We recognise that we have a responsibility to minimise the impact of our business on the environment. We’ve taken steps to measure and reduce this in recent years and remain committed to continuing the process because we believe it makes sound, commercial sense.

Our carton, graphical and box making board range contains either recycled fibre or recyclable virgin fibre. Virgin fibre pulp is sourced from managed, sustainable softwood forestry and is usually certified by the forest management scheme of the country of origin. In addition, our Chain of Custody certification enables us to pass on a number of FSC and PEFC certified products.

The principal legislation affecting our organisation is as follows:

• Duty of care in respect of waste disposal:  Our waste management exceeds the requirements of the Pre-treatment landfill regulations. (See below.)
• Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations:  We have complied fully since their introduction in 1997. We are registered independently with the Environment Agency and can provide both customer and supplier data on request.
• The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations:  Our products comply fully. A statement is available on request.

Our operation does not impact significantly on the environment. (We are classed by business electricity suppliers as low users.) Our processes do not involve the use of water or chemicals and do not generate significant emissions. We’ve taken the following steps to minimise energy use and air pollution:

• Installation of low energy lighting throughout offices and warehousing
• Office heating comprises oil fired central heating and heat exchange air conditioning

Annual electricity consumption less than 120,000 kwh

• Company cars switched from petrol engines to Euro IV compliant diesel engines
• Use of only LPG forklift trucks. Low emission gas/electric hybrid option under consideration
• Replacement transit wrap changed to recycled pallets and clear plastic shrink wrap
• Priority given to carriers who operate modern, well maintained vehicle fleets
• Where possible and with customer co-operation loads are grouped rather than delivered on dedicated vehicles

We’ve taken the following steps in respect of our waste:

• Segregation of product waste, corrugated boxes, office paper and card for collection by re-processor
• Segregation of pallet and timber waste, polythene waste and steel strapping for re-use or collection by re-processor
• Increased use of e-mail and electronic data exchange in order to reduce paper dependence

These actions have helped to reduce our weekly landfill waste collection by 72% from 4 cu. m. to 1.1 cu.m.

For more information and advice, contact David Whitaker at our Leicester office or by email to david.whitaker@warrenboard.co.uk