Sustainability
At RS Clare, we are committed to making a positive contribution to economic, environmental and social progress through our business activities and relationships. Sustainability is not just about protecting the environment — it is about how we treat our people, how we govern our business, how we support our communities, and how we work with our suppliers and customers to drive responsible practice across everything we do.
Our approach to sustainability
Building on over 275 years of innovation, sustainability is embedded in the way we operate — efficiently, responsibly and with long-term thinking. Our sustainability strategy is structured around four pillars: Carbon Reduction, Engagement, Endorsement and Impact. Together these reflect our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint, engaging our people and supply chain, maintaining independent certification of our performance, and making a positive difference for our
customers, our community and the planet.
We hold an ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System, are an accredited Living Wage employer, and hold the EcoVadis Silver Award.
Our environmental commitments
RS Clare’s ESG Policy underpins our commitment to the environment and sustainability, supported by our ISO 14001-certified Environmental Management System. Our environmental commitments include:
- Reducing Emissions: We aim to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices, including on-site renewable energy generation.
- Resource Efficiency: We strive to use resources efficiently and reduce waste through recycling, reusing materials, and optimising our manufacturing processes.
- Sustainable Sourcing: We prioritise sourcing raw materials from suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices and ethical standards, underpinned by our Supplier Code of Conduct.
- Compliance: We comply with all relevant environmental regulations and standards, including the US Environmental Protection Act and applicable EU environmental directives, maintaining an Environmental Management System in accordance with ISO 14001.
How lubricants support more sustainable operations
RS Clare’s lubricant products are developed to help our customers reduce operational costs and lower their environmental impact. By minimising friction, our products help save energy and reduce emissions. Enhanced wear protection also extends the life of assets, reducing the need for replacement and the associated material footprint.
As an example, approximately one third of all energy used in transportation goes to overcoming friction. A high-performance lubricant can improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and conserve fuel — delivering measurable benefits for customers and the environment.
The Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the United Nations established 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — a global framework to address society’s most important challenges by 2030. RS Clare has identified 4 SDGs where our business, products and operations can make the most meaningful contribution:
SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
The Sustainable Development Goals aim to make cities, towns and communities more sustainable and safe. Particularly as the world becomes increasingly urbanised, with data showing that since 2007, more than half of the world’s population now live in densely populated cities. At RS Clare, we are proud of our location in the heart of Liverpool and strive to ensure we positively contribute to the local economy and community.
SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
Consumption and production drives the global economy and there is a responsibility on many companies to treat natural resources carefully by adopting more energy efficient and sustainable practices. At RS Clare, we are committed to continually enhancing our processes around consumption and manufacturing to ensure we are doing what we can to lessen our environmental impact.
SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
Sustainable economic growth depends on businesses that invest in their people, uphold fair and safe working conditions, and build resilient supply chains. At RS Clare, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and rewarding workplace where every employee can develop and thrive. As an accredited Living Wage employer, we are committed to ensuring every member of our team is paid a fair wage that reflects the real cost of living. We promote decent work standards not only within our own operations but through our Supplier Code of Conduct, encouraging the businesses we work with to uphold the same values. As a business that has been part of the Liverpool community since 1748, creating long-term, sustainable employment and economic value remains central to everything we do.
SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable industrial progress depends on businesses that invest in innovation, develop cleaner technologies and build resilient infrastructure. Innovation has been at the heart of RS Clare for over 275 years. From developing PFAS-free rail greases and EU Ecolabel lubricants to calculating the carbon footprint of our products and expanding our on-site renewable energy generation, we are committed to responsible innovation that delivers measurable environmental benefits for our customers and the industries we serve.
EU Ecolabel
Our EcoCurve range has been formulated to meet two of the world’s most rigorous environmental standards for lubricants: the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL) criteria and the EU Ecolabel. Both certifications are independently assessed and provide customers with verified assurance that these products meet defined standards for biodegradability, toxicity and environmental impact.
As regulatory requirements and customer sustainability expectations continue to grow, particularly in environmentally sensitive applications, the EcoCurve range offers a certified, high-performance solution that supports responsible operations without compromising on product quality.
