At Excel, we are deeply committed to protecting our planet. Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030, reflecting our dedication to reducing environmental impact.
We have implemented numerous sustainability initiatives and continuously explore new ways to minimize our footprint, guided by a passionate team dedicated to making a positive difference.
Sustainability challenges extend beyond just plastic packaging. The production, transportation, and disposal of materials in our industry contribute significantly to global carbon emissions, waste, and resource depletion. From excessive energy use to reliance on non-renewable resources, the collective environmental footprint in our industry is larger than it should be, putting pressure on natural ecosystems and contributing to climate change.
The environmental impact of these practices is profound. High carbon emissions accelerate global warming, while waste and pollution harm wildlife and ecosystems. Non-sustainable practices in manufacturing and packaging also deplete finite resources, leaving a legacy of environmental degradation for future generations. It's clear that every aspect of our operations—from raw material sourcing to product end-of-life—needs to be reconsidered to promote a sustainable, circular economy.
At Excel Networking Solutions, we’re committed to tackling these challenges through a comprehensive sustainability strategy. This includes not only being the first in the industry to eliminate plastic from our packaging but also reducing our carbon footprint by optimizing energy efficiency, using renewable resources, and supporting a circular economy. By rethinking our entire supply chain and implementing greener practices at every step, we’re striving to create a more sustainable future for both our industry and the planet.
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do, and we are continually looking at ways that we can improve our impact on the environment.
We currently hold the Ecovadis Silver rating. This globally recognised assessment platform assesses businesses’ sustainability based on environmental impact, labour, human rights standards, ethics and procurement practices.
We have produced EPDs for core products within the Excel product range, to help identify the most sustainable solutions for each requirement. These detailed reports are created and ratified by an external third-party provider, bre.
Our card and paper packaging materials are made from FSC recyclable materials and are 100% recyclable.
We provide a CIBSE TM65 certificate for each of the Excel products in the range. This shows the embodied carbon for each product which documents the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacture of the product, its installation, maintenance, repair, replacement and end of life.
In 2019 we were the first in the industry to examine the packaging of our Excel product lines and source alternative plastic free solutions. Since this change, based on our annual sales figures this equates to 85 million plastic bags (212 tonnes) of single use plastic prevented from entering the supply chain and ending up in landfill.
By eradicating components wrapped in individual plastic bags and instead offering single units in cardboard boxes and multipacks in easy-access cardboard boxes or paper wrappings, it is far more intuitive for an installer to fit the product on-site, saving up to 60% on preparation time.
The shrink wrap, used to wrap and protect the Environ floor racks and wall boxes and to wrap boxes onto a pallet, is made from 30% recycled material and is 100% recyclable.
Where void filler is required, we re-purpose our waste cardboard and paper and turn it into void filler. Not only is it 100% recycled and recyclable it is also saving over 3,500kg of cardboard from our operation each year.
We use ‘crash lock’ boxes that remove the need to use paper tape to seal the boxes, making it quick and easy for customers to access their products with a simple tear-off strip. These boxes are made from 100% recycled card and are 100% recyclable. We use lineless labels on all Fedex shipments removing 100% of the plastic backing.
We sell millions of metres of cable each year, many of which are shipped out on wooden reels. Where we can, we are collecting and reusing these reels – to date this has seen a reduction of 50,542 kgs of plywood and 83 tonnes of CO2 per year.
At our Birmingham HQ warehouse we have invested in Autostore which includes 14 Maybot robots where a substantial amount of Excel products is stored and dispatched. The Autostore is far more energy efficient and has seen a significant reduction in the power from our previous leanlift solution.
Where a customer has a large order that’s 8 pallets or more, we can deliver this on a gas-powered vehicle that runs on a 13-litre CBG powered engine that runs on biomethane and results in:
