Malcolm’s mission to reuse over 7,000 boxes in CrestClean’s Distribution Centre
At CrestClean’s distribution centre, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a daily practice. Since May 1, 2018, Product Distribution Co-ordinator Malcolm Brown, who oversees packaging and distribution, has been reusing boxes to reduce waste.
“Every time we receive freight, we store the boxes that are reusable and use it as packaging for what we send out to franchisees,” says Malcolm.
By giving these boxes a second life, Malcolm not only minimises waste but also provides sturdy, reliable packaging for franchisee orders such as uniforms, cleaning equipment and chemicals.
Even fragile items are securely shipped. Malcolm reuses bubble wrap and paper stuffing that arrives with inbound freight.
“We reuse as much as we can, so we can put as little as possible into our rubbish bin,” he says.
Since starting this initiative, Malcolm has kept a tally of reused boxes. Since May 1, 2018, he’s logged over 7,000 boxes. He’s looking forward to seeing just how many boxes his efforts will have saved from landfills when we reach the seven-year mark this year.
Malcolm keeps a small supply of new boxes for unusually shaped items but rarely needs to use them. He also repurposes cardboard strips from existing boxes to secure chemical bottles during shipping, offering an eco-friendly alternative to bubble wrap.
With daily freight deliveries, Malcolm doesn’t often face a shortage of reusable boxes.
“They keep coming in – we don’t run out,” he says.
“Every so often I even have too many of them.”
The reuse initiative in CrestClean’s Distribution Centre is another example of our commitment to sustainability. Having achieved our Toitū Enviromark Diamond certification in August 2024, we continue to lead by example in reducing waste and Malcolm’s efforts prove that small, consistent actions can make a big difference for the environment.
