By Ty Kelly
In a groundbreaking move for the outdoor furniture industry, Keter, under the leadership of CEO Alejandro Pena, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, showcasing impressive strides towards a greener future. Despite challenges in sourcing recycled resins for large-scale production, Keter maintained a remarkable 41% recycled content rate in its products last year.
This achievement is a testament to Keter’s innovative approach, combining in-house recycling capabilities through its U.S.-based subsidiary, Trigon, with the relentless efforts of its technical experts to explore new recycling avenues. Pena emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability: “We continued to drive down our carbon footprint across our global operations with a reduction of 8% in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions.”
The company’s environmental initiatives extend beyond recycling. Keter has made significant progress in reducing its carbon emissions, achieving a 24.6% reduction per ton compared to 2018. This puts the company within striking distance of its pledge to reduce emissions by 25% by the end of 2023.
Keter’s sustainability strategy is deeply integrated into its business model. Pena articulated the company’s mission: “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 commitment to sustainability is evident in its waste reduction efforts. In 2023, Keter dramatically decreased its landfill waste to just 6%, a significant improvement from 20% in the previous year. The company has set an ambitious target of increasing its recycled content to 55% by 2025, further solidifying its position as an industry leader in environmental stewardship.
Keter’s global reach plays a crucial role in spreading sustainable practices. The company has implemented product take-back and recycling programs in collaboration with major retailers, particularly in the Benelux region. These initiatives support the EU’s circular economy action plan and involve partnerships with prominent retailers like Blokker and Action.
The company’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its organizational structure. A global chief sustainability officer leads a network of regional heads and specialists, ensuring consistent implementation of sustainable practices across Keter’s operations in over 110 countries. Regular meetings and communication channels keep employees informed and engaged in sustainability efforts.
Keter’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its walls. In 2023, the company organized over 65 sustainability-focused meetings and training events for employees. Additionally, sustainability managers and teams participated in more than 20 external conferences and webinars, demonstrating Keter’s leadership in broader sustainability discussions.
As Keter continues to innovate and expand its sustainable practices, it sets a new standard for the outdoor furniture industry. Under Alejandro Pena’s leadership, the company is not just adapting to changing environmental expectations but actively shaping a more sustainable future for the sector.
With its global presence, commitment to recycling, and focus on reducing carbon emissions, Keter proves combining business growth with environmental responsibility is possible. As the company moves closer to its 2025 recycled content goal, it continues to demonstrate that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, setting an example for others in the industry to follow.
