![]()
An update on Henry Schein Australia’s Supply Chain Sustainability Initiatives 2024
In the fourth quarter of 2023, Henry Schein made significant changes in its sustainability initiatives, in line with Henry Schein’s membership with the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) Henry Schein are continually reviewing all packaging consumption.
Henry Schein initially had five different box sizes; the smallest two brown boxes are made from 100% recycled content. The larger three sizes are white boxes and by partnering with the supplier, HS were able to explore the optimal recycled content for these boxes.
After the successful completion of a trial in February 2024 Henry Schein introduced a new extra-small box (box size 0) made entirely from 100% recycled materials.
This smaller box design not only aligns with sustainability goals but also offers an eco-friendlier packaging solution.
Through various trials conducted, the Henry Schein Supply Chain team concluded that 77% recycled content is the appropriate make up for larger boxes to ensure safety and durability within the Supply Chain. The new boxes will be introduced from May 2024 onwards.
Looking ahead in 2024, Henry Schein has plans to further enhance its sustainability efforts, exploring alternative packaging options that align with eco-friendly principles. Starting with a trial of paper-based honeycomb style satchels for small customer orders. Following this a paper tape trial. Ensuring we focus on the successful implementation of each initiative individually demonstrates Henry Schein's dedication to ensuring the success and seamless integration of sustainable practices throughout their packaging processes. Overall, these initiatives support Henry Schein's proactive role in driving positive environmental
change within the industry.
What is Practice Green?
At Henry Schein we are working to reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible business practices in our own operations and supply chain, in collaboration with our suppliers, partners, and customers. We are committed to climate action and transparency by continuously strengthening our approach to measuring, monitoring, and reporting on our carbon emissions and other environmental impacts. Through Practice Green we will be reviewing all aspects of our business and our partners to ensure that we are collaborating on sustainability and making considerable steps to meet our objectives.
For more information on Henry Schein’s Environmental Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, please see our Practice Green website:
https://henryschein.com.au/practice-green