sustainability.  This Carbon Reduction Plan expands upon our environmental policy and relates to UK operational emissions.   

This Carbon Reduction Plan has been completed in accordance with PPN 006 and associated guidance and reporting standard for Carbon Reduction Plans.  Emissions are reported for all UK operations over which the company has operational control, including warehousing, offices, vehicle fleet operations and distribution activities. 

It covers Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and a defined subset of Scope 3 emissions from Cromwell’s UK operations, assessed in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard. Current decarbonisation initiatives are focused primarily on emissions sources where the company has the greatest operational influence.   

It is reviewed and recalculated annually by the Marketing Manager, and subject to periodic third-party review. 

Cromwell Polythene Ltd is committed to achieving the following reduction targets from the 2024 baseline: 

• Scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 100% by 2035; 

• Scope 3 (defined subset) GHG emissions by 100% by 2050.   

Our approach to achieving Net Zero focuses on reducing operational emissions, influencing supply chain practices, and offsetting residual emissions through verified carbon offsetting schemes.  It will be supported by delivering sustainability training to staff, introducing carbon accounting and committing to SBTi to validate targets and track progress. 

As with everything we do at Cromwell, it is a team effort.  Each action identifies an owner who is responsible for planning, actioning and reporting on progress.  The Board of Directors will review the calculations annually, and amend the plan as necessary. 

It is Cromwell’s belief that by working in partnership with our internal and external stakeholders, the company can achieve its goal and fulfil its mission to maximise resourcefulness.

2. Scope of Emissions

Scope 1: Direct emissions: These are all the emissions that an organization directly causes and controls. 

• Company-owned delivery vans or vehicles 

• Gas for heating 

Scope 2: Indirect emissions from imported utilities: Most commonly Scope 2 covers emissions from purchased electricity and covers all emissions from power stations that have generated the electricity. 

• Electricity consumption at Cromwell’s head office and distribution centre 

Scope 3: Indirect emissions (Direct Influence): The company has assessed all relevant Scope 3 categories in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard. Material Scope 3 categories identified include: 

• Purchased goods and services  

• Upstream transportation and distribution  

• Fuel- and energy-related activities  

• Waste generated in operations  

• Business travel  

• Employee commuting  

• Downstream transportation and distribution  

• End-of-life treatment of sold products  

While Cromwell measures and reports all relevant material Scope 3 categories, the emissions reduction initiatives outlined within this Carbon Reduction Plan are primarily focused on activities where the company has the greatest operational influence, including warehousing, freight optimisation, product sourcing, packaging efficiency and logistics management.

3. Baseline Emissions

Cromwell Polythene Ltd has selected FY2024 as its baseline year due to data completeness and operational stability. The baseline will be recalculated if structural changes, acquisitions, divestments, or material methodological improvements result in a change greater than 5% of total emissions. 

Baseline Year: Table 1 below summarises the estimated annual emissions by scope as at 2024 (unaudited at the date of this plan). 

Greenhouse gas emissions were calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard using UK Government DEFRA 2024 greenhouse gas conversion factors and a combination of primary operational data, supplier-specific information and secondary estimation methodologies where primary data was unavailable. 

4.1  Predicted Emissions

Projected emissions reductions are indicative estimates based on currently identified decarbonisation initiatives listed in the Emissions Reduction Strategy, anticipated national grid decarbonisation and expected improvements in supply chain emissions intensity. 

Cromwell Polythene Ltd is committed to achieving the following reduction targets from the 2024 baseline target: 

• Scopes 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 100% by 2035; 

• Scope 3 GHG emissions by 100% by 2050. 

4.2 Emissions Reduction Strategy

A. Operational Emissions (Scopes 1 & 2) 

• Sourcing renewable energy and installing monitoring systems to identify opportunities for efficiencies 

• Encouraging EV usage 

• Raise staff awareness through sustainability training 

B. Supply Chain and Scope 3 Emissions 

• Prioritise suppliers using recycled or lower-carbon polythene 

• Work with suppliers to optimise shipping routes and focus on low-emission or offset shipping options 

• Work with customers to reduce consignments and mileage

5. Carbon Offsetting Strategy

For residual emissions (particularly unavoidable emissions from overseas shipping), we will: 

• Purchase verified carbon offsets if necessary (Gold Standard or Verra-certified). 

• Invest in UK-based carbon removal (e.g., woodland creation, peatland restoration). 

• Install living roof. 

• Explore plastic waste capture and offset initiatives, such as ocean-bound plastic removal schemes 

6. Monitoring and Reporting

• Annual carbon audits following the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. 
• Use of DEFRA conversion factors. 
• Emissions reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. 
• Independent verification of offsetting schemes. 

7. Governance and Responsibility

• Sustainability Lead: Finance Director
• Executive Oversight: Managing Director
• Employee Engagement: Annual sustainability training and carbon impact briefings

8. Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

• Publish the audited Sustainability Report annually.
• Collaborate with suppliers to raise awareness of low-carbon packaging alternatives.
• Engage B2B clients on shared carbon reduction goals.

9. Timeline Summary

10. Conclusion

As a distributor of plastic products, we recognise both our carbon footprint and our opportunity to influence sustainable change in the polythene industry. Through targeted emissions reductions and credible offsetting, we are committed to becoming a Net Zero organisation by 2050, while continually exploring lower-impact alternatives for our clients.