We’ve always been concerned about the impact our business could have on climate change, and sought to minimise our greenhouse gas emissions by committing to various initiatives:

Having looked at the results of our carbon audit we realized that two key actions to reduce our carbon footprint in 2007 would be to increase the recycled content of our PET bottles, and to work with our suppliers to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste.

100% recycled bottle

In September 2007 we became the first company in the world to put our drinks into 100% recycled plastic bottles. 
We’ve been working on this project for quite a while. In 2000 we started using bottles made from 25% recycled plastic and in 2005 improved it to 50% recycled. All the time, people told us that it would be impossible to get to 100%, but we tried and tried and tried again. And now we’re here. 100%. It means a 20% reduction in materials (we've made the bottle lighter) and a 55% carbon reduction in terms of the bottle’s manufacture. It’s a big step for a little company.
Not only is this a great environmental result – but its not costing us anymore either.

Suppliers go green

The majority of our carbon footprint occurs in our supply chain, so its essential that we work with our suppliers to cut carbon.  One of carton co-packers started working on carbon projects last year, and in the space of 8 months reduced their footprint by an amazing 60%. 

This is what they did:

• Got serious about recycling.  A group of employees was established to find opportunities to recycle more waste from around the factory.  Within 6 months, new recycling systems were set up, and they had reduced waste to landfill by 54%.  This was not the result of any whiz bang technology, just clearly labeled bins and some efforts in educating and encouraging staff to separate the waste.  Not only were the company able to achieve great recycling results but they were also saving money – about a £1,000 a month from reduced waste disposal costs. 

• Became energy all-stars.  A free energy audit from the Carbon Trust showed the opportunity to reduce usage (and costs) by up to 25% across the business.  Some of the actions suggested by the audit were straightforward, such as improved metering or small changes to current procedures, whereas some required investment in new equipment for the production process. The company engineering manager is currently working through the action plan with his team, and hopes to achieve a 10% saving in energy by the end of the year.

• The ultimate commitment. Encouraged by the great results that they had seen so far, and the great feedback from their employees, the company decided to make the ultimate carbon commitment of purchasing 100% renewable energy for their entire site. 

Three great projects and an incredibly impressive year of results.  Their employees are really proud of the company, as are we.

So what’s next

Having successfully reduced our smoothie carbon footprint by 15% in only six months, we are now in the process of setting our targets to reduce our carbon footprint even further in 2008.  Our three main areas for taking out carbon for next year will continue to be focused mainly on our manufacturing, our packaging and our distribution in the UK. 

Although we alone are not able to prevent the environmental effects of emissions that have already taken place, we are however committed and determined to concentrate on positively influencing the future.