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Contribution to Environmental Improvement – Recycling sponsored by Kuehne + Nagel
Winner: Spirit Pub Company
Three entries were shortlisted for the “Recycling” Award and all demonstrated merit. The entry from Argos in partnership with Norbert Dentressangle demonstrated what could be achieved by a dedicated operational team. The staff at the company’s Mossend RDC showed great team spirit in hitting targets and transforming every worker’s attitude to making a positive impact on the environment.
The Royal Mint’s entry was focused on a £26 million investment into plating and effluent treatment equipment at its facilities in Llantrisant, Wales. The new process is totally contained and controlled within The Royal Mint and uses a completely different chemistry to that used on the decommissioned plant – resulting in a significant reduction in the amount of mains water used. The quantity of effluent discharged has been reduced by 50 per cent and the filter cake produced by the new process is expected to be a revenue generator by being sold on to the paint and cement industries. This project demonstrated some excellent benefits to the environment.
However, the one that impressed the judges the most was the entry from Spirit Pub Company. The company has introduced a system for collection of waste from its 802 pubs – but what makes this different is its focus on food waste and used cooking oil. It worked closely with its 3PL on newly designed lorries to carry food waste in separate areas under the vehicles, requiring investment and close collaboration. Food waste now goes for bio-digestion and cooking oil goes for conversion into bio-fuel – making huge savings in material going to landfill. In addition, there were obstacles to overcome in terms of attitudes of pub staff and the drivers collecting the waste. In particular, the judges liked the impact this initiative had on marketing and product. Feedback on the waste being generated is impacting on the products offered in pubs – re-evaluating food items which were unnecessary or unwanted. For the judges, Spirit Pub Company was the winner.
Shortlisted
» Argos in partnership with Norbert Dentressangle
» Spirit Pub Company
» The Royal Mint
Supply Chain Standard, December 2011
