Sustainability

Our own net zero journey

Gateway Cargo, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. As a logistics provider operating across global supply chains, we recognise the vital role we play in building a greener, more responsible industry.

We have set ourselves an ambitious goal: to become a net zero logistics operator by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government’s own target.

This commitment is backed by real action. In just the last three years, we have reduced our operational Scope 1 and 2 emissions by over 60%. These results demonstrate the impact of our investment, innovation, and the dedication of our people.

For us, sustainability is about more than ambition – it is about setting the standard and creating long-term value for our customers, our communities, and the planet.

Gateway Cargo – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Policy Statement

At Gateway Cargo, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy. We aspire to be a truly sustainable logistics company, and to achieve this we recognise the need to meet the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations of our stakeholders, our people, and our wider communities.

We are committed to operating responsibly, with integrity, and in line with the 10 principles of the UN Global Compact, which form the foundation of our responsible business programme:

• We support and respect the protection of internationally proclaimed human rights and will never be complicit in human rights abuses. We uphold freedom of association, recognise the right to collective bargaining, and will always work to eliminate forced, compulsory, and child labour, as well as discrimination in employment and occupation. Our separate Modern Slavery Statement sets out our detailed commitments in this area.

• We support a precautionary approach to environmental challenges, taking responsibility for the environmental impacts of our operations. Gateway Cargo is investing in cleaner fuels, eHGV trials, energy-efficient technologies, and practices that reduce emissions across the supply chain. Our ambition is to become a net zero logistics operator by 2040, ten years ahead of the UK Government target.

• We will work against corruption in any form and maintain zero tolerance for bribery. Our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy details the actions we take to detect, prevent, and eliminate such risks.

These commitments are embedded within our Code of Conduct, supported by specific policies, training, and systems that guide our colleagues and partners in how we manage our activities.

Gateway Cargo supports the achievement of all the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are particularly focused on those where we can deliver the most direct and positive impact in the regions and industries we serve – including climate action, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and decent work and economic growth.

Through these commitments, we aim to set the standard for sustainable, ethical logistics – creating long-term value for our customers, our people, our communities, and the planet.

We are specifically committed to making progress against the following UN sustainable development goals: 

SDG 3 “Good Health and Wellbeing” 

We are committed to promoting good health and wellbeing across our organisation. Our approach is built on a pioneering Health and Safety programme, supported by clear principles and policies, and underpinned by our Wellbeing Charter. We provide programmes that support colleagues with both their physical and mental health, and work with trusted partners to promote good mental health.

Beyond the workplace, we engage with local communities through social value activities at our sites, while our corporate partnerships enable us to deliver wellbeing programmes not only in the UK but also internationally.

SDG 5 “Gender Equality” (including SDG 10, “Reduced Inequalities”) 

We are committed to building and sustaining a truly diverse workforce across every level of our business — from our board and management teams through to our operational colleagues. Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy is focused on increasing the representation of women and other under-represented groups in supply chain roles, ensuring that talent and opportunity are accessible to all.

By creating an inclusive culture where every individual is valued and supported, we aim to provide equal opportunities for people to realise rewarding and fulfilling careers in the supply chain sector.

SDG 4 “Quality Education” 

At Gateway Cargo, we invest in developing the next generation of supply chain professionals through our apprenticeship programme, structured work placements, and graduate opportunities. Our Gateway Learning and development provides a platform for continuous professional development, ensuring our people have the skills and confidence to succeed.

We also run an operational training programme covering every aspect of supply chain expertise — from HGV and MHE driving to specialist skills. Colleagues have access to professional qualifications, achieved either internally or in partnership with leading industry bodies such as BIFA, CILT, Logistics UK and IOSH.

SDG 8 “Decent Work and Economic Growth” 

Gateway Cargo’s responsible business policies are built on fairness, inclusion, and creating a workplace where people can thrive. Our Diversity and Inclusion programme encourages every colleague to develop and reach their potential, while our Innovation programme focuses on delivering new, sustainable supply chain solutions that drive growth for both our customers and our business.

Across our value chain, we hold ourselves and our partners to the highest standards. We require all suppliers to have robust systems and controls in place to ensure modern slavery has no place in their operations, and we carry out checks to uphold this commitment.

SDG 12 “Responsible Consumption and Production” 

We are committed to reducing our environmental impact by minimising fuel and energy use and transitioning to renewable alternatives, with the goal of eliminating carbon and air quality emissions at the earliest feasible date.

Our strategy also embraces a circular, zero-waste approach to materials, particularly packaging. By 2030, we aim to eliminate single-use non-packaging plastics and unrecyclable waste, while significantly increasing recycling rates across all our operations.

SDG 15 “Life on Land” (with SDG 14 “Life below water”) 

We are committed to maintaining zero enforcement actions for pollution events by operating certified environmental management systems, ensuring strict regulatory compliance, and applying effective incident management practices.

Across our value chain, we will minimise the use of environmentally persistent materials and work to prevent any waste escaping into the environment. At our sites, we will enhance biodiversity through sensitive landscaping, planting, and responsible wildlife management.

SDG 9 “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” 

As we shape our net zero future, we are actively engaging with innovation consortia focused on battery-electric trucks and charging infrastructure, helping to accelerate the transition to zero-emission logistics.

We are also decarbonising our buildings in line with both our interim and long-term net zero targets. This includes maximising the electrification of our warehouse energy use, driving energy efficiency wherever possible, and ensuring that all electricity is either generated sustainably or purchased from renewable sources.

SDG 13 “Climate Action” (with SDG 7, “Affordable and Clean” 

Climate risk is one of the most significant challenges facing our industry, and at Gateway Cargo we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions across all our operations by 2040. We are working with our customers to provide long-term, practical net zero solutions across transport, warehousing, and infrastructure, tailored to their roadmaps and sustainability goals.

To accelerate this transition, we engage early with technology developers and policy makers, and we participate in demonstration projects in collaboration with our customers and partners. By doing so, we help to shape and deploy the low- and zero-carbon technologies that will define the future of logistics.

Governance

At Gateway Cargo, our net zero commitments and people strategy are aligned to ensure that our communities and the environment are at the heart of how we deliver genuine social value. By embedding a culture of care across our business, we safeguard the health, safety, and wellbeing of our colleagues, stakeholders, local communities, and the environments in which we operate.

Accountability for our ESG strategy rests with the Executive Management Team, supported by our Sustainability team and ESG Committee. We apply rigorous management processes to review, assess, and evolve our approach to sustainability, ensuring that we focus on the issues that matter most to our stakeholders. Where necessary, we establish new programmes to strengthen and accelerate progress in the areas we have committed to.

To drive performance, sustainability targets are embedded within senior management objectives and cascaded across teams. We have set clear measures and targets to monitor our ESG performance, and we report transparently and consistently against recognised standards, ensuring that our commitments are sustained for the long term.

Matthew Deer

Chief Executive Officer 

ESG Policy Statement agreed July 2025, valid until further notice