Environment
We were the first UK beverage producer to gain EMAS accreditation (Eco Management Audit Scheme.) EMAS is a voluntary audit scheme validated by external auditors which requires us to publish an annual environmental performance report for all to see. EMAS requires us to not only set environmental objectives but also demonstrate continuous improvement in excess of those required by environmental regulations.
To view our EMAS Statement click on the link below:
EMAS Environmental Statement 2011
Here are some of the ways we seek to work proactively when it comes to the environment:
Packaging
We are commited to minimising our environmental impact through a range of initaives which include using recycled glass, rPET and lightweighting. These initiaves have seen us achieve a packaging weight reduction of 13.9% for PET bottles since 2005.
- All our bottles are 100% recyclable
- PET bottles are blown on site reducing additional road miles
- Our Highland Spring green glass bottles contain at least 80% recycled glass
Energy efficiency
We have a Continuous Improvement Programme in place which is designed to help us deliver the same high quality products but by using less resources and therefore minimising our environmental impact.
- In 2008 we installed an 'Air Recovery System' which reduced annual energy usage by 1.25m Kilowatts.
- We work with the Carbon Trust to make sure we are kept aware of any developments which could help us be more efficient.
- Movement sensitive lighting in as many of our buildings as possible makes sure we are not needlessly consuming electricity when we don't need to be.
* Source: NHC 2011
Distribution and transport
- During the early part of 2006 and as a result of our continuous improvement scheme we identifed that by adding an extra layer to our pallets we could improve vehicle utilisation. This simple improvement equates on average to 274 less truck movements over the year.
- More recently, we have been evaluating the use of rail freight to replace road haulage and have started shipping some of our larger orders by rail. We are currently investigating the possibility of installing a rail siding to allow direct loading of trains at the bottling site.
- We have also already increased our use of rail freight in recent years and have been successful in transferring 4,000 lorries to rail resulting in a saving of 1m tonnes of CO2.
- 95% of our sales are in the UK, helping to minimise transportation from source to consumer resulting in a saving of 1m road miles.
Water use
Our water use ratio is 1.36 which is industry leading and our entire business is built on sustainable business practices.