SML Group has reported significant progress in its sustainability and business goals in its newly released 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) report. Highlights include strong revenue growth, three new production facilities, and industry recognition for its RFID technology.

Now operating across more than 25 sites in over 20 countries, the group also received the “In-Store Technology of the Year” award at the 2024 Retail Systems Awards, recognising proven return on investment through RFID deployments.

The company’s ESG progress has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is aligned with the UN Global Compact, putting it on track toward its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. In 2024, 92.7% of waste was diverted from landfill, and 57.7% of products contained sustainable elements, supporting its 2030 targets. The EcoInspire range, using recycled polyester, FSC-certified paper, and plant-based inks, continued to gain traction with brands seeking reduced material impact.

Other key milestones included an 83.1% supplier compliance rate with ESG standards, more than 41,000 hours of employee training, and improved gender representation. The company also maintained a low Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.30, below the industry average of 2.8.

SML’s digital solutions are also helping retailers adapt to changing regulations and customer expectations. Its RFID and Digital Product Passport technologies allow for traceability and circularity, with the latter embedding material and lifecycle data directly into products. A partnership with Landmark Group rolled out RFID at item level across stores and distribution centres in the Middle East, delivering measurable business outcomes.

Looking to 2025, SML aims to increase sustainable products to 90% of its offering, reach 95% waste diversion and supplier compliance, and achieve a 42% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions from a 2021 baseline.

Nanna Ingemann Dalsgaard, vice president of sustainability, digital IDs and marketing, said: “By aligning with initiatives like the Science Based Targets initiative and the UN Global Compact, we are embedding sustainability and responsibility into every facet of our business.”