Scope 3 Simplified: Learn how cleaning and FM companies can reduce Scope 3 emissions
- Seldram
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
For those managing cleaning contracts, procurement, or sustainability reporting, understanding Scope 3 isn’t just a tick-box exercise; it’s about making smarter, more responsible purchasing decisions that create measurable impact.
When it comes to sustainability, most businesses today understand the importance of reducing their carbon footprint. Turning off unused lights, switching to electric vehicles, or installing solar panels are familiar steps.
But there’s another, often much larger, part of the emissions picture that’s far harder to see Scope 3 emissions.
For cleaning and facilities management companies, Scope 3 can account for the majority of total carbon impact. Understanding what it is, where it comes from, and how to reduce it isn’t just an environmental goal; it’s becoming essential for long-term business resilience and compliance.
What Are Scope 3 Emissions?
To put it simply, emissions are grouped into three categories:
Scope 1 – Direct emissions from things your business controls, like fuel used in your vehicles or boilers.
Scope 2 – Indirect emissions from the electricity or heat you buy.
Scope 3 – Everything else. These are the emissions that happen outside your direct control, for example:
The manufacturing and transportation of the products you buy.
Waste disposal and recycling of materials.
The full lifecycle impact of your suppliers’ operations.
For many cleaning and FM businesses, Scope 3 emissions can make up 70–90% of their total footprint. They come from everyday essentials, paper towels, soap, dispensers, cleaning chemicals, packaging, and logistics.
In short: even if your vans run on electricity, if your products are made using non-renewable resources or imported long distances, your Scope 3 impact is still significant.
Why It Matters for Cleaning & FM Companies
Clients, councils, and procurement frameworks are increasingly demanding full supply chain transparency.
They’re not just asking “What’s your carbon footprint?” They want to know how sustainable the products you use truly are.
For cleaning and FM companies, this means:
Product choice matters. The brands you buy from directly influence your emissions.
Sustainability data matters. Certifications such as FSC®, EU Ecolabel, or recycled content evidence are now key parts of tenders.
Partnerships matter. Working with suppliers who actively reduce their emissions helps you lower yours too.
Reducing Scope 3 isn’t only good for the planet, it’s becoming a competitive advantage.
How Seldram’s Partners Are Helping to Reduce Scope 3
At Seldram Supplies, we’re proud to work with manufacturers and innovators who are rethinking how cleaning products are made, packaged, and delivered. Each of our key partners is tackling Scope 3 emissions in their own way, helping customers move closer to net zero without compromising on quality or performance.
Lucart – The Circular Economy in Action
Lucart’s Eco Natural range is made from Fiberpack® recycled beverage cartons that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of cutting down new trees, Lucart recovers cellulose fibres, aluminium, and polyethene to create toilet tissue, hand towels, and dispensers.
100% recycled materials, diverting waste from landfill.
Closed-loop production process to minimise energy and water use.
FSC® and EU Ecolabel certifications for transparency.
Every case of Lucart paper helps lower Scope 3 emissions by reducing raw material extraction, transportation miles, and waste.
Northwood – Sustainable Manufacturing at Scale
As one of the UK’s largest paper product manufacturers, Northwood produces its Raphael and Bay West ranges entirely in the UK. By manufacturing and recycling domestically, they drastically cut emissions related to overseas transport and production.
Recycled and responsibly sourced fibres.
On-site recycling and water treatment plants.
Shorter supply chains mean smaller carbon footprints.
For facilities working towards net zero, sourcing British-made washroom paper through Seldram directly supports Scope 3 reduction.
BioHygiene – The Future of Chemical-Free Cleaning
BioHygiene is pioneering biotechnology-based cleaning, utilising natural enzymes and microbial action instead of harsh chemicals. This approach reduces water pollution, plastic use, and carbon emissions throughout the product lifecycle.
Plant-based formulations from renewable resources.
Concentrated products and refillable containers reduce plastic waste.
Compact packaging cuts transport emissions.
BioHygiene’s manufacturing model eliminates unnecessary weight and volume from chemical transport, a key contributor to Scope 3 in traditional cleaning.
Thrive – Sustainable Innovation, Locally Made
Thrive is another example of how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. With cleaning products made in the UK, Thrive focuses on low-impact formulas and responsible packaging designed to minimise waste and simplify recycling.
Locally manufactured for reduced carbon miles.
Recyclable packaging and bulk formats to minimise single-use plastic.
Designed to perform effectively at lower doses, saving energy and water.
By choosing UK-made Thrive products, Seldram customers are reducing both transportation emissions and the environmental impact of product disposal.
Practical Steps to Cut Your Scope 3 Emissions
Choose local and transparent suppliers. Shorter delivery routes mean lower transport emissions.
Prioritise recycled and recyclable products. Closed-loop systems conserve resources and reduce waste.
Extend product life. Durable dispensers, rechargeable batteries, and reusable packaging all reduce replacement frequency.
Request sustainability data. Ask suppliers for lifecycle assessments or carbon footprint data.
Educate your team. Simple changes using the right dose, maintaining machines, or reducing paper waste make a measurable difference.
The Bottom Line
Scope 3 may seem complicated, but it really comes down to one simple idea:
Every purchasing decision has an environmental consequence.
By working with sustainable partners like Lucart, Northwood, Numatic, BioHygiene, and Thrive, you’re not just buying cleaning products; you’re investing in cleaner supply chains, more efficient operations, and a healthier planet.
At Seldram Supplies, we’re here to help facilities managers and procurement teams make informed, responsible choices that deliver both environmental and commercial results.
Together, we can make sustainability part of everyday cleaning.