At JR&Co, we believe that sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We’re constantly improving, adapting, and innovating to minimise our environmental impact. This pursuit of progress led us to The Sustainability Expo at Olympia last week, where we joined other businesses and sustainability leaders seeking practical insights and innovative solutions.

Vania Borges, our Quality, Sustainability & Environment Manager, said: “The event was a great opportunity to step back, listen, and learn. It will help us refine our own approach to sustainable and responsible cleaning.”

Here’s what Vania took away from the event and how it will shape our work at JR&Co.

1. Sustainability is about action, not intention

There’s no shortage of businesses talking about sustainability, but the real impact comes from turning words into action. The event highlighted how organisations across industries are moving beyond “quick wins” to make deep, lasting changes that prioritise people and the planet.

Many of the discussions reinforced the idea that it is not grand, unrealistic promises, but small, meaningful changes and consistent effort that truly drives progress.

This resonates deeply with our approach at JR&Co. We don’t just focus on individual sustainable actions; we embed sustainable thinking into every facet of our business. It’s not enough to just set targets; we integrate sustainability into everything we do—from the products we use to the training we provide our teams.

Here are some examples of significant steps we’ve already taken:

2. Sustainability goes beyond carbon emissions

While reducing emissions remains a top priority for businesses worldwide, sustainability extends far beyond that. It includes social and economic factors, from fair wages and worker well-being to ethical sourcing and responsible waste management.

As Vania put it: “Reducing carbon is important, but sustainability has to be holistic. It’s about balancing environmental impact with social and economic responsibility. Otherwise, we’re just shifting the problem elsewhere.”

At JR&Co, we embrace this holistic view. We prioritise fair pay, responsible supply chains, and innovative cleaning solutions that minimise waste without compromising hygiene standards.

We also support our local community, such as through our work with The Felix Project in their mission to create a London where no one goes hungry.

Reducing carbon is important, but sustainability has to be holistic. It’s about balancing environmental impact with social and economic responsibility.

3. AI and sustainability: two fast-changing worlds

Another topic that stood out was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in sustainability. Both fields are evolving at an incredible pace, and AI is increasingly being used to analyse sustainability data, optimise resource management, and improve decision-making.

“The rapid progression of both Sustainability and AI is creating new opportunities for integration. AI is already making data analysis more reliable, and in the future, sustainability reporting might be held to the same level of scrutiny as financial data.” – Vania

This has exciting implications for the cleaning industry. As AI-driven solutions continue to develop, they could help us further refine our sustainability strategies by reducing waste, improving efficiency, and ensuring even greater transparency.

4. The future of sustainability is about rigour and accountability

The Expo underscored the importance of data integrity in sustainability. As regulations become stricter, businesses will need to ensure their environmental reporting is precise and verifiable.

“Companies will have to adopt stricter sustainability audits and higher reporting standards. It’s not enough to say you’re sustainable—you have to prove it!” – Vania

This reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in all we do. At JR&Co, we already track and measure our sustainability efforts, publish our Sustainability Report, and obtain external verification of our carbon emissions. Our B Corp certification provides independent validation of our sustainability practices and motivates us to continually improve.

Looking ahead, we’re committed to further refining our reporting processes and finding new ways to share our progress with clients even more openly.

Companies will have to adopt stricter sustainability audits and higher reporting standards. It’s not enough to say you're sustainable—you have to prove it!

5. Collaboration is the key to progress

The Sustainability Expo reinforced a crucial truth: no business can tackle sustainability alone.

Whether it’s through partnerships, industry collaboration, or sharing knowledge, we all have a role to play in pushing sustainability forward.

We believe that working together is the most powerful way to drive change. That’s why we actively engage with:

  • Suppliers: We partner with suppliers who share our commitment to environmental and ethical values.
  • Clients: We’re committed to helping our clients achieve their own sustainability goals.
  • Industry Networks: We actively participate in industry events and sustainability networks to stay informed about the latest innovations and best practices.

When businesses come together with a shared purpose, the impact is far greater than what any of us can achieve alone. By working together, we can amplify our impact and create a more sustainable future for everyone.

Looking ahead: what this means for JR&Co

The Sustainability Expo reinforced something we already knew: the journey towards sustainability is ongoing.

It’s not about one big change but about continuous improvement, collaboration, and staying open to new ideas.

At JR&Co, we don’t just talk about sustainability; we build it into everything we do. Every decision we make, from the products we use to how we support our teams and engage with clients, reflects our long-term committment to environmental and social responsibility.

It all comes down to the power of undivided attention—focusing on the details that make a real difference and ensuring sustainability is woven into every aspect of our work. It’s about finding the right balance between responsibility and economic resilience.

While the landscape is constantly evolving, our commitment remains the same. We’re excited to continue pushing forward, challenging ourselves, and taking meaningful steps towards a greener, more sustainable future.

Author:
JR&Co

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4 MINS