OVERVIEW​

Epplejeck was formed in 2008 and today is the premium equestrian retailer in the Benelux region. Under new leadership since September, Epplejeck aims to redefine its ESG strategies, particularly focusing on Scope 3 emissions and the value chain's environmental impact. New CEO Léon Rust’s personal involvement with environmental groups like WWF mirrors the company’s vision to “borrow the planet from our children.”​
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ASSESSING SCOPE 3 EMISSIONS​

While the new CEO acknowledges that Epplejeck is not yet where it should be in terms of ESG, there is a strong personal and corporate commitment to sustainability and Scope 3 assessment. Initial emission reports focusing on shop electricity were deemed insufficient, prompting a deeper dive into the product life-cycle, from production to end-of-life. Léon believes only full Scope 3 emissions reporting will make a difference, “We aren’t going to move the needle changing to LED lights in the Netherlands. Let’s look at what really matters; let’s look at what we’ve produced in China and India.”​
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TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE THE VALUE CHAIN​

Reporting Scope 3 emissions is only the beginning. Focusing more on where Epplejeck's products are produced — primarily in East Asia — Léon emphasised the need for accurate measurement of the environmental impact of all 25,000 SKUs (“stock keeping units”) Epplejeck offers. ​

A trip to India is planned to inspect production practices firsthand, aiming to work with certified suppliers and ensure products are made sustainably.​
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SETTING CLEAR AND IMPACTFUL INITIATIVES​

Léon explained, “we need to make the supply chain more efficient to reduce CO2 emissions, perhaps by working with other suppliers to ensure shipping containers are full and the use of plastic is limited.” Other initiatives include strategies to deal with product returns and recycling, potentially incentivising customers to return used items. Léon envisages a system where worn-out horse blankets, a significant part of their product line, could be sent back for recycling. These initiatives are projected to start in 2024 and form part of a broader vision to make Epplejeck’s supply chain more efficient, reduce packaging waste and minimise shipping emissions.​

Green energy was the more expensive solution across our stores. Mentha, however, urged us to make the switch regardless of the increased cost.” Léon Rust, CEO, Epplejeck