Optimas OE Solutions has appointed Julia Anukam as Head of Sustainability for the International Region, covering the UK, Europe, India, and APAC. Based at the Optimas International HQ in Gloucester, Anukam is set to drive sustainability strategies that deliver measurable impact for the company and its stakeholders.

Anukam’s journey into sustainability was shaped by personal experiences. Growing up in a lower-income household, she witnessed firsthand the challenges of fuel poverty and financial stress. This instilled resilience and a deep-rooted passion for creating a better future. “The consequences of climate change, nature loss, and social inequities are impossible to ignore,” she says. “For me, sustainability isn’t just a career—it’s about striving toward a better world even when things feel tough or uncertain.”

At Optimas, Anukam is committed to embedding initiatives that create tangible business benefits. Recognizing that the company’s global operations and supply chains are critical areas to reduce harmful impacts and leverage positive ones, she emphasizes collaboration and efficiency as key drivers. “Real impact comes from transparency in sourcing, innovations for electrification or reusing materials and optimized logistics. Leveraging our supplier and customer relationships, alongside data and technology-led solutions, will help us drive meaningful change.”

A major milestone for Optimas came in September 2024, when the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) validated the company’s Net Zero targets. Anukam’s immediate focus is delivering on these commitments—cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 51.6% by 2030. Beyond carbon reduction, she is spearheading a global sustainability strategy to integrate sustainable practices across Optimas’ people and processes.

She acknowledges the fastener industry’s sustainability challenges, from emissions in material extraction and transport to supply chain complexities. However, she sees progress in material reuse, electrification, and ethical practices. “While challenges remain, Optimas is committed to driving positive change.”