Around 500 suppliers have 12 months to get on board.

 

OfficeMax New Zealand has launched a ‘Responsible Supplier Code and Sustainable Packaging Guidelines’ for around 500 domestic and international suppliers.  

 

The new frameworks are designed to support OfficeMax’s 2020-2025 Sustainability Strategy by improving the social and environmental footprint of its supply chain as part of a long-term commitment to empowering successful and sustainable workplaces. 

 

The launch follows a trial and feedback period with suppliers based in New Zealand and globally.

 

According to OfficeMax, a division of Platinum Equity-owned Winc Australia, more than 45,000 packages leave the company’s two distribution centres every week to its business, government, education and consumer customers – and the initiatives are expected to deliver “downstream benefits for all”.  

 

The Responsible Supplier Code will focus on enhancing ethical business activities, such as labour standards and human rights, as well as reducing environmental impacts. 

 

Suppliers will be required to self-assess their organisation against Standard, Standard PLUS or Advanced criteria in the coming year, with the Standard level being the minimum required to continue doing business with OfficeMax.

 

The next 12 months gives suppliers time to understand what is required prior to the commencement of a Responsible Supplier Code audit programme that will launch in July 2024.

 

OfficeMax director of merchandise, Richard Meares, said: “The aspirations and goals set out in our new Responsible Supplier Code will guide our suppliers to demonstrate best practice standards”. 

 

The Sustainable Packaging Guidelines were developed to align with the Plastic and Related Products Regulations 2022 and will see all suppliers within OfficeMax’s supply chain support a circular waste process by maximising the ongoing sustainable value of packaging materials. 

 

This, in turn, will support OfficeMax's goal of achieving 100 per cent reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.

 

In the last few years, OfficeMax has undertaken several other sustainable initiatives, including investing more than NZ$1 million into two automated ‘box making’ and lid applicator machines specifically designed to minimise packaging and waste.