Sustainability

At Home Hardware we are dedicated to ensuring our business operations occur with the well-being of our planet, people, and communities in mind. As the leading independent hardware retailer, we service the everyday Australian and feel that it is vital to do our part in supporting both current and future generations in building a sustainable, secure, and prosperous future. To do this we have focused on reducing the impact of our own operations, and also providing facilities and products to enable our customers to make environmentally and socially responsible purchases to improve their home, garden or next build. 

We have created an action plan to guide us in this endeavour and to help communicate our commitment. This action plan, known as the 2022-2025 Sustainability Plan, outlines our targets, initiatives, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This plan outlines our three key principles to guide our business activities toward a better tomorrow: 

Energy

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint to protect our climate for current and future generations.

• Commitments:
  • Net Zero by 2040 for sites under Metcash operational control
  • 100% renewable energy by 2025 for sites under Metcash operational control
  • Assess and reduce our carbon footprint in our stores
• Achievements
  • Victorian Distribution Centre built in line with a 4 Star Green Star Rating.
  • Identified potential energy savings of over 1 million kWh/year across our store network.

Ethical and Environmental Sourcing

We strive to source our products to the highest ethical and environmental standards to ensure the wellbeing of our planet, people, and communities at all levels of the supply chain.

• Commitments:
  • Assess and respond to any modern slavery risk within our supply chain.
  • Responsibly source timber and wood products by moving toward a procurement strategy where these products originate from legal, responsibly sourced, and sustainable forest operations.
• Achievements:
  • Provided Modern Slavery Survey and Training material to over 210 suppliers as per the Metcash Modern Slavery Statement 2022. Survey responses are under review to assess risk level and work with suppliers to improve ethical processes.
  • Developed a Responsible Timber Sourcing Policy and are actively assessing and working with suppliers to achieve compliance.

Waste and Packaging

Throughout our operations we aim to support a circular economy, reduce waste to landfill, and facilitate sustainable living for consumers.

• Commitments
  • Support product stewardship schemes across our store network to provide waste solutions to divert the following waste from landfill: Batteries, Plant Pots, Paint & Paint Packaging, and timber offcuts.
  • 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable Private Label packaging by 2025.
• Achievements
  • Recycled 12,000kg of batteries in 12 months across 200 stores.
  • Plant Pot Recycling service trial underway in Victoria with intentions to expand nationally in the future.
  • Ongoing support and partnership with PaintBack.

Natural Disaster Relief Support

As an independent network of stores, we are deeply connected to our communities. This connection drives our dedication to providing support in times of need.

• Commitments: 
  • During times of natural disaster provide support to our affected store community.
• Achievements: 
  • Provided approximately $350,000 worth of funds and resources to flood affected communities since 2020.

Support Health and Wellbeing

The safety of our staff, customers and communities is of high importance to us, which is why we strive to meet and exceed the Work, Health, and Saftey requirements across our store network.

• Commitments: 
  • Provide access to Mental Health support to all stores.
  • Provide access to purchase a defilbriillator to all stores.
• Achievements: 
  • All stores, including independents, provided access to mental health support via our Emergency Assistance Provider.

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Simple Sustainable Home Improvements

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Fertiliser

Richgro has been at the service of gardeners for over 100 years and understands that different plants have different needs; it is for this reason that Richgro has the most comprehensive range of plant foods for any garden type. From all rounders to specific fertilisers, we’ll help you create your dream garden.

Plant Protection

Richgro leads the way in plant protection products with innovative products and packaging. From safer, naturally based products to highly effective innovative pest control, these products are easy to use and apply.

Weed Control

From specific weed control in lawns through to tree and blackberry control, Richgro has it covered. All in ” safe” packaging and with our famous safer Natural Weedkiller, you can have full confidence in the the Richgro Weed Killer range.

Potting Mix

Good soil is essential for growing. At Richgro we have strict production standards to ensure that all our soil products meet the highest quality level to help you create your dream potted garden.

Waterwise Gardening

Maintain your garden with less water with Richgro’s range of waterwise products. From soil wetters and water crystals we have carefully produced and tested our water saving range for maximum watering efficiency.

Pest Control

Richgro caters for pests in the garden and in the home. We have a range of highly effective Home Pest products to help control a wide variety of pests such as ants, cockroaches, spiders, and other destructive pests.

Playground

A great playground is also part of a beautiful garden. Richgro’s soft washed play sand has been specifically designed for aesthetics and carefully selected from a clean weed-free environment.

Richgro Beat-A-Weed

Richgro Beat-A-Weed Natural Weedkiller is a natural, environmentally friendly and safe way to kill weeds. Made from sodium chloride and acetic acid (vinegar), this weedkiller is fast-acting, which means that you can see the results quickly.

It works by dehydrating the unwanted plants, burning them from the top down. Results are seen as browning and wilting of the plant and can be seen within hours of application (apply as directed for optimum results). As a glyphosate free formula, you get maximum efficacy with minimum collateral damage to your garden – even if you’re growing a veggie patch alongside other plants. The formula controls all types of weeds such as couch grass, broadleaf weeds, annual and perennial weeds, moss and algae.

Richgro Ezi-Wet

RichGro Ezi-Wet Granulated Soil Soaker gets the water right down to the roots where it’s needed. It can be used on gardens, on lawns, edibles and in pots. This product is is approved under the national Smart Approved Watermark scheme and is WA Waterwise-Approved giving you the assurance of great water savings.

RichGro Ezi-Wet Granulated Soil Soaker is a granulated soil soaker that can be used on gardens, lawns, edibles and in pots. Applied to your garden and pot plants it will assist water penetration, improve the efficiency of any fertilisers used, reduce water run-off and help eliminate dry patches. The product also helps the water penetrate into the soil, encouraging deeper root growth so that less frequent watering is required. It can significantly reduce watering if applied as directed.

Richgro Indoor Outdoor Surface Spray

Charlie Albone, Richgro’s Brand Ambassador on how to control destructive pests with Richgro Indoor Outdoor Surface Spray. Kills and repels household pests by forming a barrier around the home. For spiders, Papernest wasps,Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, ticks (excluding paralysis ticks), Flies and mosquitoes.

Charlie Albone, Richgro’s Brand Ambassador on how to control destructive pests with Richgro Indoor Outdoor Surface Spray. Kills and repels household pests by forming a barrier around the home. For spiders, Papernest wasps,Ants, Cockroaches, Fleas, ticks (excluding paralysis ticks), Flies and mosquitoes.

Using Richgro Beat A Weed Natural Weedkiller

Richgro Natural BEAT-A-WEED is a fast acting weedkiller made of natural actives. It works by dehydrating the unwanted plants, burning it from the top down. Results are seen as browning and wilting of the plant and can be seen within hours of application (apply as directed for optimum results).

Getting a Water Saving Garden

TV gardening expert Charlie Albone shows you how to keep a healthy, water saving garden with Richgro Ezi-Wet and good waterwise gardening practice.

Simple Tips to Keep Mosquitoes Away

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Bees and other pollinating insects are an important part of a healthy garden.

3 Reasons You Should Be Using A Wetting Agent

When and why should you be using a wetting agent in your garden? Here are three great reasons, brought to you by the team at Richgro.