Environmental Imperatives

Carbon emissions are commonly measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), and this is the most frequently used metric for assessing a company’s climate change impacts.

In 2018, we took the initiative to hire external environmental consultants to accurately measure the carbon footprint of several facilities, marking the beginning of our journey to reduce our carbon emissions profile.

This process was expanded in 2019 when the first company-wide carbon footprint assessment was completed. Annual measurement and tracking of our carbon footprint is now a crucial part of our efforts to reduce our climate change impacts.

We have now established specific targets for our carbon footprint and are actively working to achieve them at both a macro and micro level, showcasing our dedication to addressing climate change.

In 2019, ITL Bangalore initiated a project to expand the local greenbelt in the surrounding area. This was aimed at addressing soil erosion, enhancing the area's aesthetics, and to some extent, reducing local air emissions. Additionally, the project aimed to raise awareness about deforestation and climate change. The greenbelt area was expanded by planting 30 saplings around the facility. A rainwater harvesting system has been installed on the rooftop of the Bangalore facility.

Rainwater is collected on the roof and then fed into the rainwater collection sump. This sump is connected to a recharging pit with dimensions of 3m x 0.5m, which is used to recharge the on-site groundwater. Additionally, the fire hydrant sump draws water from the rainwater collection sump.

ITL's Cape Town facility has successfully replaced LDPE plastic shrink wrap with an FSC™ certified paper alternative for outgoing products. Pallets of products bound for customers are now wrapped in a paper alternative; resulting in a significant reduction of plastic use per month.

ITL's Cape Town facility introduced a new waste management system resulting in significant improvements to waste disposal methods. Textile production waste is now recycled into other textile products; for example furniture and cushion stuffing. From January to March 2021, 2747 kilograms of production waste was recycled into new products.

ITL joined the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Business Network South Africa to support the creation of a world in which people live in harmony with nature. Our financial contribution impacts WWF South Africa's ability to deliver critical conservation work. Joining the business network is an indication of the shared commitment to preserving our natural capital and empowers WWF as they continue to strive for a future that is sustainable and equitable in which both people and nature thrive. We prioritise the sourcing of environmentally conscious materials from certified organisations to help protect natural resources.