KE & The Environment

As a manufacturer of commercial catering equipment we recognise the potential impact we may have upon the environment. We understand the relevant processes involved in the design, manufacturing, marketing & delivery our products - and we know that some of the processes can inevitably have a detrimental effect on the environment. And that is why we take the environment very seriously, and do everything in our power to limit and reverse those negative consequences.

We make a commitment that, wherever possible, we will ensure that all processes we undertake address the needs and concerns of the environment, particularly in the following aspects of our business:

The manufacturing process

We lessen the impact by adopting key energy efficiency policies:

Energy efficient equipment, which is regularly tested for its efficiency
Planned preventative machine maintenance to ensure best operating efficiency
Efficient & ethical disposal of waste materials & by-products of the manufacturing process, eg scrap metals.
The avoidance of any materials or chemicals that would be harmful to humans or animals or the environment.
Only using component parts that are approved to relevant electrical and manufacturing standards, and from suppliers with proven environmental standards.
Use local suppliers wherever practical and so reduce carbon emissions & carbon footprint – though fewer supplier delivery vehicles
Use of environmentally sound and approved packaging – either re-usable or recyclable. All packaging material used by the company complies with the approved environmental standards, and are only sourced from reputable and approved suppliers.
Re-use of packaging material that is sent to us by suppliers and other third parties.
Sourcing as much of the manufacturing parts & materials requirement within the UK, thereby minimising the detrimental impact of transported goods.

Commercial processes

Since 2008 we have significantly reduced the amount of printed communication & publicity material made available to existing and prospective customers.

By the increased use of one to one emails & group e-marketing strategies we have lessened our dependency on both in-house & externally produced printed materials. In doing so we have reduced our own carbon footprint, and that of our key marketing suppliers.

By using internal data more effectively we can reduce wastage – we now send fewer but better targeted communications.

By making more material available via our web site – downloadable files, etc – we have reduced the need for hard copy communications and postage. By reducing the amount of printed mailings by over 70% in a three year period we have significantly reduced our consumption of paper & envelopes.

Electronic invoicing of customers & ordering from suppliers wherever possible has resulted in a 60% reduction in daily postage. As more customers & suppliers become capable of trading electronically so we will reduce postage requirements even further.

General waste & energy reduction

By implementing best practice throughout the organisation, and by consistently communicating best practice to all employees, we will reduce waste by pure synergy:

Separation of recyclable waste & non-recyclable in every office and communal area of the building
Recycling of paper and toner cartridges
Use of recycled paper for printers & copiers
Only Print When Essential policy – reduces unnecessary paper waste

We minimise our impact on the environment by adopting key energy reduction strategies:

Regularly serviced and tested office equipment
Regularly serviced and tested gas heating system that is thermostatically controlled and is used extensively with energy efficient timers.
The use of low energy light fittings and timed light switches
Low radiation/low power consumption computer display monitors

Our ongoing commitment to environmentally friendly policies & procedures

Our focus on environmentally sound practices is not a one-time effort; it is an on-going and persistent commitment:

Continuously improve our environmental performance and incorporate all known environmental best practices into our business operations.
Measure and take action to reduce the carbon footprint of our business activities to meet our stated objectives.
Ensure the environment, including climate change, is taken into consideration in the future procurement & delivery of goods and services. As a consequence, ensure the environment is taken into consideration in the future selection and appointment of suppliers.
Comply as a minimum with all relevant environmental legislation as well as other appropriate elective environmental initiatives.
To provide information and appropriate training for all staff and seek feedback from them on our environmental procedures and objectives, and their personal contributions to said performance.
To regularly review and audit our environmental practices and work with suppliers, customers & partners to improve our individual performance and that of our industry as a whole.