NEWS | Round-up
Richard Hagan, MD of Crystal Doors and kbbreview’s climate change champion, explains why embracing circular business practices is the key to creating a more a sustainable KBB Industry
Pioneering CIRCULARITY
WITH THE average kitchen lifespan now only about eight years, we must find ways to return to the era of kitchens that last generations, not just a decade. As a veteran in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry, I’m continually seeking ways to make our sector more sustainable. Circular models, for example, offer immense potential to reduce waste, future-proof our sector, and help retailers pave the circular path. First, assess manufacturing and distribution to identify savings. At Crystal Doors, we reviewed our packaging procedures and now incorporate reusing shipping materials as part of our practices. The idea is that small changes add up, so find efficiencies like recycling door samples or pallets. Rethinking materials is also impactful. My team and I are on a journey to phase out plastics for renewable and recyclable alternatives. So, try to support initiatives and explore partnerships to share waste streams across industries. To maximise lifecycles, focus on durability, repaira- bility and modular designs. We want customers to get the most from every purchase, so why not provide maintenance guides and repair services to extend their lifespan? Upgrades like new door fronts breathe life into existing cabinetry. Take-back programmes can also reduce waste from unavoidable replacements. I’m also eager to see more KBB businesses adopting
re-commerce models through resale, refurbishment and trade-ins. Giving quality surplus and returns a second life is a win-win. There must be an emphasis on research and developing initiatives to
Taking the lead on circularity can demonstrate that sustainability and business can thrive together
incentivise circularity
through, for example, trade-ins to help divert materials away from disposal. Reselling has the potential to really add
revenue while reducing environmental impacts. For retailers, product-as-service leasing models also warrant consideration. When customers lease rather than own, incentives align for maximising durability and shared use. Online inventory platforms are another circular innovation, matching buyers to excess stock. This transition requires effort, but it eventually pays dividends. Boosting material efficiency, supply stability and brand value are just some of the powerful incentives. Circularity can truly demonstrate that sustainability and business can thrive together. Implementing circular practices presents a tangible opportunity for KBB retailers to reduce waste while future-proofing their businesses. While the circular transition requires effort, the payoff is immense: more efficient operations, resilient and transparent supply chains and a strengthened brand reputation. Circularity isn’t just a path to reduce waste, it’s a way to build customer trust. By embracing durability, repairability, and re-commerce models, we not only contribute to a healthier planet but also create a loyal customer base that values quality and sustainability.
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kbb Birmingham aims for a greener show through TUKC partnership
KBB BIRMINGHAM has joined forces with kitchen recycling specialist The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC), for a third consecutive show, as part of its strategy to make the event as sustainable as possible.
The focus of the partnership is to encourage and help exhibitors sell off their displays ahead of the show next March, with the aim of promoting a greener event and “to make a valuable contribution towards recycling within the KBB industry”.
Kbb Birmingham event director Sam Fisher said: “We are so pleased to be partnering with The Used Kitchen Company again this year. Sustainability guides our decisions, events, and daily operations and this is one of many ways we are achieving a greener kbb. We hope our continued collaboration with TUKC will change how the industry thinks of our kitchens – no longer as something disposable, but instead a product of skilled craftsmanship and quality materials, designed to be reused repeatedly.”
kbb Birmingham announced the return of its Innovation Awards earlier this year. The awards are totally free to enter, and any KBB products
released since June 2022 are eligible for application. Suppliers can enter up to three individual products for consideration, with winners set to be announced across several award categories.
The kbb Innovation Awards are completely separate from the kbbreview Retail & Design Awards, which will be taking place alongside kbb at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Monday, March 4, 2024.
Keller Kitchens gains top German safety award
DUTCH KITCHEN manufacturer Keller Kitchens has received a top German quality standard certificate for its latest utility products.
The TÜV GS quality mark was awarded to Keller and its parent company DKG Group for its new range of Utility furniture products, which were launched earlier this year. The Utility range was rigorously tested by TÜV Rheinland in Germany, with individual tests assessing the range’s stability, durability and mechanical safety. The in-depth review also included an inspection of the brand’s production facilities, to check that the site met the high standards expected of Keller.
The TÜV GS mark verifies that consumer products comply with all statutory safety and health requirements of the German Product Safety Act. The standard is internationally recognised and offers consumers an important decision aid and increases the trust and confidence in products they are buying. Tim Spann, Keller’s UK national sales manager, commented: “The Keller and DKG team is extremely proud of this massive achievement. The design team works tirelessly all year
round to produce safe,
design-led, high-quality, sustain- able and attainable products and receiving a recognition like this makes it all worthwhile.” Earlier this year, DKG, the parent company behind Keller Kitchens, achieved the highest possible rating on the CO2 Performance Ladder, making it the first Dutch kitchen manufacturer to do so.
• December 2023
Climate
Champion Change
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