Driving change to address economic, social and environmental challenges is high on everyone’s agenda. From fostering positive workplaces, to achieving net zero, tackling climate change and nurturing environmental regeneration, everyone has a role to play. At a time when green credentials and sustainability remain a high priority for businesses, ESP is pleased to announce a number of initiatives the company has undertaken to limit the environmental impact of its operation at its Midlands-based headquarters.
One of the key aims for the business was to reduce the overall amount of packaging used in the 30,000sq ft warehouse. The first step was to review the use of all the boxes and packaging in which products are received into the warehouse. Instead of this packaging material being sent off for commercial waste recycling, it is now shredded on site and used for the subsequent packing up of ESP products for distribution to customers.
In a further endorsement of its green credentials, ESP has implemented a policy whereby 100% recycled brown packaging paper is now used to protect all products on deliveries to its customers, replacing the 72% recycled packaging paper that was previously used. In addition, all the boxes in which ESP products are packaged for delivery are now 100% recycled.
Another major area of consideration in terms of packaging was the use of plastic tape to seal up boxes. As well as being less recyclable than paper and taking longer to break down, plastic tape may also rely on more complex resources and energy systems in the creation process. ESP now uses the eco-friendly paper tape alternative.
Commenting on the measures taken and resulting savings made, Steve Danks, Warehouse Manager at ESP, said: “Sustainability has been at the forefront of our operations for years, and we are constantly taking measures to improve and address our environmental impact. With the focus on packaging reduction, we have not only saved on the amount of packaging and waste we use as a business but have also made significant cost savings in the process. Our switch to paper tape means that we have saved 450,000 metres of plastic tape since the beginning of 2020.”
At the same time as overhauling its packaging solutions, ESP undertook a review of the lighting provision throughout the warehouse. This resulted in the replacement of the old incandescent light fittings with more energy efficient LED alternatives. The fittings chosen for the general warehouse areas were the Ovia Inceptor Hion 200W LED High Bay dimmable lights with microwave sensor and a total of 50 have been installed throughout the warehouse space. The microwave sensor version was selected as the best energy saving option, with lighting only being activated in areas that are occupied.
ESP has also undertaken the installation of a new charging point facility for the fleet of electric fork lift trucks that operate at the company’s 30,000 sq ft site.
As part of its ongoing commitment to further its sustainability journey, ESP is looking to adopt an innovative approach to the clothing worn by staff members. For employees in the warehouse, as well as the area sales managers out on the road, there will be a move towards items of clothing such as polo shirts, t-shirts and gilets being made from 65% recycled materials.
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