ask the expert
August/September2022 june/july 2019 business edge
Become Sustainable at All Stages Dean Willis – product expert and Sales Director of the Adelphi Group of Companies in West Sussex – addresses the biggest challenges faced by UK manufacturers, and solves the most frequent questions being asked...
Dean Willis Sales Director, Adelphi Manufacturing Co Ltd.
With over 33 years’ experience in the industry, Dean - what advice would you give to companies throughout the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics manufacturing industries looking to source equipment responsibly? I would stress that environmentally conscious investment has never been more important; for the survival of both the planet and your business. The internet makes product comparisons quick and efficient, so consumers can interrogate every aspect of your product and processes before deciding to make a purchase. Sustainability credentials are now a primary decision making factor. Who you choose as your equipment supplier will give a loud, clear message about your company’s commitment to sustainability; this can either help or harm your reputation, and therefore your profits. Often we hear from businesses in these industries who want to become more sustainable themselves, but don’t know where to begin. What first steps would you recommend?
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For business of all sizes, improving resource use and efficiency is a great place to start. This will reduce waste and improve your environmental impact, and has the added benefit of improving your return on investment too! I always recommend investing in stainless steel equipment for manufacturing and distributing pharmaceuticals, food and beverages and cosmetics/personal care products, as these industries require the highest levels of hygiene. Many customers transport their products around the world in these vessels, and the vessels can then either be shipped back for re-use, or re-used at the second site. Stainless steel is one of the most environmentally efficient raw materials, because of its durability and ability to be recycled. Vessels last an extremely long time, and even once their service life is over, they should never enter the waste stream. How can manufacturers investigate a supplier’s sustainability credentials before they make a purchase?
www.sussexchamberofcommerce.co.uk
A simple search of the company’s website will often tell you all you need to know! Type ‘Sustainability’ into their search bar, and the results will speak for themselves. You’re looking for press releases about the supplier’s green innovations; relationships between the supplier and trusted organisations such as the Sustainable Business Partnership; and evidence of the local and global impacts of the supplier’s eco-friendly initiatives. Suppliers who have won awards for their environmental initiatives are the cream of the crop; they can be a real asset to your business and will often collaborate on sustainability-themed social content, which is really valuable to get in front of your customers. The Adelphi Group of Companies is an ISO 9001:2015 certified, awardwinning, machinery and equipment supplier, recognised internationally for its sustainability initiatives. adelphi.uk.com
tel: 01444 259 259
