ISO 14001 accreditation and our business strategy
The circular economy is at the forefront of the discussion about resource production. This is the ‘system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated’ (Ellen Macarthur Foundation). Increasing numbers of companies around the world are moving towards a position where they reduce, reuse and recycle materials, with many major brands leading the way to promote sustainable development and reduce the impact of human activity on the planet.
Despite this, progress is slow. In its Circular Gap Report 2023, the Circular Economy Foundation calculates that just 7.2% of the global economy can truly be categorized as ‘circular’, and the situation is getting worse, not better, with the World Economic Forum reporting that ‘we’re using about 60% more of the earth’s resources than it can regenerate every year’.
This isn’t just about statistics. It’s crucial that the circular business model becomes the norm globally, if the world we inhabit is to survive in its current form.
In common with many of our customers and suppliers, we recognize the role that the industrial sector has to play in being part of the solution. After all, we’re collectively responsible for the use of huge quantities of raw materials, the consumption of significant levels of energy and the creation of large volumes of waste.
ISO 14001 is a key commitment for us
Of course, developing a circular business model, with a transition from traditional methods, processes and beliefs, while maintaining long-term business viability and growth, is not straightforward. Nonetheless, we believe that such a strategy is the right thing to do, ethically, commercially and socially.
Therefore, we are developing a robust, future-proof business model that will help us reduce, reuse and recycle across our operation. Key to this model is accreditation to ISO 14001, which provides the holistic framework around which we can identify, manage, monitor and control all aspects of our impact on the environment.
Our sensor manufacturing center in Ely, UK, has recently been awarded ISO 14001 certification. To achieve this, our team in Ely had to consider every aspect of the site operation, from the sourcing and use of resources to possible air pollution, water and sewage discharges and waste management. In practical terms, we are taking measures such as the installation of energy-efficient LED lighting and a switch to recyclable packaging, and are considering methods to minimize gas emissions through a reduction in the time required for instrument calibration. As an example, our TDL calibration process has now been reduced from two weeks to just four days; not only does this reduce the venting of calibration gases to the atmosphere, it also has the benefit of improving our service to customers while releasing team members to focus on other tasks.
ISO 14001 and continual improvement
Although our ISO 14001 certification is a crucial step, it is only part of our journey towards creating a truly circular business model. The ISO 14001 framework will form the roadmap that enables us to improve everything we do. This will range from building a cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly working and operational facility, to the design, manufacture and maintenance of our future products. Our goals include further reduction in our material usage, extending the operating life of our products and improving their potential for recycling.
It's worth noting that the ISO 14001 methodology also offers the potential to improve collaboration. This can be both between departments and teams within the business, and between us and our customers and suppliers. The shared goal is to discover new and innovative ways to address technical, commercial and environmental challenges.
ISO 14001 and future-proofing
Among the many benefits of ISO 14001 – for us, our customers and our suppliers – is that it enables us to develop a much more resilient and future-proof business model. For example, by reducing, reusing and recycling materials we can help to mitigate the impact of rising commodity prices, while the adoption of on-site renewable energy systems – whether that’s solar panels, ground-source heat pumps or rainwater harvesting – protects us from the type of energy price shocks that we’ve all experienced in recent times.
A recent OECD report, Competition in the Circular Economy, made the point that ‘the economic impact of a shift to a circular economy is significant’ with the potential to release new revenue streams, improve productivity, reduce unnecessary costs, minimize investment risks and open up new innovation potential.
We agree with this assessment and, although we are only at the beginning of our journey to build a circular business model, we have already taken significant steps – steps that will benefit our business, employees, customers and other stakeholders alike.
With 50 years’ experience in the development of moisture, humidity and dew-point technology, we are the experts for all industrial applications. If you would like to discuss your requirements, please contact our team today.
The specific term ‘the circular economy’ was first popularized in 2013 by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. The Foundation was established by round-the-world yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur who, through her solo circumnavigation of the globe, gained a unique insight into the way the world works, with ‘interlocking cycles and finite resources’.
Her subsequent work with the McKinsey Consultancy, businesses, governments and the European Commission has revolutionized the approach towards our use and exploitation of the world’s natural resources. In particular, the Foundation provides original, evidence-based research, plus education and learning programs. It brings together a wide range of commercial, academic and public sector organizations to share knowledge, expertise and ideas that help to address challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss through the development of sustainable circular economic models.
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