For manufacturers committed to environmental sustainability, focusing solely on the impact of the final product is no longer enough. A significant next step in corporate responsibility lies in greening the supply chain and reducing the emissions associated with transporting raw materials.
Green Economy Peterborough member and local manufacturer Charlotte Products Ltd. exemplifies how successful this approach can be when driven by local collaboration.
Founded in 1986, Charlotte Products has long been recognized for its commitment to producing environmentally responsible cleaning liquids. Based in Peterborough, the company’s vertically integrated manufacturing model — which includes developing, blending, packaging, and distributing its own product lines — is rooted in supporting the local economy through sourcing and partnerships primarily within Ontario.
“We see our dedication to local sources as the central pillar of our sustainability commitment,” says Charlotte Products CEO Matt Strano. “This deliberate focus on local products and services reflects our core belief that strong communities build strong businesses, and vice versa.”
The manufacturer, for example, sources ethanol — a key ingredient in hand sanitizer — from Kawartha Ethanol in Havelock. By creating a local supply loop, Charlotte Products was able to quickly pivot to produce this solution in large quantities during the pandemic, when it was particularly essential.
In addition to sourcing raw materials locally, Charlotte Products collaborates with nearby businesses to produce components used in its manufacturing lines.
Merit Precision has been a close partner. Together, the two companies own CAM Containers Ltd., which manufactures essential product bottles. The benefits of this partnership are clear: the plant that produces the containers is located a mere 500 metres from the plant that fills them, notably reducing transportation costs and the carbon footprint.
“This is a strategic success story in localized manufacturing,” says Lucas Barrie, general manager of CAM Containers. “We eliminate significant logistical waste and greatly reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance transport.”
Charlotte Products’ commitment to local collaboration doesn’t stop there. Product labels are printed in Peterborough, boxes and corrugated packaging are manufactured by Ontario-based suppliers, and liquid dispensing pumps come from Beamsville.
Collaboration also extends to internal services. Charlotte Products works closely with local and Ontario-based companies for everything from logistics to equipment maintenance and graphic design. From a business efficiency standpoint, these meaningful local relationships help streamline communication and delivery times.
Through sustained efforts in supply chain decisions and service partnerships, Charlotte Products demonstrates how manufacturers can achieve great success while remaining deeply committed to environmental sustainability and the local economy.
So, how can a business work towards greening its supply chain? It begins with asking questions.
Some to consider include:
- Where are products, services and raw materials coming from?
- Can they, especially heavy materials or those associated expensive freight or travel costs, be sourced locally?
- Do potential new vendors prioritize community well-being and environmental stewardship?
- Is there a local business with experience to learn from?
The Peterborough region’s business community is close-knit, vibrant, and supportive. In times of economic uncertainty, leveraging local experience may be just the right approach — and could open new, innovative opportunities for collaboration, shared sustainability goals, product or service synergies, and cost savings.
By working with business peers, companies like Charlotte Products not only help protect the environment and strengthen the local economy, but also save money, build resilience, and develop local partnerships.
Charlotte Products is a Green Economy Peterborough lead member and has won numerous accolades for sustainability efforts and innovation, including recognition at the local Leadership in Sustainability Awards (held every spring) and at national and international events. Lead members work with GreenUP to measure, set goals, and reduce their environmental impact.
Learn more about Charlotte Products Ltd. at charlotteproducts.com. Learn more about GreenUP’s Green Economy Peterborough program at www.greeneconomypeterborough.ca.
