Redditch based presswork and metal contact specialist Samuel Taylor Limited (STL) has gained the ISO 14001:2015 environmental standard, a first for the company.
ISO 14001:2015 specifies the requirements for an environmental management system that an organisation can use to enhance its environmental performance.
It is intended for use by an organisation seeking to manage its environmental responsibilities in a systematic manner that contributes to environmental sustainability.
Achieving certification for this standard is part of an ongoing continuous improvement drive within STL to maintain a world class, safe working environment. Certification to ISO 14001:2015 follows STL also being awarded the 9001:2015 Quality standard and becoming one of the first manufacturers in the UK to hold the 45001 Health & Safety standard.
Paul Booth, Factory Manager at Samuel Taylor Limited comments: “Achieving the ISO 14001:2015 environmental standard was the result of a real team effort by all our shop floor employees and our partners Bob Hughes and Samantha Robinson at Temple Quality Management Systems.
“It is the first time we have pursued this standard, driven by our desire to minimize the negative environmental impact of our operations whilst reducing waste, associated costs and increasing efficiencies across the business.
“For example, over a 12-month period, we have succeeded in implementing a robust environmental management system that follows best practices for waste management.
“This included implementing a systems directive; computer-based tracking of all information required for the standard, along with weekly uploads of documents to prove these items are in practice”.
STL implemented several new processes across its’ shop floor operations, such as improving oil waste management, ensuring oil waste is stored in a dedicated holding area ready to be collected and recycled. Trained spill kit operators now exist to manage and clean up any spillages along with investment in spill kit equipment in every factory to clean and dispose of spilt oil correctly.
Calor, diesel and propane gas fueling factory operations were relocated to optimum, secured environments and a full audit was conducted on supply chain partners such as Veolia, to ensure all waste is disposed of and recycled correctly.
This work has coincided with the installation of more energy efficient LED lighting within two factories and dispatch areas, as the company implements further efforts to reduce its’ carbon footprint.
Booth continues: “Achieving such high environmental standards is not only the ethical thing to do but it makes business sense, driving down costs through increased operational efficiencies.
“We have a global customer base spanning several continents and increasingly, our customers also want to see us demonstrating environmental best practice.
For example, we have conducted a complete review of our packaging process, ensuring we package in the most efficient way, recycle and work with customers to ensure re-use of packaging where possible”.
https://www.samueltaylor.co.uk/
Photo: Paul Booth, STL Factory Manager alongside Justyna Meire, Operator