From front door to factory floor, Hamilton Adhesive Labels commits to sustainability drive
Hamilton Adhesive Labels, manufacturer of printed and plain labels for the food and drink, industrial, household and personal care sectors, is putting sustainability and waste reduction at the forefront of its business activity with far-reaching eco-initiatives
A significant achievement has been accomplishing zero waste to landfill; an initiative it embarked upon in September 2017 when the volume of production waste totalled 75 tonnes per month. All skeletal waste from label production is recycled, along with all office and production waste, resulting in the zero to landfill achievement.
The manufacturer has also invested in the Asahi Photoproducts AWP flexographic plate solution to optimise efficiency and output quality without compromising sustainability. The plate is water washable, eliminating the need for high temperatures or VOC solvents in the washout process and can transfer and release virtually all the ink it takes from the anilox – minimising ink cost and waste.
Paul Larkin, Operations Director at Hamilton Adhesive Labels, said: “The environment is a key issue at the front of our customers’ minds, so we felt it vital to embrace the same ethos. The significant impact these eco-strategies have had on business performance and objectives, in terms of efficiency and reducing costs, has been a pleasant surprise and demonstrate that green thinking does not need to come at the expense of business performance.”
The manufacturer’s eco-philosophy is evident from the moment visitors arrive at the company’s site, from the car park outside, through to the factory floor. Further initiatives include the implementation of a green car policy, enabled by hybrid car charging points installed across Hamilton’s site in Bardon, Leicestershire. Funding has also been secured from the Green Business Fund, operated by the Carbon Trust, to switch to environmentally-friendly LED lighting throughout the site.
“The drive to be a more sustainable business has continued to grow as more changes were implemented and motivation has been high to extend initiatives across all areas,” said Mr Larkin.
“In a relatively short space of time, Hamilton has made great strides toward far-improved environmental sustainability. The business is currently seeking FSC accreditation and in 2019 will look to secure ISO 14001 accreditation. Achieving these standards will reinforce the business’s commitment to responsible environmental management and resource efficiency.”
To find out more about Hamilton Adhesive Labels please visit www.hamilton-labels.co.uk