RS Clare recently participated in the Chemical Northwest (CNW) Sustainability Group event on Wednesday, 14th May at The Innovation Centre, Sci-Tech Daresbury. Our Sustainability and Improvement Manager, Elaine Littlewood, took to the stage to share RS Clare’s sustainability journey, achievements to date, and plans for the future.
Elaine’s presentation highlighted RS Clare’s commitment to aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while driving innovation and delivering positive environmental change within the lubricant industry.
RS Clare’s commitment to UN’s SDGs
Our alignment with the UN’s SDGs centres on three key areas where we can make the biggest impact:
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
Through local engagement and economic contributions, we support the development of sustainable and inclusive urban environments, especially in our home city of Liverpool.
- Responsible Consumption and Production
We continuously improve our manufacturing processes to responsibly use natural resources, reduce waste, and increase efficiency.
- Life Below Water
Protecting marine ecosystems is a top priority for RS Clare. We ensure that our products and operations minimise pollution and support ocean health.
Key insights from Elaine’s presentation
Elaine focused on five key areas, providing a comprehensive overview of RS Clare’s sustainability efforts and goals for a greener future:
Sustainability vision
Elaine outlined RS Clare’s commitment to achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050. She also discussed the company’s focus on developing sustainable products, fostering responsible procurement, and engaging with local communities.
Achievements
Elaine highlighted our leadership in adopting renewable energy and the introduction of our EcoCurve grease range within the rail sector, which meets certifications like the EU Ecolabel and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for environmentally acceptable lubricants.
Recognition
The audience learned about RS Clare’s many accolades including the CNW EDI Award, received earlier this year in March 2025.
Legacy and global reach
Elaine explored RS Clare’s nearly 300-year history as the UK’s oldest lubricant manufacturer. With exports to over 50 countries, RS Clare is balancing its historic heritage with a strong commitment to modern sustainability practices.
Let’s explore RS Clare’s long-standing historic heritage in this video.
Future-facing strategies
Elaine closed her presentation with an inspiring look at RS Clare’s plans to deepen its sustainability strategy, including greater investment in innovative technologies, sustainable capital projects, and the formation of an “Impact Team” to accelerate ESG efforts across the business.
Driving innovation for a sustainable future
Elaine’s presentation at the CNW Sustainability Group event showcased RS Clare’s dedication to embedding sustainability into every aspect of our operations. By sharing our progress and future strategies, we aim to inspire collaboration, innovation, and action across the sector and beyond.
At RS Clare, we see sustainability not just as a responsibility, but as an opportunity to shape a greener, more inclusive future. We remain unwavering in our commitment to innovation, accountability, and environmental stewardship as we continue this critical journey.
To dive deeper into our commitment to sustainability, please visit our sustainability page.
