Sustainability Mission
Sustainability at Richard Lang
At Richard Lang & Son, we believe practical changes can make a meaningful difference.
As a family-run wholesale business established in Derby in 1949, we recognise our responsibility to reduce waste, use resources carefully and continually improve how we operate. From our warehouse and packaging processes to product development and supplier relationships, sustainability forms an important part of our everyday decisions.
Reusing cardboard boxes
Wherever practical, we reuse suitable cardboard boxes when packing customer orders.
Extending the useful life of existing boxes reduces waste and helps lower demand for newly manufactured packaging. Every box is checked by our warehouse team to ensure it remains suitable for safely protecting products during delivery.
Turning waste cardboard into packaging
Cardboard that is unsuitable for reuse as a box does not automatically become waste.
We shred suitable waste cardboard on-site and use it as protective packaging inside customer orders. This helps protect products during transportation while reducing our need for newly manufactured packaging and plastic-based void fill.
Using shredded cardboard allows us to make practical use of a material already available within our operation.
Recycling cardboard into new boxes
Cardboard that cannot be reused or shredded is baled and collected for recycling.
It is sent to recycling mills, where it can be processed and used in the manufacture of new cardboard boxes. This supports a circular approach in which cardboard is reused wherever possible and then returned to the manufacturing process.
Our packaging approach follows a straightforward hierarchy:
Reuse suitable boxes.
Shred suitable waste cardboard for protective packaging.
Bale and recycle the remaining cardboard.
Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Reducing plastic packaging
By using shredded cardboard as protective packaging, we reduce the need for additional bubble wrap and other plastic-based packaging materials.
Some products may still require specialist protection to reach customers safely, but we always aim to use practical, effective and lower-waste packaging wherever possible.
A more efficient warehouse
We have invested in modern warehouse equipment and digital systems that help us operate more efficiently.
Our gravity-fed roller conveyor allows cartons to move through the unloading and goods-in process more quickly. It also reduces unnecessary lifting and manual handling for our warehouse team.
Barcode scanners and automated warehouse processes help us manage stock, pick orders accurately and reduce the amount of paperwork used throughout our operation.
These improvements provide environmental and operational benefits by helping us:
Reduce unnecessary manual processes.
Improve stock and order accuracy.
Process incoming products efficiently.
Reduce avoidable paper use.
Minimise product and packaging waste.
Create a safer working environment for our team.
Reducing paper consumption
Approximately 95% of our warehouse processes are now paperless.
Digital ordering, invoicing, stock management and order-tracking systems have significantly reduced our reliance on printed documents. We will continue reviewing our remaining processes to identify opportunities to reduce paper consumption further.
Energy-efficient warehouse improvements
LED lighting is used throughout our warehouse to reduce energy consumption. Sensor-controlled lighting ensures that lights are used only when areas of the building are occupied.
Fast-operating warehouse doors help reduce unnecessary heat loss, while thermostatic, sensor-controlled heaters provide targeted warmth at packing stations rather than heating areas where it is not needed.
These improvements help us use energy more efficiently while maintaining a comfortable and safe environment for our employees.
Responsible product development and sourcing
The majority of our products are created by our Derby-based design and development team. We work closely with our manufacturing partners to maintain product quality and encourage responsible working practices throughout our supply chain.
Our team regularly visits suppliers and manufacturing facilities to review production, quality and working practices. We recognise that responsible sourcing is an ongoing process and will continue working with our suppliers to improve standards wherever possible.
Continuous improvement
We know that sustainability is not a single project or a claim that can ever be considered complete.
It requires continuous improvement, honest measurement and practical action. We will continue reviewing our packaging, energy consumption, warehouse systems, product development and supplier relationships to identify further opportunities to reduce our environmental impact.
Small choices, made consistently, can create a meaningful difference for our people, our customers, our community and the planet.