Thinking Green

Contribution to sustainable development and people’s quality of life:

The processes we have put in place are long-term methods to contribute to sustainable development of our local environment. In turn, people’s quality of life will improve due to the reduction in waste.

Organisation: Charles Bentley and Son

Sector: Private:

Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire

Start Date: 1998

Duration: Ongoing

Summary: The project’s purpose was to look at ways in which a business could balance business issues with environmental issues. I wanted to establish a blue print method that could be used in any company and at any time.

Background: Like all businesses, the cost of waste and environmental issues come off the bottom line. We wanted to look at ways in which we could establish methods to reduce waste output without cost.

We also wanted to look at ways in which we could raise environmental issues and reduce the bottom line costs.

Project results: As we see that this project as an ongoing one, the results to date have been beyond expectation. Looking at the waste paper and cardboard, we purchased a second hand, mill-size baler which allows us to bale all the cardboard and paper for SALE direct to a paper mill.

The average turnover in selling this waste directly to a paper mill for a year is approx. £11,000. All the plastic products we purchase which are made in the UK are made from recycled plastic. Any that fail QC are sent back to the manufacturer to regrind and reuse.

All cardboard boxes are made from recycled cardboard and the use of virgin cardboard is kept to a minimum. All the timber is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, and any waste from this (i.e. sawdust and shavings) are sold as animal bedding.

The whole project cost little, but the overall benefit to the organisation has been vast. I would advise any company to look at waste but not see waste; they must see another product, which can be sold and/or reused.

Project progress:  We are now signed up for the Pan European Forest Certification Council (PEFCC) which also covers sustainable timber. I have been voted onto the Board of Directors for this organisation and I hope that we can make the PEFC brand more accessible to both the public and the timber grower. We have approximately 48 million hectares certified with the PEFCC Chain of Custody.

Keywords: business, waste, paper, packaging, wood, recycling, reuse

Contact Details:

Paul Godwin

Quality and Environmental Manager,

Charles Bentley and Son

Central House

Jubilee Drive

Loughborough

LE11 5TP

Tel: 01509 232 757
E-mail: paul@bentleybrushware.co.uk

Web: Environment v. Business