Today is Earth Day, a global initiative held each year to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet and is a call to arms for everyone to unite around renewable energy.
Here, Daily Focus highlights some of the Staffordshire businesses running their own initiatives to protect the planet.
We live in a world with an ever-increasing use of technology and electrical devices, but some Staffordshire companies are helping to save them from landfill.
In Stafford, Converge Technology Solutions is the only manufacturer and reseller in the UK with its own on-site IT asset disposal facility.
The company develops sustainable IT solutions and refurbishes devices for future use, to the tune of 130,000 more a year, thanks to its Revive machine.
Devices brought back to life are then sold to customers, supporting a circular economy business model.
A spokesperson said: “E-waste is a huge problem, and the UK produces the second highest amount, per head, of any country in the world. Much of it ends up in dirty landfill either here or in other countries.
“As a Valpak certified Zero To Landfill business we guarantee that no device we receive goes to landfill. Now, even fewer will need to be recycled as we revive them for organisations and consumers.”
Meanwhile, mobile device repairer TMT First, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme has a mission statement of ‘keeping technology alive for longer’. The firm’s Mobile Component Repair has saved 24,500 batteries, reducing the need to manufacture replacements.
Founder Adam Whitehouse is Chair of SBEN, the Staffordshire Business and Environmental Network, and has recently launched a new community interest company, Reboot IT for All, offering recommissioned devices to the disadvantaged and aim to increase digital skills.
Michelin is a brand renowned for its tyres, but a lesser-known fact is that its Stoke-on-Trent factory retreads truck tyres.
Replacing a tyre’s word tread with a new one allows hauliers to get significant extra mileage from their tyres for, on average, 40 per cent less than an equivalent new one.
Tyres can be retreaded several times and this process also benefits the environment as it reduces the amount of tyre casings that have to be scrapped.
When it comes to packaging, Stone’s Woolcool is the only packaging company using a range of sheep’s wool insulated packaging available on a commercial scale – and has won a whole host of awards for its efforts.
Woolcool uses patented technology to produce high performing insulated packaging for the shipment of temperature sensitive products in markets including food and pharma.
The natural wool used is biodegradable, compostable, and can be repurposed in various ways.
Managing Director Josie Morris said: “We believe innovation should work in harmony with nature. We believe that respect and care for nature should be at our core. Our technology harnesses the power of natural materials—like sheep’s wool—to create high-performing systems that’s not only effective, but also environmentally responsible. By replacing synthetic alternatives with sustainable solutions, we’re showing that it’s possible to protect the planet while still delivering cutting-edge performance.”
GivEnergy sells innovative battery storage solutions for both residential and commercial use to customers all over the world.
The company estimates that each year, the average GivEnergy customer saves 85 per cent on their energy bills, and reduces their carbon emissions by 300kg.
GivEnergy’s new headquarters in Newcastle-under-Lyme are ran entirely on renewable energy and are described as a ‘flagship for energy efficiency’.
Also working hard to reduce its environmental impact is pitched roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles.
Aiming to become a net zero business by 2040, 10 years earlier than the agreed government target, the company has a major focus on direct emissions. Solar panels have been installed at its news £18.5 million upgraded plant on Nicolson Way in Burton upon Trent, with solar inverters also put in place to help power the new production facility.
Investments have also been made into electric forklift trucks and a high-efficiency moulding machine offering potential energy savings of up to 60 to 80 per cent.
Meanwhile, community charity Groundwork West Midlands, which has a base in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, has just announced it has helped more than 65 organisations in the city save on energy costs through free energy audits.
The Sustainable Ventures initiative helped multiple charities and businesses thanks to UKSPF funding awarded from Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Jack Holmes, Energy Assessor at Groundwork West Midlands, said: “Being ahead of the curve will always benefit business, and making the right choices with energy and carbon emissions is a key area to capitalise on.”
