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Insight Security continues to make positive progress on its ESG journey, with a particular focus on reducing our environmental impact, improving sustainable business practices and supporting the communities in which we operate. Read on to learn more.
The past year has presented significant challenges for businesses across the UK. According to Begbies Traynor`s Red Flag Alert, 67,369 UK companies were experiencing “critical” financial distress in the final three months of 2025 - a 43.8% year-on-year increase.
Against this challenging economic background, Insight Security has continued to experience strong customer demand, develop new opportunities and enter new markets.
Maintaining a strong business in difficult economic conditions inevitably requires considerable focus and effort. However, we have remained committed to our wider responsibilities and have continued to invest time and resources in our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme.
Our focus over the past year has particularly been on the Environmental and Social elements of ESG, where we are continuing to make practical and measurable progress.
What is ESG?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It is a framework used to assess how responsibly a business operates and the wider impact of its activities.
The three areas of ESG cover:
- Environmental: How a business affects the environment, including energy consumption, carbon emissions, waste, packaging, recycling and transportation.
- Social: How a business supports its employees, customers, suppliers and local communities.
- Governance: How a business is managed responsibly, ethically and transparently.
For Insight Security, ESG is about more than policies or statements. We believe responsible business practices should be demonstrated through real-world actions and continuous improvement.
This is increasingly important to our customers too. Organisations are placing greater emphasis on the environmental and social credentials of their suppliers, particularly when purchasing products and services as part of wider sustainability, procurement and ESG objectives.
As a supplier of security products and solutions to customers throughout the UK and internationally, we therefore recognise that our responsibility extends beyond simply providing high-quality products.
Our Environmental ESG Progress
Our environmental strategy is focused on practical ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and supply chain.
This includes reducing unnecessary plastic packaging, increasing our use of recycled materials, reusing waste materials, reducing transportation requirements and increasing our use of renewable energy.
Reducing Plastic Packaging
One of the most significant packaging improvements we have made has been the elimination of plastic bubble wrap for one of our bulkier products.
Finding a suitable alternative proved considerably more challenging than anticipated. We evaluated a range of products marketed as environmentally friendly alternatives before identifying a specialist form of corrugated paper that provided the necessary protection while offering a more sustainable solution.
The alternative is more expensive than conventional plastic bubble wrap, but we believe the environmental benefits justify the additional cost.
Most importantly, the change eliminates approximately 2.8 kilometres of plastic bubble wrap usage every year.
This is an excellent example of how our approach to environmental responsibility works in practice: identify an area where we can make a difference, investigate the available alternatives and implement the most practical, sustainable solution.
Recycled Plastic Parcel Tape
We have also changed the type of parcel tape used within our operation.
Insight Security has moved from standard parcel tape, manufactured from virgin plastic, to parcel tape manufactured from recycled plastic.
The tape can also be recycled at the end of its useful life.
Although the recycled option is more expensive, we have been able to reduce the additional cost by purchasing in larger quantities.
This change reduces our reliance on virgin plastic while maintaining the strength and performance required for secure product packaging.
Sustainable Pallet Wrap
Plastic stretch wrap is widely used to secure goods transported on pallets and to protect certain products during transportation.
Insight Security has now moved to stretch pallet wrap manufactured from recycled plastic.
The recycled material is used for palletised shipments and, where appropriate, for protecting bare metal components being transported to customers.
Again, this represents a relatively straightforward operational change, but one that reduces the amount of virgin plastic used across our business.
Reusing Cardboard as Packaging
One of our most effective environmental improvements involves the reuse of cardboard that would otherwise become waste.
We have established a regular supply of unwanted cardboard from a local business located close to our premises. This arrangement provides benefits to both businesses.
For the supplying companies, it reduces the amount of cardboard packaging waste that they need to dispose of. For Insight Security, the cardboard provides a valuable source of packaging material with minimal transportation requirements.
Using our cardboard shredding machinery, we convert the material into recycled cardboard void fill for our own packaging requirements. As a result, we have eliminated the need for polystyrene chippings, plastic foam pieces and other plastic-based void-fill materials.
This initiative demonstrates the principles of reuse, recycling and the circular economy in a practical business environment.
Working With Suppliers to Improve Sustainability
An important part of our ESG strategy is recognising that our environmental footprint does not begin and end within our own premises. The products, components and materials supplied to us also have an environmental impact.
We are therefore working with key suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce packaging, transportation and the associated carbon footprint.
These initiatives include:
Reducing Plastic Packaging From Suppliers
We have worked with one of our larger suppliers to change how products are packaged before being delivered to us.
Products that were previously supplied using significant quantities of soft and semi-rigid plastic packaging are now supplied to Insight Security in cardboard boxes.
This has substantially reduced the amount of unnecessary plastic packaging entering our business.
More Efficient Ordering
Where practical, we are ordering products and materials in larger quantities.
By consolidating orders, we can reduce the number of individual delivery journeys required to transport goods to us.
This can help reduce transportation-related emissions while also improving supply chain efficiency.
Recycled Pallet Packaging
Goods shipped to us on pallets are now protected using recycled stretch plastic pallet wrap, further reducing our reliance on virgin plastic.
Considering Low-Emission Transportation
Where appropriate, we also seek to work with courier companies that can demonstrate a commitment to reducing their environmental impact, including the use of electric vehicles for at least part of the transportation journey.
As a business with customers across the UK and worldwide, transportation will always be an important consideration. Our objective is to reduce its environmental impact wherever practical without compromising the reliable service our customers expect.
Reducing Our Carbon Footprint Through Car Sharing
Our environmental initiatives extend beyond packaging and logistics. Although we recruit locally, our employees travel to work from locations to the north, south, east and west of our offices.
Through the active participation of our employees in car sharing, we estimate that approximately 6,600 miles of individual car journeys are avoided each year.
Reducing unnecessary journeys is a straightforward way to lower fuel consumption and associated carbon emissions, while car sharing also provides an opportunity for employees to reduce their own commuting costs.
Increasing Our Use of Renewable Energy
Energy consumption is another important element of our environmental strategy.
Restrictions affecting our commercial buildings currently prevent us from installing solar panels, meaning we are unable to generate our own renewable electricity on site. We have nevertheless increased the proportion of renewable electricity used by the business.
Currently, approximately 35% of the electricity consumed by Insight Security is generated from renewable sources.
We will continue to monitor opportunities to increase the proportion of renewable energy we use as circumstances and technology develop.
Responsible Distribution and Courier Selection
Insight Security serves customers across the UK and around the world.
During 2025, we shipped products to customers in 25 different countries, with products ranging from anti-climb perimeter security systems and security equipment through to smaller products such as security screws, nuts and bolts.
Our primary consideration, when selecting courier partners, is reliability. Our Customer First philosophy means that customers must receive their products safely, efficiently and within the agreed delivery timescales.
However, where practical, we also consider the environmental credentials and ESG commitments of the courier companies we use.
We believe responsible distribution should achieve the right balance between reducing environmental impact and maintaining excellent customer service.
Customer satisfaction remains extremely important to us, and Insight Security consistently receives excellent customer feedback, with a 4.9/5 customer rating and a high volume of five-star reviews.
Our Social ESG Commitments
ESG is not solely about environmental sustainability. The Social element of ESG considers how businesses interact with and support their employees, customers, suppliers and wider communities.
At Insight Security, supporting our local community has long formed part of our corporate responsibility programme, and this remains an important component of our ESG journey.
Supporting Local Charities
Our ongoing support for local charitable organisations includes regular end-of-year donations.
During 2025, this included a donation to Chestnut Tree House Children`s Hospice, supporting its important work with children and families.
We believe businesses have an opportunity, and a responsibility, to contribute positively to the communities in which they operate.
Supporting Local Sport
Our ongoing sponsorship of Horsdean Community Sports Association (HCSA) is another important part of our Social ESG activity.
Horsdean provides valuable recreational and sporting facilities for local football and cricket clubs.
During the winter, its four junior football pitches are used for training and weekend matches, as well as for community activities during the week.
During the summer months, cricket training and matches take place six or seven days a week.
In 2025, 99 cricket matches were played at Horsdean.
During 2026, the site is being used by three cricket clubs representing a combined 11 teams, including:
- 5 junior teams
- 5 adult teams
- 1 dedicated women`s team
The facilities therefore provide opportunities for hundreds of local people to participate in competitive and recreational sport.
Supporting organisations such as HCSA is an important part of our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Helping Protect Local Community Facilities
Unfortunately, like many recreational facilities across the UK, Horsdean has experienced incidents of vandalism and criminal damage. Damage has included protective netting and coverings, specialist equipment such as powered mowers and rollers, and the clubhouse itself.
As a physical security business, this is an area where Insight Security can provide particular expertise.
Investment in an upgraded monitored alarm system and extended CCTV coverage appears to be helping to reduce the level of vandalism, although incidents have not been completely eliminated.
Following lengthy discussions with the Local Authority, permission was also granted for an additional 20-foot storage container to provide secure storage for vulnerable equipment.
Funding was subsequently secured and HCSA prepared the site for installation.
The additional secure storage is an important security asset, helping to protect expensive and essential equipment used to maintain the sporting facilities.
The project demonstrates how our commercial expertise in physical security can also contribute to the protection of valuable community assets.
ESG and the Future
Our ESG journey is ongoing. We do not regard environmental and social responsibility as a one-off project or something that can simply be ticked off a list.
Instead, our approach is based on continuous improvement: identifying opportunities to do things better, implementing practical changes and measuring the results wherever possible.
During the past year, our environmental and social initiatives have included:
- Eliminating approximately 2.8 kilometres of plastic bubble wrap usage every year.
- Introducing recycled plastic parcel tape.
- Introducing recycled plastic pallet wrap.
- Eliminating polystyrene and plastic-based void fill from our packaging operation.
- Reusing waste cardboard from a local business.
- Reducing plastic packaging supplied by key suppliers.
- Consolidating orders to reduce unnecessary delivery journeys.
- Avoiding approximately 6,600 miles of employee car journeys each year through car sharing.
- Using electricity with a 35% renewable generation component.
- Considering the ESG credentials of logistics and courier partners.
- Supporting local charities.
- Continuing our sponsorship of Horsdean Community Sports Association.
- Supporting improved security at a valuable local sporting and community facility.
What Does ESG Mean for Insight Security Customers?
For our customers, our ESG approach provides reassurance that responsible business practices are being considered throughout our operations and supply chain.
Whether you are purchasing perimeter security systems, anti-climb solutions, security screws, padlocks, ground anchors, security equipment or other physical security products, we understand that product quality and price are not always the only considerations when selecting a supplier.
Increasingly, businesses and organisations need to consider the wider environmental and social impact of their supply chains.
Our continued investment in sustainable packaging, recycled materials, renewable energy, responsible logistics, supplier collaboration and community support helps us to meet those expectations.
We also recognise that our own ESG journey can support the ESG objectives of our customers.
Continuing Our ESG Journey
We know there is still more that we can do. Our environmental and social initiatives will continue to evolve as new technologies, materials and opportunities become available.
Our objective is to make responsible choices wherever we can, while continuing to deliver the high-quality products, expert advice and customer service that our customers expect from Insight Security.
For us, ESG is therefore not simply a statement of intent. It is about taking practical action, making measurable improvements and continually looking for ways to operate our business more responsibly.
We look forward to sharing further progress on our ESG journey in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insight Security and ESG
What does ESG stand for?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. It is a framework for assessing how responsibly a business operates and the wider impact of its activities. Environmental considerations include energy use, emissions, waste and packaging; Social considerations include employees, customers and communities; and Governance covers responsible, ethical and transparent business practices.
Why is ESG important to Insight Security?
ESG is important to Insight Security because we believe responsible business practices should extend beyond providing quality products and excellent customer service. We are committed to continually improving the environmental and social impact of our operations, supply chain and wider business activities.
ESG is also increasingly important to our customers, many of whom have their own sustainability, responsible procurement and corporate responsibility objectives.
What is Insight Security doing to reduce its environmental impact?
Insight Security is taking a range of practical steps to reduce its environmental impact. These include reducing plastic packaging, using recycled packaging materials, reusing waste cardboard, working with suppliers to reduce packaging, consolidating orders to reduce delivery journeys, encouraging employee car sharing and increasing our use of renewable electricity.
Among our measurable improvements are the elimination of approximately 2.8 kilometres of plastic bubble wrap usage each year and the avoidance of approximately 6,600 miles of individual employee car journeys annually through car sharing.
How is Insight Security reducing plastic packaging?
We have replaced plastic bubble wrap for one of our bulkier products with a specialist corrugated paper alternative, eliminating approximately 2.8 kilometres of bubble wrap usage each year.
We have also introduced recycled plastic parcel tape and recycled plastic pallet wrap, while working with key suppliers to reduce the amount of unnecessary plastic packaging used when products are delivered to us.
Does Insight Security use recycled packaging?
Yes. Insight Security uses a number of recycled packaging materials, including parcel tape and stretch pallet wrap manufactured from recycled plastic.
We also reuse waste cardboard supplied by a local business. This cardboard is processed using our shredding machinery and converted into void fill for our own packaging requirements.
How does Insight Security reduce packaging waste?
We reduce packaging waste through a combination of reduction, reuse and recycling.
We have eliminated certain unnecessary plastic packaging, introduced recycled packaging materials and reuse unwanted cardboard as void fill. This has also allowed us to eliminate the use of polystyrene chippings, plastic foam pieces and other plastic-based void-fill materials.
Is Insight Security using renewable energy?
Yes. Approximately 35% of the electricity consumed by Insight Security is currently generated from renewable sources.
Although restrictions affecting our commercial buildings currently prevent us from installing solar panels, we continue to review opportunities to increase our use of renewable energy.
How is Insight Security working with suppliers on ESG?
Our ESG approach extends into our supply chain. We work with key suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce packaging, transportation and the environmental impact associated with inbound goods.
For example, one major supplier has changed the way products are supplied to us, replacing significant amounts of soft and semi-rigid plastic retail packaging with cardboard boxes.
We also consolidate orders where practical to reduce the number of delivery journeys required.
Does Insight Security consider the environmental impact of its couriers?
Yes. Reliable delivery and excellent customer service remain our primary considerations when selecting courier partners. However, where practical, we also consider the environmental credentials and ESG commitments of the courier companies we use.
Where appropriate, we seek to use courier services that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact, including through the use of electric vehicles for part of the transportation journey.
How does Insight Security support the local community?
Community engagement is an important part of our Social ESG programme. Insight Security provides ongoing support to local causes, including charitable donations and sponsorship of Horsdean Community Sports Association (HCSA).
HCSA provides facilities for local football and cricket clubs, including junior, adult and women`s teams. During 2025, the site hosted 99 cricket matches.
Does Insight Security support local charities?
Yes. Insight Security makes regular donations to local charitable organisations. During 2025, this included a donation to Chestnut Tree House Children`s Hospice, supporting its work with children and families.
How does Insight Security support Horsdean Community Sports Association?
Insight Security is an ongoing sponsor of Horsdean Community Sports Association, helping support a valuable local sporting and recreational facility.
We have also been able to contribute our physical security expertise to help protect the site. Investment in upgraded monitored alarm and extended CCTV coverage appears to have helped reduce vandalism, while an additional 20-foot storage container provides improved secure storage for vulnerable equipment.
What does Insight Security`s ESG programme mean for customers?
Our ESG programme demonstrates that we are actively considering the environmental and social impact of our business and supply chain.
For customers, this means they can work with a security supplier that is taking practical steps to reduce packaging waste, increase the use of recycled materials, reduce transportation impacts, use renewable energy and support local communities.
For organisations with their own ESG, sustainability or responsible procurement objectives, these considerations can form an important part of supplier selection.
Is Insight Security`s ESG programme complete?
No. ESG is an ongoing process of continuous improvement rather than a one-off project.
We will continue to identify opportunities to reduce our environmental impact, improve our sustainable business practices, support our employees and local communities, and work with suppliers and customers to promote responsible business practices.
Our aim is to make practical, measurable improvements wherever we can while continuing to provide the quality products and customer service that our customers expect.
If you have any questions about your security needs, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 092034 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.
For more information on Insight Security ESG Update: Our Progress in Environmental and Social Responsibility talk to Insight Security