Why is reducing our carbon footprint an ongoing process?
Reducing our carbon footprint isn’t something we do once and then stop when the results start to show. It’s a continuous journey, and we’re always looking for ways to improve. As a manufacturing supplier to many brands up and down the country, we’re acutely aware of the impact our work can have on the environment and the infrastructure we rely on.
Lowering carbon emissions and prioritising energy-efficient alternatives across every area of our operation is our way of supporting the global shift towards cleaner energy.
Not only does lowering our carbon footprint help us remain viable in the long term, but it’s also something customers expect to see now – and rightly so. That’s why we’re proud to be running a project focused on doing just that.
Man plugging in charger into an electric car at charge station
How are we going to implement an ongoing process to reduce our carbon footprint?
- All our materials and packaging are recyclable, so customers should never need to send products to landfill – and we can also recycle items for them.
- Most of our energy comes from natural sources, helping us maintain our green supplier status.
- The majority of ink we use is water-based, with no toxic solvents, and easy to recycle.
- Our factories are lit with LED lighting, which uses significantly less energy.
- 95% of our sewn materials are repurposed, including even the smallest offcuts.
- We’re moving towards a fully electric fleet. One of our two vehicles is already electric, and we’re exploring options to replace our larger van when a suitable solution is available.
- We buy print materials and hardware in bulk, reducing the number of deliveries our suppliers need to make.
- We strive to use local suppliers wherever possible, supporting our local economy and reducing transport.
- We have specific temperature-controlled zones used only for print methods that require higher heats, helping us minimise excess heat generation.
- We use the most up-to-date energy-efficient technology throughout our operation.
- We opt for digital or print on-demand solutions, significantly reducing waste.
- We use a print management software that monitors printer use and tracks waste.
- We use environmentally conscious couriers and, where possible, deliver orders ourselves.
Rod Sessions, our Commercial Director, is key to the implementation of this project:
“Every decision we make takes into consideration our impact on the environment. From the suppliers we partner with, the media we use, and the manufacturing method of each product to our working practices, client expectations, and packaging/delivery methods. The environment and our impact on it is a core concern at HFC.”