Sustaining sustainability

Last year, Aesthetic Medicine spoke to Lynton about its sustainability initiative, Hive, which aims to demonstrate the laser equipment supplier’s sustainability efforts and encourage the aesthetic industry as a whole to do more (‘Hive Mind’, April 2023).

As we revisit the initiative one year later, it becomes increasingly apparent that the longevity of sustainability initiatives is paramount for lasting impact.

COMMITMENT TO LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

Dr Jon Exley, Lynton’s managing director, reiterates that sustainability is not just a fleeting value, but a steadfast, decades long commitment for the company: “From conserving ancient artefacts in museums around the globe to facilitating free radiation therapy tattoo removal through its nationwide network of partner clinics, Lynton’s overall approach to sustainability and social development is defined as ‘For Planet. For People, For Good’.”

CONTINUED PROGRESS AND IMPACT

Dr Exley highlights the significant progress made, particularly in its ongoing social endeavors via charity initiatives.

“This includes supporting ‘Gogo Olive’, a women’s charity in Zimbabwe which seeks to rehabilitate women through work and education, supporting local girls’ football teams at the Holmes Chapel Hurricanes Club, and helping a local primary school to invest in high-quality history materials that are accessible to the whole school.”

Lyton also supports the charity ‘Skcin’ to help it continue its work in skin cancer awareness, detection, and prevention.

Lynton’s other big update is the ‘Three Peaks Three Days’ charity challenge, which will see a Lynton team climb the three tallest peaks in Scotland, England, and Wales over three days later in 2024. If you wish to donate to this initiative, details will be shared in due course.

Lynton’s sustained support spans various causes, showcasing its enduring commitment to making a meaningful difference in communities around the globe.

EMBRACING LONG-TERM STRATEGIES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP:

Martin Cooper, Lynton’s conservation manager and sustainability lead, emphasises the importance of adopting long-term strategies in addressing sustainability challenges.

“Even incremental changes can make a significant difference, especially considering the substantial collective impact of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the industry. Avoid feeling overwhelmed; instead, set clear priorities and identify quick wins that align with your unique operations. This could involve energy-efficient upgrades or waste reduction initiatives, signalling a genuine commitment to sustainability.” *Measuring your environmental impact is crucial, as it will enable you to establish a baseline against which you can track progress, and also demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability.

*Focus on what you can control. Rather than getting bogged down by aspects beyond your immediate influence, channel efforts into measurable and actionable improvements. This pragmatic approach ensures that your initiatives yield tangible results.

*Consider practical examples such as investing in energy-efficient devices for your clinic, adopting eco-friendly skincare product lines, or implementing sustainable packaging practices. Embrace digital alternatives to reduce paper usage, and explore partnerships with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. All of these things will add up.

In summary, whether through energy-efficient equipment, waste reduction, or sustainable sourcing, every step counts. Prioritise, measure, and act, not only for the benefit of the environment but also to align your clinic with evolving consumer and industry expectations and foster a positive, eco-conscious image. This approach underscores the importance of sustainability, not as a short-term trend, but as an enduring commitment embedded within operations and culture.

FUTURE-PROOFING ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Looking ahead, Lynton remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, with plans to further reduce its environmental footprint and invest in sustainable practices.

However, the company remains focused on future improvements, and immediate plans include attempts to further reduce travel-related carbon emissions, addressing the use of natural resources (such as paper usage in marketing), and choosing sustainable materials and processes wherever possible, coupled with continued investment in its infrastructure and processes. In the short term, it is committed to maintaining its carbon-neutral status which was first achieved in 2022. In the longer term, Lynton has committed to achieving carbon Net Zero by 2045 in line with the NHS and five years ahead of the UK Government’s commitment.

Hayley Jones, Lynton’s commercial director, concludes, “Lynton is leading the way for sustainability in aesthetics, but we don’t want to rest on our laurels. As we celebrate our 30th birthday in 2024, we are committed to Hive for good, continuing to do the right thing when it comes to environmental and social responsibility.”

By embracing sustainability as a core value and integrating it into its business strategy, Lynton sets a powerful example for businesses aiming to make a lasting positive impact on the planet and society.