Cutting Tape to Help the Earth

Our team in Australia had an idea that, on its surface, may seem like a small solution to a much larger issue – reducing the global use of disposable materials.

The team that manages our two Distribution Centers in Australia decided to curtail as much as possible the use of plastic tape to seal the cartons full of dental supplies that we ship to customers each day. Through process enhancements and a shared dedication to environmental sustainability, our team in Australia slashed tape usage by more than 60% in just one year – or nearly 1,500 kilometers (approximately 932 miles) of plastic tape spared, enough to stretch from Sydney to Adelaide, or Dallas to Chicago, or London to Barcelona.

This Earth Day, we applaud the dedication of our Australia Distribution team as just one example of the work Team Schein is doing to help the Earth. ?

For five and a half decades, the world has celebrated April 22 as Earth Day to recognize the growing importance of environmental protection. This year, EarthDay.org's global theme, "Planet vs. Plastics," resonates profoundly. It's a stark truth that the prevalent use of disposable materials in health care significantly contributes to plastic pollution. As an industry, it falls upon all participants to collectively take strides towards reducing plastic consumption while following the current health and safety legislation and providing high-quality patient care.

At Henry Schein, we have been committed to environmental stewardship for over 30 years because we believe in a healthier planet for healthier people, reflecting our? mission to drive sustained, long-term business success while also creating shared value for our society.

As a leader in health care distribution, Henry Schein plays a significant role in the supply chain ecosystem. In 2008, we introduced our Global Reflections program in the U.S., featuring nearly 250 environmentally friendly products designed to help customers minimize their carbon footprint.

Last year, we deepened our commitment by introducing Practice Green?, a global initiative providing Henry Schein customers and suppliers with a range of products, solutions, and services aimed at fostering sustainable health care practices. Launched initially in Europe, Middle East, and Africa in January 2023, Practice Green expanded throughout the year to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Through Practice Green, we continue to listen and learn from our customers and suppliers as we evolve our work amid an ever-changing health care landscape. ?

Our dedication to a healthier planet is advanced by the dedication of our Team Schein Members (TSMs), who are equally passionate about the environment. Every year, TSMs participate in activities ranging from park and beach clean-ups to reducing paper use in our offices. To formalize this work, we have launched “Green Team Schein,” an employee engagement effort to make the world a greener place.

Together with our customers and supplier partners, Team Schein is confident that our collective commitment to the environment will yield tangible benefits across the health care sector. Let's continue working together to protect our planet for a healthier future.

Care to learn more? Visit www.henryschein.com/earth-day.