Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility
In a world of constant change, one thing is certain, we all have the power to influence the world around us, making a positive impact. Life and business are not mutually exclusive for us at COS—we’re a family run business and since opening our doors over 45 years ago, we have worked together to use our influence to change the communities we operate in for the better.
For over a decade we have been working hard to reduce our carbon footprint, and by employing smarter technology and other sustainable practices across our offices and distribution centres, 2023 is the year we have achieved net zero operations. Our ultimate goal is 100% renewable energy and the elimination of single-use plastic. Through innovative product design and more partnerships with eco-friendly manufacturers, we are already well on the way to reaching these targets, with better product choice for our customers a natural outcome.
COS has been recognised as an ABA100 Winner for Sustainability in the Australian Business Awards 2021, due to our commitment to shaping the future of sustainable business.
We Give Back
We’re passionate about sharing our success with our fellow Australians, which is why the Lyone Foundation works with local Australian charities focused on human welfare. With our customers’ support, COS has pledged over $15 million to local charities through the Lyone Foundation so far, and your ongoing assistance means we can pledge a further $1M per year. COS’s Founder and Chairman. Dominique Lyone, travelled from Egypt to Australia with his parents at a young age; the subsequent creation of the Lyone Foundation in 2013 was a way for Dominique to repay the kindness and support his family received on arrival, where they were provided with a platform to thrive in their new country. By choosing COS you will similarly make a difference in the lives of others. Find the latest news on the Foundation and recent donations here.
“Every one of our customers, however large or small, has contributed to the growth and success of the Lyone Foundation. By engaging with COS you can make a direct difference to the lives of others.”
Reconciliation Action Plan
Our vision for reconciliation is that First Nations peoples experience equity when it comes to education, careers, health outcomes, and quality of life. At COS, we are committed to expanding our contribution towards achieving reconciliation.
As part of our commitment, in 2021 we developed the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), that set out specific actions and targets in four key areas: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities, and Governance. We are proud to report that we have achieved significant milestones in each of these areas. These achievements are outlined in our RAP Report Card. Further to this, we have developed and implemented a First Nations Cultural Protocols Guide, which supports the facilitation of meaningful engagement. By implementing cultural protocols, we can promote greater understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures and establish ourselves as trustworthy and respectful partners in the eyes of First Nations communities.
We are committed to educating our teams, customers, suppliers, and networks about First Nations cultures while respecting protocols and traditions. Resources like these support our work with First Nations communities and honour their rich traditions.
First Nations Supplier Engagement
We are excited to be part of a positive movement creating opportunities for First Nations peoples, their communities, businesses, and suppliers. Our First Nations brands are hand-picked for their strong commitment to providing local jobs and giving back to local communities. The Muru range, our largest First Nations partner, has grown to include office stationery, copy paper, and kitchen supplies – with each purchase of a Muru product providing direct social and economic support to First Nations communities around Australia.
We continue to partner with and expand existing relationships with First Nations businesses that have a strong community presence and prioritise giving back. Spending with certified First Nations suppliers generates a social and economic value of $4.41 for every dollar invested, emphasising the potential of our partnerships. Read more about partners we are currently doing great work with here.
Muru Range
Committed to creating pathways for future generations, Muru Group is the largest First Nations owned and operated office products company in Australia, boasting the best range in the industry. Exclusive to COS.
Yaru Water
Yaru Water is a social enterprise that tells an important cultural story, whilst creating better health outcomes for First Nations communities through the Yaru Foundation.
Corporate Connect First Nations Artist
Featuring the stunning artwork of Aboriginal artist Keith Brown, all purchases from this collection goes towards the First Nations community, to enhance social and economic conditions.
Earth Blends
Committed to giving back & creating meaningful outcomes for First Nations peoples. Has over 70 years’ experience & partnerships with Karden LOOP & FreshFood. Make a positive social impact.
Supporting Social Enterprise
The decision to buy from a social enterprise can deliver huge benefits to individuals and local groups. It is one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of disadvantage and strengthen Australian communities. The power of buying socially means that every time goods and services are bought from such an enterprise, positive change is created.
We have a strict set of requirements and thoroughly vet all our manufacturers and third-party suppliers to ensure that they:
- Align with COS values
- Are working to contribute to a more sustainable environment or stronger, cohesive communities
- Monitor their supply chains in order to abide by ethical sourcing requirements.
For this reason, we are proud to showcase the companies that we have partnered with, which include B Corporations, local SMEs and women-owned businesses.
Fairtrade
Fairtrade ANZ is an active member of the global Fairtrade system and works directly with businesses, consumers and campaigners to make trade fair by securing a better deal for farmers and workers.
Who Gives A Crap
Making super-soft, 100% recycled toilet paper, and donating 50% of profits to rebuild toilets in the developing world. Good for your bum and great for the world!
BioPak
Committed to providing a more sustainable plant-based solution that seamlessly replaces packaging made from non-renewable fossil-based resources, BioPak is a pioneer, creating innovative yet functional packaging that doesn't compromise quality.
Modern Slavery
At COS we respect the human rights of all those affected by our business activities. We endeavour to make a positive and real difference to our immediate and greater community through our operations and wider supply chain. Our suppliers share our commitment to social and environmental responsibilities, and we place preference with suppliers who practice ethically responsible methods of sourcing and manufacturing whilst maintaining world best practice labour standards. We scrutinise every element of the supply chain and place a high level of importance on the behaviour of the total supply chain, as we believe this is where we can make the most significant impact. Click here to read our Modern Slavery Statement.
Ethical Sourcing
Our goal is to provide our customers with quality products and value for money, this means sourcing products from a variety of locations both locally and internationally. As a privately owned Australian family business we are committed to managing our business in a manner that reflects our values, this includes being committed to upholding human rights, fair working conditions, and environmental protection. We endeavour to always operate responsibly, and we expect the same from our suppliers. The COS Ethical Sourcing Policy embodies our commitment to integrating ethical and socially responsible business practices into all aspects of our operations.
Click here to read more.
Eco-Conscious Operation
Together with our large customer and supplier network, we’re developing smarter, more sustainable solutions to reduce our carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. Reaching net zero operations in 2023, we’ve already made significant progress through initiatives such as the introduction of electric delivery vehicles, company-wide recycle programs, and the installation of nearly 2,000 solar panels across our warehouses, giving us the industry’s largest solar farm.
Eco Conscious Range
We offer an expansive range of eco-conscious products that make sustainable choices easy. A business’s choice to switch to sustainable supplies goes toward reducing any harmful effects on the environment.
Our Suppliers
We scrutinise every element of our supply chain and only work with socially responsible suppliers who are committed to meeting our sustainability criteria. With their partnership, our drive to reduce plastic results in hundreds of thousands of pieces—that would otherwise go to landfill—saved each year.
Our Logistics
With a vision of sustainable logistics, we are constantly improving our practices across all our operations. Delivery fleet upgrades, the expansion of our solar farms, paperless picking, and increasing our waste to recycling ratio means both fewer emissions and an increase in trees saved.
