We speak to News UK Environment lead and Key Supplier Manager Elsa Gregori on removing plastics, encouraging sustainable practices and driving environmental change.

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day, so what was on the menu this morning?

Usually, breakfast is oatcakes at my desk, but working from home, I have whatever is available – today, I had toast. I love breakfast, it’s my favourite meal of the day.

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

I look after our suppliers for Newsprinters plus energy and environment for the group.

Lay a bit of context on that.

I make sure Newsprinters have the right suppliers doing the right thing at the right price, so my job also includes a purchasing element. For energy, as well as selecting the suppliers and looking after the contracts for the group, I make sure we are continually managing our energy use. I look after all of our group environmental compliance as well our environmental strategy.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I’ve always had a strong interest in sustainability and I had some prior knowledge of the business as News UK used to be my client in my previous job. I saw a real opportunity to make an impact with a company that has great influence.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

Sometimes, negotiating with suppliers can be challenging, but my approach is always to do it with a spirit of partnership, as I feel this is the best way to work with our business partners. At the moment, as environmental awareness grows, I’m finding it very interesting to find out about new emergent products and processes as we remove plastics from our supply chain.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

Today I am preparing some slides on News UK’s environmental strategy for this year, building on a presentation I gave to the board in April on Newsprinters’ plastics and energy-saving strategy. I also need to talk to electricity suppliers ahead of our next tender, which is for electricity supplies for all sites from next June.

What work are we doing on our environmental sustainability?

On a group level, the News Corp Global Environmental Initiative sets the global strategy, which then feeds our group strategy, currently in the process of being updated. We’ve taken 800 tonnes of single-use plastic out of our products as part of our plastics pledge, either removing it completely, or replacing it with compostable film or recyclable paper belly bands. Removing plastic from our products meant that a number of departments across the business needed to work together, including retail, editorial and operations, and it’s an initiative I’m extremely proud of. The next steps are to improve our overall recycling rates as well as review all our plastic use within the supply chain. There are so many good things going on in the business at the moment with many passionate people instigating change.

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

Last book: The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. I have a bit of a book club with a retired friend of mine, where we read and share books. It makes me read things I might not usually pick up, and vice versa – although The Alchemist had been on my list for ages.
Last film: Joker, which you could say I’ve binge-watched as I’ve seen it five times now. It’s a masterpiece!
Sounds: I have an oddly-mixed music taste which consists of hip-hop, grime and film soundtracks.

Who is your role model? And why?

I don’t have any one role model, but I am hugely inspired by anyone who has overcome adversity or hardship in order to succeed. That might be someone surviving a dangerous situation, escaping a war-torn country, overcoming physical constraints or breaking social stigmas. People are amazing and capable of so much and I love hearing those stories.

Last holiday destination? And why?

Not a holiday as such but before lockdown I spent a weekend in Wales mainly being blown over by 60mph winds, because I love climbing mountains. For obvious reasons, I haven’t been on holiday this year.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?

The first thing I’d do is throw a party for all my friends and family to say thank you for always being there. I’d give all my closest friends and family the amount they’d need to pay off their mortgages or buy a house (plus a bit extra). I’d make a big donation to several charities and then if there was any left I’d do a bit of (land-based) travelling!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

“Don’t let perfect get in the way of good”. I’m a perfectionist and this can lead to inertia. Sometimes good is good enough.

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

Enjoy it and embrace it. It’s varied and hectic at times, but it’s a job that gets you out of your comfort zone and in front of a lot of people, so be open to the challenges and you’ll go far.

Tell us something not many people know about you?

I’m too honest so many people probably know far too much about me already!

As the working day comes to a close, who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?

I’d love to meet David Attenborough, because he is the champion of the natural world and an absolute legend.

Turia Pitt, the Australian athlete who suffered 65 per cent burns to her body during an ultramarathon, because she is superhuman, so inspiring and I love her outlook on life.
Bruce Parry, the documentary-maker who explores extreme environments, lives with remote indigenous communities and highlights environmental issues, because I think he would be fascinating to talk to and learn from.