The difference Unbeatable green credentials

Pensord on track for zero waste to landfill by year end

With concerns about the environment affecting us all, you will be reassured to know that we care passionately about our green responsibilities having achieved ISO 14001 with a full Environmental Management System.

In addition to FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certification, and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification).

With landfill sites putting up landfull signs, Pensord is doing its bit for sustainability. The company has been working for over 10 years with recycling and waste management partner, DS Smith Recycling (formerly Severnside Recycling), with the realistic goal of achieving zero waste direct to landfill by the close of 2011.

Paper is naturally Pensord’s main waste output, so paper recycling has been a keen focus of this partnership.This year Operations Director Karl Gater has broadened that focus to include mixed waste recycling within the year.

Karl and his team have spent the past six months working closely with DS Smith Recycling account manager, Chris Parry-Lewis, to identify the key areas in achieving our objective.

Chris explains: “DS Smith Recycling first conducted a survey of Pensord's general waste to highlight which materials were being sent to landfill unnecessarily.

“Once these were pinpointed, we were able to begin installing appropriate recycling bins in the office and factory areas.

“Ultimately, the aim is to phase out the traditional general waste bins, replacing them with segregated recycling which will enable employees to recycle as simply and effectively as they would at home.”

Moving towards a mixed waste approach has vastly broadened the range of waste materials that are recycled by Pensord through DS Smith Recycling’s network of specialist reprocessors. Furthermore, much of the fibre waste will end up in new Pensord products, as the DS Smith Group offers a closed loop recycling solution, which gets recycled packaging back on the shelf within 14 days. This is achieved by DS Smith Group companies, DS Smith Paper and DS Smith Packaging, which recycle the used paper and cardboard their recycling company collects from businesses such as printers, retailers, and SMEs, which is then used in the manufacture of new corrugated packaging.

Karl said: “Installing an effective waste recycling system is not just a financial benefit for the company, but a key corporate responsibility. I’m extremely proud that we’re so close to achieving this fantastic goal. It’s a testament to the willingness of all Pensord employees, as well as our solid and long-standing relationship with DS Smith Recycling.”