Sustainability terminology can be confusing, and two of the most commonly misunderstood terms are Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero. While they’re often used interchangeably, they actually represent very different approaches.
So, which is better?
At Traffi, we believe that the real priority isn’t just choosing between these terms, it’s taking real, measurable action to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future. Whether that involves offsetting, insetting (more on that later), or operational improvements, what truly matters is making a genuine impact.
To be clear, both Carbon Neutral and Net Zero apply to Traffi, we are a certified Zero Carbon company, and we have multiple carbon-neutral certified products. But what truly sets us apart is how we integrate sustainability into every part of our business.
Carbon Neutrality: A Vital Step, Not a Shortcut
Carbon neutrality is sometimes dismissed as “just offsetting”, but that oversimplifies its importance. At Traffi, we see it as a milestone, not the final goal.
What is Carbon Neutrality?
Carbon Neutral means that a company or product balances its emissions by investing in carbon offset projects, such as reforestation or renewable energy.
Offsetting can get a bad reputation when used as a quick fix. If a company makes no real effort to reduce its footprint, then buying carbon credits is just greenwashing.
At Traffi, we only offset unavoidable emissions. Our main focus is on reducing emissions at the source through:
- Sustainable materials
- Energy-efficient manufacturing
- Third-party certifications for credibility
- That’s why offsetting plays only a small role in our sustainability strategy. We don’t rely on it, we prioritise real change.
Net Zero: More Than a Label
Net Zero goes beyond Carbon Neutral, it requires a concrete, accredited plan to reduce emissions over time.
What is Net Zero?
A company achieving Net Zero must reduce emissions as much as possible and only offset the remainder as a last resort. This approach ensures that emissions aren’t just shifted elsewhere but are actively reduced.
At Traffi, we’re already delivering on this.
- We are the first glove company in the world with a validated Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) transition plan.
- 85% of our range is Cradle to Grave certified, meaning we account for every stage of a product’s lifecycle, from materials to disposal.
- We actively reduce emissions at every step rather than relying on offsetting to make up for bad practices.
- In short, we don’t just aim for Net Zero, we build sustainability into everything we do.
Insetting: Sustainability Built from Within
The real debate isn’t Carbon Neutral vs. Net Zero, it’s how to make sustainability meaningful. That’s where insetting comes in.
Unlike offsetting, which compensates for emissions after they’re produced, insetting means reducing emissions within the business itself.
At Traffi, we take a holistic approach to sustainability by embedding it into our core processes:
Design – Our gloves are made for durability, reducing waste and replacement needs.
Materials – We prioritise recycled and responsibly sourced materials.
Manufacturing – We use energy-efficient production to cut emissions at the source.
This approach ensures that our actions truly make a difference, not just for our customers, but for the planet.
Transparency: The Key to Real Sustainability
What separates a real commitment from greenwashing? Transparency.
At Traffi, we don’t just talk about sustainability, we prove it:
- 85% of our product range is Cradle to Grave certified, meaning we track the full lifecycle impact of our gloves.
- Our SBTi plan is fully published, ensuring our emissions reduction aligns with global climate goals.
- We lead the industry by making sustainability a core part of our business, not just a marketing strategy.
Why This Matters
The difference between buzzwords and real action isn’t just semantics, it’s impact.
We’re not here to one-up competitors. We’re here to lead an industry-wide shift towards true sustainability. That means:
- Helping businesses make informed, eco-friendly choices
- Providing gloves that protect both workers and the planet
- Holding ourselves accountable through transparency and third-party validation
- Sustainability is not a competition. It’s a responsibility, one that we take seriously.
Final Thoughts
The path to sustainability is complex, and it’s not a race, it’s a responsibility.
Consumer demand for sustainable solutions is only increasing, and greenwashing is a real concern. But instead of criticising other companies, we believe in leading by example. Sustainability should never be about corporate point-scoring, it should always be about reducing harm to the planet.
At Traffi, our commitment is clear:
- Real change over shortcuts
- Sustainability built into everything we do
- Transparency, integrity, and measurable impact
- Together, we can protect hands, support lives, and safeguard the planet, for today and for the future.
If you have any questions on this topic (or any other topic), send it across to [email protected] or, alternatively, you can pick up the phone and ask us on +44 1344 207090!
