NEWS | Round-up
Richard Hagan, MD of Crystal Doors, looks at why nurturing young talent is a good move for the industry but also the environment and how embracing inclusivity can open the door to new ideas and approaches
UNLOCK
POTENTIAL by investing in the future
CRYSTAL DOORS is proud of its northern industrial roots. Our factory is in Rochdale, home of the co-operative movement and one of the most deprived districts in England. Our site-based staff all live in the area, so it should go without saying that I believe in the power of investing in talented young people from low-income backgrounds. And there is a wealth of untapped talent out there. Our local young people bring fresh perspectives, unique insights and, more and more, a deep passion for making a positive impact on our planet. Unlocking their potential, fostering inclusivity and emphasising sustainability can not only uplift these individuals and benefit our industry as a whole. It starts with providing equal access to education and training opportunities, for example through scholarships, mentorship programmes and internships. Crystal Doors has sponsored scholarship pro - grammes for our local college, Hopwood Hall, and we also regularly welcome students through our doors to learn about what we do. In 2022, we gave a group of local university students the opportunity to hone their sustainability skills by conducting a Lifecycle Assessment of our doors. These are the sorts of initiatives that can bridge the gap between privilege and disadvantage and allow talented students to acquire the experience necessary to thrive in their careers. By investing in talented students who are passionate about the planet, we can all play a role in cultivating a generation of environ men- tally-conscious leaders. I was invited on to a local
By investing in talented students who are passionate about the
planet, we can all play a role in cultivating a generation of environmentally conscious leaders
youth radio station last year to talk about sustainability and future careers, and their enthusiasm to change things for the better was inspiring. Young people understand the importance of minimising waste, utilising renewable
resources and implementing eco-friendly solutions. By nurturing their talents and providing them with the necessary support, we can empower them to become ambassadors for sustainability and transform the way we do business. But it’s also about creating a more inclusive industry
that reflects the diverse world we live in. Inclusivity brings with it a variety of perspectives and experiences that foster innovation and creativity. When we embrace individuals, regardless of their background or privilege, we open the doors to new ideas and approaches. Together, we can create a brighter future for both the
KBB industry and the students who hold the key to its success in their hands.
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Bette celebrates sustainable product milestone
BATHROOM MANUFACTURER Bette has announced it has produced more than 100,000 products using sustainable glazed titanium steel.
In 2020, the German-based company switched its glazed titanium steel manufacturing process to one that uses CO2-neutral steel.
Bette achieved this by working with its steel suppliers and helping them to adopt sustainable manufacturing processes, such as investing in regenerative blast furnaces. By using titanium sheets supplied by manufacturers with sustainable credentials, Bette says that its products are CO2-neutral.
Since making the switch, the company has been using a tracker on its website to record how many sustainable products it has manufactured.
The 100,000th CO2-neutral glazed steel product was one of the company’s BetteAir shower surface trays.
In 2021, Bette reported that it had successfully reduced CO2 emissions by 10%, followed by a further reduction of almost 40% in 2022. Bette MD Thilo Pahl said: “We are celebrating an important milestone on our path to greater sustainability. Each of these 100,000 bathroom products represents our commitment to a greener future and sustainable interior design. “We are proud of what we have achieved so far, but we know that our work does not end here. Our commitment to sustainability is a long-term process and we will continue to innovate, research and look for ways to do our part to create environmentally friendly bathrooms.” Following this milestone achievement, Bette says it is continuing towards its goal of manufacturing half of its total products with sustainable steel by the end of 2024.
Whirlpool: 850,000 appliances recycled and refurbished
WHIRLPOOL HAS revealed it has reached the 850,000 milestone for the number of appliances recycled or refurbished at its Peterborough site. The announcement was made as part of the
Repic WEEE cycle network event, which was being held to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the regulations. “In the past 15 years, we have made great
strides in moving towards a complete circular production process,” Whirlpool said. “Eighty- five per cent of what has passed through the site has been given a second life, with the remaining 130,000 units recycled. “We have also collected a further 165,000 tonnes of appliances to be recycled since 2010, providing the opportunity for the materials to be reused in new products, as well as opening three in-house factory outlet stores that are open to the public. We hope to open our fourth by the end of the year. “The 15-year WEEE anniversary provided us with the perfect milestone to share just how responsive we have been, and will continue to be, to meet the demands of today’s consumer.” Repic is the WEEE compliance organisation set up in 2004 by three of the main trade associations in the electrical and electronics
industry in
response to the European waste directive. Repic funds the collection, transport, and treatment of around half of all separately collected household WEEE each year. Louise Grantham, chief executive of Repic, said: “The recently introduced Right to Repair legislation placed the spotlight on the requirement for manufacturers to provide spares, repairs and reuse. For many Repic members, like Whirlpool, it was a clear opportunity to showcase the repair and reuse facilities that have been in operation for many years.”
• August 2023
Climate
Champion Change
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