Better Health for All

Bunzl's core business involves distributing a significant portfolio of products that deliver substantial health benefits, including healthcare products (continence aids, wound care, nutritional supplements, medical consumables, rehabilitation & mobility equipment), cleaning & hygiene materials, and food safety items like allergen labels and first aid kits.

Only 1% of the company's revenue is generated from consumables facing regulation. As a distribution company, Bunzl does not hold healthcare-related patents or conduct clinical trials, making these KPIs not applicable to its operations.

Fair Pay & Worker Respect

Bunzl PLC reported an employee engagement index score of 71% in 2024.

The voluntary employee turnover rate for 2024 was 14.8%. In the past three years, the company had five substantiated labor-law or human-rights violations, including four material breaches of its code of conduct in 2023 and one workplace safety or health violation in 2024.

No War, No Weapons

Bunzl conducts annual audits covering 89% of its high-risk global spend, with 1,175 suppliers assessed in 2024.

In 2024, 100 suppliers were undergoing remediation efforts, and 8 supplier contracts were terminated due to insufficient progress in addressing identified issues. Suppliers in high-risk countries are required to annually acknowledge their commitment to the Supplier Code of Conduct. The Director of Group HR provides twice-yearly updates to the Board on critical issues identified in supplier audits.

Planet-Friendly Business

Bunzl's total Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions were approximately 8.2 million tCO₂e in 2024

, with absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions increasing by 0.2% in 2024 . The company has SBTi-approved near-term and net-zero targets , including a 27.5% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 , and is committed to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C initiative . In 2024, 6.3% of its total energy consumption was sourced from renewables . The company achieved zero waste to landfill in 2023 , with a recycling rate of approximately 50% of generated waste in 2024 , indicating 100% diversion from landfill. Approximately 33.4% of suppliers by emissions currently have science-based carbon reduction targets in place , with a target to reach 79-80% by 2027 . Bunzl's climate-related disclosures are consistent with TCFD recommendations , and it conducts comprehensive climate scenario analysis using the NGFS framework , considering 1.5°C, 2.6°C, and 3°C pathways . The Sustain Agri Bag has a carbon footprint 28% lower than a standard paper bag . The company runs an established charity program, launched in 2020 , supporting waste picker communities in vulnerable regions , which has completed 60 projects and supported over 1000 individuals .

Safe & Smart Tech

Bunzl PLC provides standard user privacy controls, including GDPR-mandated data subject rights such as access, rectification, erasure, and data portability, with a one-month response time for requests.

The company adheres to standard data minimization practices, retaining data only as long as necessary for business needs and legal/regulatory duties. Bunzl demonstrates good regulatory compliance, maintaining an ICO registration (Z6390333, registered 2002, expires 2027) and a GDPR Representative. The company fully complied with the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018 for the year ended 31 December 2024, and also complies with the Companies Act 2006, FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. The Group experienced a number of cyber-attacks during 2024, none of which were considered material and all of which were effectively managed. Bunzl is also building knowledge and skills in Artificial Intelligence through pilot projects and education sessions.

Zero Waste & Sustainable Products

Bunzl's recycling rate was approximately 50% of generated waste in 2024.

For packaging, 56% of total packaging sales across the Group are from alternative materials, and 51% of packaging supplied is recyclable, compostable, renewable, or reusable. Circular design principles are embedded in most product lines, with 86% of Group revenue attributable to products well-suited to a circular economy, and specific products like OdorBac and RE:MIND designed for circularity and rated gold in internal product awards. The company has implemented multiple waste reduction initiatives, including the LoopBox return scheme, Recycle Connect, and trials of alternative packaging materials, with Bunzl Safety and Lifting winning an Australian PIDA for Sustainable Packaging. These efforts have led to quantified reductions, such as 630 tonnes of CO2e and 200 tonnes of plastic reduction for customers. Bunzl has comprehensive waste program requirements for all suppliers, conducting regular audits focusing on environmental impact, assessing performance against ISO 14001 benchmarks, and terminating contracts for non-compliance. The company provides extensive customer waste education through training programs, digital platforms, detailed reporting on plastic and CO2 savings, and sustainability consultancy services, including a Greenline platform with carbon emissions information for approximately 17,000 products.