The historic British luxury brand’s Beyond100 commitments to sustainability are celebrated yet again.
Bentley Motors, renowned for its luxurious and high-performance vehicles, has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by earning the ‘Net Zero Plastic to Nature’ accreditation for a second consecutive year. This prestigious international accolade, awarded by the climate-focused company South Pole, highlights Bentley’s progressive approach to waste management and sustainability practices.
In 2022, Bentley Motors became the first automotive manufacturer to receive this ground-breaking certification. This achievement was a direct result of Bentley’s comprehensive waste stewardship appraisal, conducted by South Pole, focusing on the management and reduction of plastic waste across Bentley’s operations. The appraisal covered aspects ranging from macro-plastic parts packaging used in logistics and manufacturing to micro-plastic emissions from tyre abrasion, illustrating Bentley’s “no stone unturned” approach to environmental responsibility.
The latest endorsement from South Pole is a testament to Bentley’s continuous efforts to align its operations with its ambitious environmental goals, particularly under its Beyond100 strategy. This strategy underscores Bentley’s vision to become the world’s most sustainable luxury automotive brand, a commitment that goes beyond mere compliance to actively shaping a more sustainable future for the automotive industry.
A key factor in securing the Net Zero Plastic to Nature status in 2022 was Bentley’s enhanced waste management and traceability protocols for its plastic waste. Impressively, 97% of Bentley’s plastic waste was processed last year, significantly reducing the volume of non-processed plastic waste. This achievement aligns with Bentley’s commitment to zero waste-to-landfill and minimal export of waste. Additionally, Bentley’s investment in the ‘Second Life Thailand’ project, which focuses on recovering, recycling, and reusing ocean-bound and land plastic waste, further demonstrates its proactive approach to mitigating environmental impact.
Andreas Lehe, Board Member for Manufacturing at Bentley Motors, emphasized the brand’s aspiration to lead in sustainable luxury automotive production. He outlined Bentley’s initiatives, such as collaborating with waste management suppliers and optimizing plastic usage at its production headquarters in Crewe. Bentley’s strategy extends beyond manufacturing, addressing plastic usage in vehicle delivery to dealerships and customers, highlighting its holistic approach to waste management.
Sebastian Benndorf, Director of Production Planning at Bentley Motors, acknowledged South Pole’s significant role in providing insights into Bentley’s global plastics footprint. This collaboration has enabled Bentley to deepen its understanding of its environmental impact and strengthen its commitment to the Beyond100 strategy.
The achievement of the Net Zero Plastic to Nature status is not just a win for Bentley but also a beacon for the automotive industry. It showcases how luxury and sustainability can coexist, setting new benchmarks for environmental responsibility. Bentley’s journey towards sustainability aligns with the Paris Agreement and UN Sustainable Development Goals, making it a role model for other companies striving to reduce their environmental footprint. This recognition solidifies Bentley’s position as a leader in sustainable luxury automotive production, propelling the industry towards a more eco-conscious future.