Roberts: A Journey Beyond the Bass
Here at Roberts, we are pledging our commitment to sustainability. We're proud of the strides we've made, but we also acknowledge that this is just the beginning. Our goal is simple: to grow as a business while ensuring we contribute positively to a sustainable future. We've set ourselves an ambitious target: achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. While the journey ahead is long, every step we take is a move towards fulfilling this commitment.
Owen Watters, CEO of Roberts, explains “Our business has been around for generations and we need to ensure that we hand over the baton to the next generation with a responsible and ethical legacy. We absolutely believe that we have a collective responsibility to play a part in the transition to a more sustainable world.”
Packing a Punch
Launched in 2021, Project Verde saw our first significant step towards reducing our waste with the transformation of our product packaging, now completely plastic-free. To eliminate all single use plastic, we moved away from polystyrene and plastic bags, substituting these for paper pulp moulds and Sydney paper, and halted the use of glossy plastic-coated gift boxes. To cut down on paper use, we optimised packaging size and our packaging itself serves as a one-page quick-start guide with an accessible QR code on each of our products, directing you to online instructions.
Designing from Recycling
Sustainability is now the first point on the agenda when we consider any new projects, and our suppliers are supporting us to continually improve in this area.
Head of Design, Tristian Thornhill talked us through us his current targets and where we’re currently at in terms of our journey, “I am trying to "design from recycling", and to "design for recycling". At the moment, we design quality products that last for many years and can be serviced to extend their life. Our Revival and Rambler ranges use quality materials and components and have a timeless elegance that don't go out of fashion, needing replacement. However, they still have an end of life. We’re currently working with external agencies on multiyear projects whose aim is to improve recyclability and recoverability rates and provide guidelines to designers in the conceptual stages of projects, aiming to create circular economy where recycling is considered from start to finish.”
A noteworthy development has been our 'Reunion' product. 100% of its ABS plastic comes from post-consumer recycled content with a recyclable aluminium top control panel and button caps. We believe it’s a step in showing that good quality products can also be environmentally responsible.
While the 'Reunion' project is an exciting step forward, it's just a hint of what's to come. We're actively exploring new projects that embrace the use of substantial post-consumer recycled materials. At the same time, we remain uncompromising on the high-quality standards that every Roberts product embodies.
Better, Faster, Stronger
Like our Reunion Bluetooth speakers, pairing and collaborating always means better, faster, stronger. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach to sustainability. It’s a collective effort, and that's why, behind the scenes, we're working closely with organisations like Pezy, Brunel, Planet Mark, and the Royal Warrant Association to measure and reduce our carbon footprint and overall emissions. By combining our strengths, we aim to build a more eco-conscious future for everyone.
Roberts Refurbished: We believe in second chances
Roberts products are designed to last, which is why we are committed to keeping them in use for decades to come. An exciting initiative we launched to reduce unnecessary waste, our Refurbished styles are pre-loved and have been returned to us to be fully restored by our team of experts. Every radio, speaker and alarm clock has been rigorously tested, thoroughly cleaned and factory reconditioned, if necessary. Refurbished Products may have small cosmetic defects or have minor signs of cosmetic wear or handling, but they are fully functional and perform to the same exceptional standard as any product from our new Roberts range.
Honesty and Accountability = A Brighter Future
We're just scratching the surface of what's possible in sustainability at Roberts but we’re humbled that our efforts have already been recognised and acknowledged. Our cardboard packaging for our first BT Speaker, Beacon, earned us the Red Dot and IF Design awards. It's reassuring to see that quality and sustainability can be on the same page.
We’ll always be transparent about where we’re at and keep you on the same screen/page as us when it comes to progress. We want you on this journey with us, every step of the way. We're committed to learning, improving, and taking actionable steps. And while we're proud of our beginnings, we know there's much more to do.
Thank you for supporting us as we embark on this vital path. Together, we can make meaningful strides towards a sustainable future. Stay tuned as we continue to merge sustainability with excellence in our upcoming ventures.
