“It is the range of biodiversity that we must care for – the whole thing – rather than just one or two stars.” — Sir David Attenborough
At Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies, we see biodiversity not as a distant environmental concern, but as something deeply intertwined with everything we do – our supply chains, our products, and our people all depend on the natural systems we so often take for granted.
Why Biodiversity Matters
Biodiversity is the foundation beneath our feet. It’s the reason we have clean water to drink, fertile soils to grow crops, pollinators to sustain food systems, and medicines derived from plants we may never have heard of. It’s the invisible infrastructure that keeps our planet running. And yet, it’s under serious threat.
Scientific assessments paint a stark picture. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) estimates that nearly one million species are at risk of extinction within the coming decades, as a direct result of human activity.
Here in the UK, a country often associated with green fields and nature reserves, the picture is equally troubling. According to the Biodiversity Intactness Index, the UK ranks among the lowest 10% of countries globally in terms of remaining biodiversity. Iconic species that were once a familiar part of our countryside are vanishing from our landscapes. What’s at stake is not just the survival of wildlife—it’s the resilience of our food systems, the stability of our climate, and the health and well-being of communities both here and around the world.
A Global Response: The Kunming-Montreal Framework
To respond to this crisis, the world took a decisive step. In 2022, at COP15 in Montreal, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) was adopted—an ambitious, science-led global plan to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve “living in harmony with nature” by 2050. Its targets are sweeping and bold:
- Conserve 30% of land and sea;
- Restore 20% of degraded ecosystems;
- Halve the spread of invasive species;
- Embed biodiversity into business, finance, and development decisions.
These aren’t abstract goals—they are roadmaps for transformative action.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The KMGBF is designed to work in tandem with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—the world’s broader blueprint for social, economic, and environmental well-being.
Together, they recognise that:
- You can’t achieve zero hunger (SDG 2) or good health (SDG 3) without thriving ecosystems.
- Clean water (SDG 6) and climate action (SDG 13) rely on resilient natural systems.
- Social goals like gender equality (SDG 5) and reduced inequalities (SDG 10) also support and benefit from more equitable, sustainable use of biodiversity.
True success will require integration across policies and sectors—from finance and trade to agriculture, energy, urban planning, and healthcare. And it requires action from all levels of society: governments, businesses, communities, and individuals.
What We’re Doing at Bunzl
At Bunzl, we’re stepping into this space with intent. Our focus on sustainability has always gone beyond emissions and energy. Now, we are developing a dedicated Biodiversity Strategy for 2025—a plan that will bring nature further into the heart of our operations, decision-making, and culture.
We’re starting from a strong foundation. Our previous biodiversity projects—like the distribution of over 500 bird and bat boxes across the UK—have supported wildlife in urban and rural areas alike, creating small but vital habitats and helping our teams and communities reconnect with the natural world.
Looking forward, our 2025 strategy will go further. We’ll be exploring how to:
- Embed biodiversity into our operations and supply chains,
- Enhance responsible sourcing and reduce waste impacts on nature,
- Support nature-positive initiatives in our communities and with our partners,
- Raise awareness and education around biodiversity within our organisation and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Biodiversity isn’t a distant issue—it’s here, in our gardens, our rivers, our food systems, and the products we rely on every day. As a company rooted in cleanliness, care, and responsibility, Bunzl recognises that a healthy planet means healthy people and a sustainable business.
Find out more about Sustainability at Bunzl Cleaning and Hygiene Supplies
