Every year, Plastic Free July puts the spotlight on one of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. Globally, more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced each year, with around two-thirds becoming waste after only a short period of use. Yet despite decades of recycling campaigns, less than 10% of plastic waste is recycled.

Plastic Free July started with one question: what if millions of people made one small change? 

Our Head of Sustainability, Andrew Young, has given his thoughts on the future of plastic use:

More of our clients are now asking questions about materials than ever before. Five years ago, sustainability conversations were often focused on carbon reporting, recycling rates or ESG strategies. Today, we’re increasingly being asked much more practical questions:

• “Can we remove PVC from this display?”
• “Do we really need this plastic component?”
• “Is there a fibre-based alternative?”
• “What happens to this material when the campaign finishes?”

The challenge is to design products and packaging that do not create unnecessary waste in the first place. In retail, packaging and point-of-sale, that is where we believe the biggest opportunity sits.

We recently worked with a retail client to review a large suite of in-store POS materials. The objective was not driven by a sustainability target or CSR commitment. They wanted to simplify materials, reduce waste and make disposal easier for stores. By reviewing specifications alongside material suppliers, we identified opportunities to replace several plastic-based components with fibre alternatives while maintaining the same visual impact and durability. Across thousands of units, relatively small specification changes can remove significant volumes of material from a supply chain. That is where the opportunity lies: improving products and processes that are used day after day across hundreds of locations.

Within our own operations, one simple switch to a reusable packing solution will reduce our plastic packaging use by more than 11 tonnes per year.

We’re seeing similar conversations across many sectors. Brands are looking at how displays can be reused rather than replaced. Packaging teams are questioning whether multiple materials are really needed and if reuse systems can be introduced. Procurement teams are looking beyond purchase price and considering end-of-life impacts.

Across APS, we’re experienced in helping clients make those decisions. We’ve achieved EcoVadis Gold status, placing us among the top-performing organisations assessed globally for sustainability performance. We also maintain FSC® and PEFC chain of custody certifications, helping clients source responsibly managed paper and card alternatives, and we’re continuing to invest in lower-impact materials, improved waste management and circular design principles.

Ten years ago, many fibre-based alternatives were more expensive, harder to manufacture and less able to match the visual quality of plastic-based products. Today, that is often no longer the case. Material innovation has accelerated rapidly, giving brands far more choice than ever before.

Read more about our sustainability commitment here

This year marks 115 years of International Women’s Day, which recognises the achievements of women and highlights the ongoing work needed to advance gender equality. It’s important as it raises awareness of persistent inequalities, inspires action for positive change, and celebrates the contributions women make in society. This year, the theme is Give to Gain, which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration.

Here are some brilliant women from across our business sharing their proudest achievements and inspirational thoughts about what International Women’s Day means to them.

Joanne Mulcrow, Operational Relationship Manager, UK

I have just celebrated my 25 year Anniversary with APS, I started as an office junior, and have worked my way all the way up to Team Manager.

Anne-Maro Huberts, Creative Lead, Europe

This year marks my 13th in advertising, I’m grateful to step into a team lead role and what that represents. Lived experience taught me the power of clarity, trust, and supporting people so they feel seen and heard. I want women to invest in their experience – confidence comes from knowing your worth. I strongly believe women don’t need luck. They need themselves.

Jo Griffiths, Senior Account Manager, UK

I took part in the APS-organised National 3 Peaks challenge. We completed it in 23hrs 52mins and raised over £2,000 for Muscular Dystrophy. I was the only female participant on the team.

Jessica Rodrigues, Client Services Director, US

I volunteer at my church’s Youth Group mentoring teens, building relationships and growing in faith together. Supporting the teen girls and watching them grow in confidence, helping them feel seen, heard, and valued, has been incredibly impactful. It’s shown me how powerful it is for women to step into leadership roles and uplift the next generation.

Karima Boudhan, Account Manager, the Netherlands

Women have been conditioned to soften their tone, adjust their presence, second-guess instincts and prove they belong. Over time, I’ve realised that growth isn’t about fighting harder, it’s about doubting myself less. It feels like the right moment to say this out loud: Taking up space is not being difficult. Clarity is not coldness. Boundaries are not hostility.

Roksana Oniszczuk, Operational Relationship Manager, UK

I moved from Poland to the UK and rebuilt my home, confidence, and career from the ground up. I joined APS as a Scanning Operator and I’m proud to have progressed to Team Manager. I’m celebrating resilience, growth, and the people who help us achieve more than we ever imagined.

Mariia Klochko, Senior Motion Graphic Designer, the Netherlands

I had a successful creative career in Ukraine but when the war broke out, I moved to the Netherlands. I’ve since progressed both personally and professionally – even learning Dutch! We are much stronger than we think, braver than we feel. I wish all women confidence, courage, growth, and belief in their own strength.

Michele Sung, Account Director, Canada

I’m reflecting on the importance of leadership and representation. As a mother of two daughters, how I show up matters; they’re watching how women lead with confidence, integrity, and purpose. I’m proud to build a career rooted in trust and impact, helping shape a future where female leadership feels both achievable and authentic.

Manuela Muller, Account Director, Germany

I was born into a communist regime where for women confidence, ambition, and the right to take up space were often discouraged. Women were needed but equality did not exist. From the women around me, I learned to be strong, find solutions, and be independent. I now show my son that real strength doesn’t mean forgetting yourself.

As we mark International Women’s Day, we’re grateful to the women across APS Group who continue to inspire and lead others every day. Their stories reflect the collaboration, resilience and generosity that help us make more possible together.

Explore more stories on our News page

We kicked off our 2025 calendar of social value activity by getting green fingered on two tree planting days with the Woodland Trust.

In January a team of five APS colleagues headed to the Woodland Trust’s largest estate in England, Smithills in Greater Manchester, to support the development of a new plantation. We planted over 600 saplings, including Oak and Willow, whilst also checking previously planted trees and removing guards from those that were established, replacing any that hadn’t survived and filling spaces between them.

Team APS were then back at it in February, this time joined by some of our clients from Versus Arthritis at Hayhills Farm Wood in West Yorkshire. The primary purpose of this day put their DIY skills to good use as they were tasked to build and erect wooden pens to protect the saplings from grazing wildlife, and the group still managed to plant another 120+ trees – cue some very achy bodies the next day!

Made possible through the Carbon Capture Scheme, these tree planting days are one of our favourite and most rewarding volunteering events of the year. We can’t wait to see where we’ll head to next!

A group of 30 APS colleagues and clients donned their litter pickers and took part in the Great British Beach Clean 2024 alongside the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

The team volunteered their time and spent a day at the stunning Formby Beach picking litter and conducting litter surveys which are a vital part of the work done by the MCS. The surveys indicate what types of litter are on the increase or decrease and what is happening regionally and nationally, and all of this information then allows the MCS to campaign for positive change.

Collectively, Team APS removed 1,166 litter items equating to 15kg’s of rubbish! This was surprising as upon first glance the beach was relatively clean, but it’s the unseen, smaller bits of plastic fragments that made up the majority of the haul and these are often the most dangerous to wildlife.

As well as doing something positive for the environment, it was great to get out into the fresh air (the weather even stayed kind!) to meet new people and connect over such a worthwhile cause – even with the friendly competition during the quiz at the end!

Some APS clients from the Home Office took part and said:

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in the beach clean. We had a lovely time. It was good for team bonding as well as helping clean the environment. There were many fun team building sessions and we had a good laugh. We’d also like to thank you for providing lunch, it was lovely. Thanks again for a lovely day filled with laughter.”

Take a look at the day here.