Member Article

Sustainable Manufacturing Processes Commended

Castleoak, leading developer and construction partner to the care sector, has praised supplier Shackletons for achieving high environmental standards whilst reusing and recycling packaging when providing services to the company’s development projects.

Adopting a positive attitude to environmental practices is a key business commitment for Shackletons; all manufacturing and production processes are designed and output from a ‘lean’ philosophy. The company’s lean principles eliminate waste within the manufacturing system. From procurement to scheduling and delivery, every step of the process has been streamlined to minimise waste in resource, time and materials.

One aspect of avoiding waste is how Shackletons reduce, reuse, and recycle product packaging. When working on the Castleoak 73 bed Abbey House project in Swindon, Shackletons provided chairs, occasional tables, cabinets, dining tables, sofas, beds. Bubble wrap, cardboard, and cellophane were necessary components to ensure lack of damage during transit and installation.

The packaging components are carefully removed and reused for the company’s next contract delivery. Nothing goes to waste and when the packaging is beyond its best the materials are sorted and placed in the relevant recycling skips for collection.

Continually striving to improve the company’s environmental performance, off cuts of foam, fabric and wood from the manufacturing process are also processed. Bespoke furniture is created from some, whilst partnerships with companies such as foam suppliers and polish and paint container recycling companies ensures more specialised materials are disposed of responsibly.

Miles Thomas, Environmental Manager at the Castleoak Group says: “As a leading provider of development, design and construction services to the care sector Castleoak aspires to be at the forefront of sustainable development. We are keen to work with likeminded companies like Shackletons who share these principles and working practices.”

Shackletons have been in the business of creating comfort for over 50 years and are the UK’s leading design and manufacturer of specialist contract furniture for the healthcare sector.

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