Alsco has a genuine commitment to encourage sustainability, climate, social, and community initiatives, that pave a positive way forward for wider social impacts and a more inclusive community.

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A good example is our involvement in the Textile Reuse Programme, developing alternatives for textiles at the end of their initial life cycle. Being one of the four founding partners and on the steering committee of the programme has given Alsco a real sense of ownership and connection. It has enabled Alsco to help shape the direction of the programme whilst developing capacity to divert our used textiles away from landfill at the end of their rental life. Alsco purchases over 200 tonnes of textiles annually, and without diversion, the bulk of that stock would eventually end up in landfill. 

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In recent years we have enjoyed being part of the Auckland City Mission Cookoff. The relationship was built over many years by NZTS and in recent years fostered by Mark Roberts and Steve Barden. There is real legacy of continuous involvement with the City Mission and we look forward to seeing it flourish over many more years. 

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I am very proud of the Ambassador Donations programme Alsco has developed over the past decade. This enables those useful items that would normally go to landfill to get a second life. The programme initially focussed on providing First Aid kits and consumables to organisations such as Medical Aid Abroad, but in recent times we have been very busy providing linen and supplies to more than 70 charitable causes that are focussed on the very real issue of poverty in New Zealand. 

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The Alsco name is relatively new in New Zealand, but our brand has become stronger and more recognisable over the past few years, no doubt bolstered by the work we have done in the sustainability arena, and the engagement we have had with communities across New Zealand. Alsco is on the cusp of being in the top 200 energy users nationwide. This puts real impetus on us to show leadership and develop our brand further. I have a strong belief in being ‘betterer’, that is not being content with the status quo but pushing our organisation and people to be better. 

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