Four of the UK's largest retailers have committed to reducing their environmental impact throughout the supply chain by partnering with suppliers and seeking specialist advice from Envirowise.
Home Retail Group – which includes Argos and Homebase – Marks & Spencer, ASDA and Boots the Chemist will work with their suppliers and Envirowise to explore new waste solutions such as re-useable transport packaging, better delivery logistics and smarter product packaging design.
During the last year alone, businesses involved in the Envirowise supply chain programme have identified cost savings of more than £4.5 million - and around £10 million since the project began in 2002, with £6.6 million already achieved.
Argos and Homebase are currently working with 30 of their suppliers to explore opportunities to minimise waste along the supply chain and reduce the amount of packaging associated with the products it sells. The retailers' involvement is part of a wider waste management strategy that aims to send zero waste to landfill by 2010.
Laurence Singer, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Home Retail Group, commented: "The business is fully committed to reducing environmental impact and recognises that suppliers can have an important contribution to make. Envirowise is helping us all take a more creative approach to supply chain management and focusing our efforts on putting into place strong and systematic procedures to eliminate excess waste. Our distribution Centre at Basildon has just achieved ISO 140001 status."
Derek Rowe, who has environmental responsibilities at Glen Dimplex UK Ltd, one of the Group's suppliers, says: "In particular, we are aiming to identify specific actions to cut excess waste from transit and internal packaging, without compromising product protection or significantly increasing costs. We are also considering water and energy saving measures, by benchmarking current levels and setting targets for reductions. Advice provided by Envirowise can provide considerable savings with little or no financial outlay. "
Roger Papworth, Envirowise Programme Delivery Leader, commented: "The Envirowise supply chain programme helps businesses work together and put into place the kind of processes that create better, leaner and more competitive supply chains.
"This is a true partnership approach that can enable participating companies to develop an extra layer of financial flexibility during tough economic times."
The supply chain initiative involves introductory workshops, on-site resource efficiency reviews, targeted training and impact assessment. It also offers free support and practical assistance under the Envirowise programme.
Other companies involved in this year's supply chain programme include Scottish & Newcastle, Tate & Lyle, 3663 and Ginsters.
More information can be found at the Retail page or by calling 0800 585 794.
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley.
Notes to Editors
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact.
Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through the Envirowise Advice Line, information resources and on site visits* delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms, to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit the Envirowise website or call 0800 585 794.
* Please note that different services are available in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – please contact our Advice Line on 0800 585 794 for more information on whether you are eligible for a site visit.