Environmental Commitment and Packaging Policy

1. Carbon Footprint Reduction Commitment

We are actively working to reduce our carbon footprint through practical operational improvements, including:

• Reuse and recycling of packaging: where appropriate and safe to do so, we aim to use recycled or re-used boxes and recyclable packaging tape to reduce waste and support the circular economy.
• Low-emission logistics: for internal deliveries and local logistics, we use low-emission vehicles where possible, subject to operational requirements, availability, and route suitability.
• Fleet transition ambition: we are working towards eliminating diesel vehicles from our company fleet by 2030, replacing them with lower-emission alternatives where feasible (e.g., electric or hybrid vehicles and/or third-party low-emission courier options).
• Supplier collaboration: we encourage suppliers and distribution partners to improve packaging sustainability and to reduce unnecessary packaging where possible.
• Efficient fulfilment: we aim to reduce avoidable journeys and emissions by consolidating deliveries where practical and improving shipment planning.

2. Packaging Standards and Customer Expectations

We will always ensure goods are packed securely and appropriately. Where we use recycled or re-used packaging materials, this is done with care to ensure items remain protected in transit. If a specific packaging requirement exists (e.g., sealed manufacturer cartons, sterile packaging, or customer compliance requirements), we will follow those requirements.

3. UK Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) Statement

The UK Plastic Packaging Tax applies to plastic packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic, subject to scope rules, exemptions, and thresholds set by HMRC.

As a distributor/reseller, Graystone Office Solutions may, depending on the supply route and import responsibilities, need to understand whether packaging associated with goods we import into the UK falls within the scope of the tax. Where a manufacturer relies on a distributor to import goods into the UK, the importer may hold the relevant responsibilities under the tax rules.

4. Our Actions to Support Compliance and Emissions Reduction

To support both emissions reduction and proportionate compliance expectations as a UK business, we will, where applicable:

• Work with suppliers to obtain information on packaging materials and recycled content where required.
• Identify packaging that is in scope, out of scope, or exempt, and where packaging meets the 30% recycled content threshold.
• Monitor whether our activities fall within HMRC thresholds and, where required, ensure appropriate registrations and reporting are completed.
• Keep reasonable records to evidence recycled content declarations or exemptions where relevant.
• Review suppliers and supply routes to identify areas where packaging improvements could reduce waste and potential liabilities across the supply chain.
• Where packaging-related costs or compliance-driven charges arise within the supply chain, we will seek to mitigate impact; however, some costs may be passed through where unavoidable.

5. Ongoing Improvement

We recognise sustainability is an ongoing process. We will periodically review our approach to packaging and logistics to identify practical improvements, balancing environmental considerations with product protection, service levels, and customer requirements.