When it comes to sustainability, terminology can and does get confusing. Terms like Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero are often used interchangeably, but they represent very different approaches.
There’s been a fair amount of discourse recently over which is best, but the most important thing in our view is to be making real, measurable changes towards a more sustainable future – whether this involves offsetting, insetting (more on that later), or making more general changes to your day-to-day operations.
To be absolutely clear, both carbon neutral and zero carbon apply in Traffi’s case – as a company, we are certified zero carbon, and we have multiple products which are certified carbon neutral.
Here’s what truly sets Traffi apart: our dedication to incorporating sustainability into every aspect of our operations, ensuring that our journey is as impactful as our destination.
Carbon Neutrality: A Vital Step, Not a Shortcut
Carbon Neutrality often gets criticised as “just insetting” or sometimes "just offsetting" but that oversimplifies its importance. For Traffi, neutrality is not the end goal but a milestone on the way to reducing emissions and driving real change.
Carbon offsetting has a mixed reputation. To some, it’s seen as only marginally better than having no sustainability initiative at all. This is accurate if you’re not changing the way you do business – continuing to operate in a way that’s overall quite detrimental to the planet, and throwing some money at the problem to do a bit of greenwashing afterwards.
To us, carbon offsetting is a small part of the puzzle, and as a result of years of investment in sustainable materials, efficient processes, and third-party certifications, it’s not something that we do an awful lot of. We offset only unavoidable emissions, ensuring integrity in every claim we make.
Net Zero: More Than a Label
Net Zero requires an accredited plan to cut emissions, something Traffi is already delivering on. As the first glove company globally with a validated Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi) transitional plan, we’re actively reducing our emissions while balancing the unavoidable ones.
We’re also the only glove company in the world with 85% of our range Cradle to Grave certified, demonstrating a lifecycle approach to sustainability that goes far beyond just the workplace.
Insetting: Sustainability Built from Within
The real challenge isn’t Neutrality vs. Net Zero, it’s how to make sustainability truly meaningful. That’s where insetting comes in.
At Traffi, we don’t just offset emissions after they’re created; we work to minimise them at the source. From sustainably sourced materials to energy-efficient production processes, we embed sustainability into every aspect of what we do:
Design: Our gloves are crafted for longevity, reducing waste and maximising value.
Materials: We prioritise recycled and responsibly sourced materials.
Processes: Continuous improvement in our operations ensures we’re cutting emissions wherever possible.
This holistic approach ensures that every step we take benefits not just our customers but the planet as well.
Transparency
What separates a real commitment from marketing spin? Transparency. Traffi doesn’t just talk about sustainability; we prove it:
85% of our live product range has Cradle to Grave certification. A lifecycle approach that considers every stage, from raw materials to disposal.
A fully published SBTi plan ensuring our emissions reductions align with global climate goals.
Why This Matters
The difference between buzzwords and real action isn’t just semantics, it’s the impact. At Traffi, we’re not here to one-up competitors; we’re here to lead the way for an industry that must evolve.
By embedding sustainability into our operations and embracing transparency, we’re empowering our customers to make choices that protect hands, support lives, and safeguard the planet.
Final Thoughts
The path to sustainability is complex, and it’s not a race, it’s a responsibility. At Traffi, we’re proud to take that responsibility seriously, leading the way with actions that speak louder than words.
With consumer demand for sustainable solutions only increasing, it’s important to be mindful of greenwashing and to call out irresponsible or misleading claims when you see them. With that in mind, though, we have a duty to prioritise the planet over taking jabs at companies who approach things differently. Sustainability initiatives must always remain just that – an effort to minimise negative impact on our planet, rather than a marketing exercise in corporate point-scoring.
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!
