People & Society
Collaboration and engagement are central to our sustainability theme of People & Society. With the introduction of the new role of Sustainability & Energy Coordinator, we aim to take concrete steps to reduce our environmental impact. Additionally, we seek to strengthen our social responsibility by fostering collaboration and increasing the involvement of our employees and external stakeholders. We are organising various webinars and information sessions to inform and inspire employees, customers, and suppliers about sustainability initiatives and opportunities. Through knowledge sharing and promoting open dialogues, MCB aims to foster a culture of sustainability and create a broader impact.
Working together on nature restoration
On March 18, 2024, MCB entered into a 5-year agreement with the Municipality of Valkenswaard, in which MCB contributes through donations to forest and nature development projects within the municipality of Valkenswaard.
Simultaneously, MCB can offset its pallet wood consumption in this manner. In 2022, MCB initiated the Wood4Wood project, where used pallets are collected from customers, inspected, repaired, and reused within its own organisation or sister organisations. Through this initiative, MCB saved nearly 4000 trees in 2023.
The collaboration with the Municipality of Valkenswaard primarily supports the Dommelland programme: a programme aimed at connecting and enhancing nature, recreation, sports, and culture to strengthen the living environment for all residents.
MCB engages in ongoing and new nature projects to ensure visible and tangible results.
Silver EcoVadis medal
MCB proudly received in 2023 a silver medal from EcoVadis. With our score, we rank among the top 12% of all evaluated companies in our sector. This certification recognises MCB's significantly above-average performance across all four themes: environmental, ethics, labor and human rights, and sustainable procurement. Previously, in June 2023, we had already been awarded the bronze medal by EcoVadis.
IMVO covenant for the metal sector
MCB is the first metal wholesaler to sign the International CSR Agreement for the Metal Sector. By participating in the agreement, MCB aims to further professionalise the actions it already undertakes to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to achieving a responsible metal supply chain.
Sustainable coffee
In 2022, MCB switched to coffee supplier MAAS International BV. At MAAS, they produce coffee sustainably, and we are proud that through our coffee consumption, we have contributed to saving 42,460 liters of clean drinking water via MAAS's IMPACT sustainability policy. With the sustainability program IMPACT@ORIGIN, MAAS International permanently relocates elements of the value chain from Western Europe to the country of origin, thereby creating economic value through local investment.
First Brabantse Burgerbossen
At the end of 2022, contacts of MCB Netherlands, MCB Direct, and MCB Specials received an email allowing them to choose from three 'green' year-end gifts. The majority opted for a donation to the Brabantse Burgerbossen. This resulted in a significant amount that MCB then matched. Additionally, the Groen Ontwikkelfonds Brabant doubles every donation to the Brabant Burger Forests, resulting in a donation of €20,000. With this contribution, the first Brabant Burger Forest was established at Kraanven in Loon op Zand, planting a forest covering 1.7 hectares.