Member Article

Marmax boxes clever with order from Irish potato supplier

A County Durham business which manufactures recycled plastic products has secured a order from one of Ireland’s best known potato suppliers. Marmax Products, which is based in Stanley, has supplied Glens of Antrim Potatoes with 120 produce boxes - saving the equivalent of over a quarter of a million milk containers from going to landfill. Glens will be trialling the use of recycled plastic in place of wooden boxes as part of its commitment to environmental protection. Based in the rural town of Cushendall in the world famous Glens of Antrim, the potato business was established in 1972 and now supplies leading retailers throughout Ireland. Glens of Antrim Potatoes works with growers to establish best practice for the environment while at the same time ensuring high quality products. It offers an extensive range of potatoes and keeps at the forefront of consumer trends by regularly introducing new varieties – most recently the Irish Lumper Potato which has not been commercially cultivated since the potato famine of the 1840s. Michael McKillop from Glens of Antrim Potatoes, said: “We are committed to preserving the environment as we reduce the impact our business has on the world around us. We’re making progress through our work with companies like Marmax - our culture of environmental and social responsibility makes us think creatively and innovatively every day. This year we’ve planted hundreds of wild plants and flowers at the boundaries of our potato fields to encourage bees to pollinate and we are also working with local schools to teach children about how to grow and nurture vegetables for themselves.” Tracey Scott, Marmax Products’ Sales and Marketing Manager, said: “Glens of Antrim Potatoes is an innovative, award-winning business which is always seeking new ways to improve its products and performance. These produce boxes have saved 270,270 milk containers from landfill and in addition to the environmental benefits, there are also practical advantages. Recycled plastic is hygienic, doesn’t splinter and is extremely durable, with a lifespan five times that of timber.” Marmax is the UK’s leading manufacturer of 100% recycled plastic products, with a range that also includes outdoor furniture, planters, fencing and boardwalks. The company recently won a Green Apple Environment Award from The Green Organisation, an independent, non-political environment group.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pauline .