Environment~
EnvironmentAs a company dedicated to helping people get more from their love of the outdoors, we think it's important that we do what we can to minimise our impact on the environment.
This is nothing new. Aquapac has always sought to do the right thing in matters environmental.
Our products are made of plastics (i.e. petroleum-based). It would be nice if we could make them from bamboo or hemp, and maybe that's not as whimsical as it sounds! We know of one or two emerging technologies that could make these seemingly fantastical pipe-dreams into an achievable reality. You can be sure that we'll be keeping a keen weather eye on these new developments.
In the meantime, although it's costing us a whole lot more, we've committed to move our entire production to a more environmentally acceptable plastic - see below.
We seek to use materials as economically as possible, keeping off-cuts to a minimum.
Other than a tiny amount of glue used on a small number of cases, our manufacturing processes employ no toxic products, and generate no toxic waste.
Fossil FuelsApart from the plastics our cases are made from, the biggest part of our carbon footprint in London is our electricity use. Our high-frequency welding machines run on electricity. We're not talking big figures though. Our total fuel bill in London last year - both offices and factory - ran to less than £3k ($6k).
Green ElectricityWe are delighted to announce that since late last year all our electricity has been supplied by
Ecotricity - the world's first green electricity company.
100% PVC-FreeAlthough there are varying opinions on the effects of PVC on the environment, we are nonetheless sourcing materials that have more universally-accepted environmental credentials.
This year we are going 100% PVC-Free.
Biodegradable PackagingAquapac stopped using PVC retail packaging a couple of years ago. At that time we moved to PET clamshells.
Since the beginning of 2007 Aquapac has been trialling recyclable boxboard packaging with two of our reseller partners, L.L.Bean and REI. And trialling PVC-free, PU cases also.
From January 2008 all Aquapac's retail packaging worldwide will move from PET clamshells to recyclable boxboard backing and header cards. Accessory packs will be made of degradable polythene, which is 100% compostable. The polybags that the products are shipped to dealers in will be made of potato starch, which is 100% compostable. Shipping cartons, jiffy bags and stationery will all be 100% recyclable, and made wherever possible of recycled materials.
End-of-Life RecyclingAquapac is committed to doing its part to protect and preserve the environment. This is in the interest of protecting and preserving the Great Outdoors which we love and enjoy, for the benefit of ourselves and of future generations. We can all make a positive difference - simply by thinking carefully before sending any waste to landfill. When you've had your Aquapac for over 3 years and the warranty has expired, you can if you like send it back to us. We will then take responsibility for making sure that it's safely disposed of, with as much as possible of it being recycled.
Customers who return their cases to us for recycling will be offered 15% off the cost of their next purchase.
So we always try to use recycled or recyclable supplies, from toiletries to stationery, and we send our office waste for recycling or composting as much as possible.
We are also working to extend this approach further into our manufacturing processes.
Recycled PaperWe try to avoid printing. We keep a bin for one-side-printed paper and re-use it. Paper that can't be re-used is shredded and composted.
Compost Mentis - a State of MindWe're rather compost-obsessed. It helps that we have a Chief Exec who's a keen gardener, and can never get enough compost to spread on his borders.
Tim's compost bin!We compost everything we can. For example, our kitchen and canteen waste. All other waste is separated out into appropriate bins and taken once a week to the nearest Recycling Centre.
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