Printed packaging manufacturer Roberts Mart has cut carbon emissions and slashed energy costs after installing new, resource efficient equipment paid for with an interest-free loan, under a UK business scheme launched by the Carbon Trust this autumn.
Retail suppliers that grasp the opportunity to modernise and lower production emissions could strengthen their position in contract renewals because supermarket chains and brand owners are keen to minimise the carbon footprint of supply chains, according to the flexible packaging specialist.
Believed the first in the packaging sector to join the Carbon Trust Big Business Refit scheme, Roberts Mart replaced old lighting and drying equipment, saving £2,000 on monthly bills, which will pay back a £170,000 loan.
The new thermal oil drying system allowed for an additional printer on the spacious factory floor of the modern premises on a green-field site outside the city of Leeds. The system uses less air at a higher temperature for drying, so the existing RTO (regenerative thermal oxidiser) gained capacity to deal with the waste off-gases from a further printer.
In Roberts Mart’s case, from application to installation of new equipment took less than six months. The Carbon Trust says it understands businesses need quick decisions and aims to expedite on-line loan arrangements and execution of projects.
The Carbon Trust has 450 approved energy consultants to carry out desk-based analysis of an applicant company, and an offer can be made within 10 working days, says Will Fellows, loans channel manager at the Carbon Trust.
Eligible companies can get loans of between £3,000 and £400,000. Afterwards, 10% of the loan recipients are audited to check they are achieving the projected savings. Companies may reapply for a new loan when a previous one has been paid off.
Mr Fellows says the loan scheme seems so straightforward that some companies expect there to be a ‘catch’; but he reassures doubters, there isn’t one.
He says each project is a three-way winner: with CO2 savings, new equipment that ‘pays for itself’ and new business for equipment supplier.
Teach-ins run by the Carbon Trust for suppliers up and down the country ensure they understand and can explain the process to prospective customers.
