Portmeirion Group’s Stoke-on-Trent factory has been highlighted as leading the way in the global firm’s efforts to become more sustainable.
The ceramics manufacturer, which is based in the city but serves markets across the world, yesterday (16 May) launched a new sustainability strategy with the hope of achieving net zero by 2040 across two types of emissions.
The document, titled Crafting a Better Future, also sets out ambitions to achieve zero to landfill across the whole UK business and describes this as building on a target already achieved by the site in Stoke town.
Work at the factory last year included altering the heating system in the glazing area to reduce gas consumption by 28 per cent. Investment has been made into new, energy efficient automation and catalytic heaters have been installed to heat some of the production areas.
Other initiatives in the Group’s strategy include eliminating single use plastics throughout operations and developing the role of Global Energy Teams to drive energy reduction through innovation and ‘green thinking’.
An emphasis will also be placed on extending work to support the mental and health and wellbeing of colleagues and the company’s employee support programme will be further developed.
Chief Executive Mike Raybould said: “Our Group continues to develop into a truly international business, with employees, offices, customers and suppliers all over the world. We are proud that our portfolio of homewares brands is sold in over 80 countries, and that our two, long-established UK factories supply around 40 per cent of our global sales.
“This exciting global growth brings with it responsibility. As a purpose-driven business, we are clear that we must continue to play our part in tackling global pressures such as climate change and support our extended community families.
“We must also continue to meet the expectations of our investors, stakeholders and customers as they work to deliver their own commitments.
“We have already made good progress in reducing our carbon emissions per tonne of saleable products. Our Stoke-on-Trent factory recycles all clay and glaze, with zero to landfill status, and our Lake District home fragrance factory sources more than 50 per cent of its energy from local wind turbines.
“The launch of our Crafting a Better Future strategy represents the next level of ambition for our Group – to ensure that we continue to reduce our impact on the environment and support our colleagues and communities, whilst still pursuing our ambition to grow our business around the world.”
Portmeirion Group owns six brands including Spode and recently reported a record year for sales in 2022 with the achievement partly put down to improved productivity at its Stoke-on-Trent factory.
The business plans to up its involvement with local communities by creating partnerships to address skills development and supporting local families with employability schemes.
The company says it will be supporting local community fundraisers and introducing a programme providing paid leave for colleagues to engage in volunteering activities.
