FEATURE
Cromwell Polythene: doing what they say they will
In our latest Cleaning and Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) Excellence Awards feature, we find out about the values behind Cromwell Polythene’s CHSA Manufacturer of the Year Award.
Innovation, quality and sustainability are important to manufacturing success. To build a long-lasting reputation requires something more fundamental as well: trust.
Over the 40+ years since its formation, Cromwell Polythene has put integrity front and centre. The focus has always been on understanding customers’ needs, delivering the right product and service and supporting the sector through engagement in industry association. It’s this philosophy which earned Cromwell Polythene the 2026 CHSA Excellence Award for Manufacturer of the Year.
The family business’s philosophy is summed up in perhaps the best compliment the company has ever received: ‘Cromwell always do exactly what they say they will’. It’s a simple statement, but perfectly captures why the company stood out to the judges in this year’s CHSA Excellence Awards.
For the team at Cromwell Polythene, the award is a proud moment because it recognises the way they do business, as much as the products they manufacture.
The company said: “We’re patient, proactive and personable. Having our peers recognise that approach is a huge boost and encourages us to keep striving for excellence.”
At the heart of its success are the people. Ask what makes the business proudest and the answer comes immediately: its team. Employees are described as fun, committed, conscientious, professional and refreshingly honest and success is viewed as something achieved collectively. The company’s long-standing profit-share scheme reinforces this. Every employee receives an equal share, regardless of seniority, recognising everyone contributes equally to the business’s success.
One tradition illustrates that mindset perfectly. On the first day of every month, it’s ‘back to zero’. No matter how well the previous month has gone, the focus immediately shifts to what can be improved next. It’s a philosophy built around continuous improvement rather than resting on past achievements.
Cromwell Polythene’s values align with the CHSA’s own commitment to quality and transparency. The Association’s message that ‘what’s on the box is in the box’ reflects exactly how Cromwell Polythene believes business should be conducted. For the company, quality means ‘Simple, Sustainable Excellence’ – providing the right products, delivered to the right place at the right time. That relies on maintaining high product standards, being honest with customers and taking responsibility when things don't go to plan. ‘Take accountability for mistakes, learn from them and move on – quickly’.
Mutual respect between the company and its employees is at the heart of its culture. Every employee knows and understands the values and objectives, which creates a magical chemistry that results in every employee safeguarding their culture.
Cromwell Polythene is a long-standing member of the CHSA, and was a founding member of the Accreditation Scheme for Manufacturers of Plastic Sacks. Today, they introduce new employees to the technical regulations and standard of the Scheme, as well as the principles behind them.
Cromwell Polythene commented: “Plastic sacks are, perhaps unexpectedly, an emotional purchase. When they fail, they create mess, hassle and frustration. The Accreditation Scheme mark gives customers confidence the products they receive will consistently perform as expected, reducing risk and making procurement decisions easier.”
Sustainability is another area where Cromwell Polythene favours practical action. A recent improvement demonstrates this clearly. By making a relatively small packaging change, the company reduced packaging weight by around 12.5% while increasing the number of products carried on each pallet by approximately 20%. The result is fewer vehicle journeys, lower emissions and reduced costs, all achieved without compromising product performance.
For a company that built its reputation on honesty, consistency and keeping its word, the CHSA Manufacturer of the Year Award is less about celebrating one successful year, and more about recognising more than 40 years of doing business the right way.
www.chsa.co.uk
30 | TOMORROW'S CLEANING
x.com/TomoCleaning
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58
