LEVELS of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are at an all-time high. While CO2 is an essential element to the survival of plants and animals, too much CO2 has a catastrophic impact on the environment. The continuous burning of fossil fuels by humans has resulted in a massive rise in greenhouse gases, creating an imbalance in the atmosphere.
In May 2021, CO2 levels reached 419 parts per m – the highest average ever recorded. ‘As a manufacturer, we know we have a responsibility to be as sustainable as possible. Sustainability and environmental impact has always been a high priority for us and I’m delighted to announce we’ve introduced further environmental initiatives, all with the aim of reducing our environmental impact,’ said Mark Shorrock, managing director at Instarmac.
UltraFloor says it prides itself on its sustainability practices and its high-performance subfloor preparation materials ‘are produced at its world-class manufacturing facilities in Tamworth, Staffordshire’.
‘Having as little impact on the environment as possible is behind every decision I make about the running of our production and warehouse facility. Over the last few years, I’m proud to say we’ve introduced further initiatives which include using variable speed drivers across the plant, consuming less electricity at start up, replacing lighting with LED bulbs and using intelligent wrapping technology to select the best wrapping solution for each product, focusing on stability and efficiency,’ says Paul Evans, works director at Instarmac Group.
By adapting its manufacturing processes to utilise the most sustainable procedures possible, UltraFloor says it’s delighted to report that in 2020, its carbon footprint was measured at 3303.53 tonnes per CO2E – a 16% improvement compared to the previous year.
Says the company: ‘The environmental improvements to UltraFloor’s manufacturing and office facilities don’t end there. In February 2021, UltraFloor invested over £420,000 to install 3,771sqm of solar panels at their Tamworth based premises. The power generated by the high specification solar panels will be converted into electricity for use at their site and is also predicted to save at least 36,000kw per month. What’s more, research is also underway to install more solar panels across the wider Instarmac group infrastructure and properties.’
UltraFloor says it’s helping its customers reduce their own carbon footprint with the introduction of Level IT Hydra Bond. ‘The first of its kind, Level IT Hydra Bond is a ground-breaking, water-based floor leveller that has eliminated the use of single use plastic bottles. By utilising Ecosphere Technology in its formulation, UltraFloor is pleased to announce every bag of Level IT Hydra Bond also contains 20% recycled material. What’s more, when UltraFloor products do require the use of plastic bottles, they’re now made from 100% recycled material, which can also be recycled – a huge step forward for UltraFloor and the flooring industry as a whole.’
The company continues: ‘Level IT Hydra Bond and the other subfloor preparation materials available from UltraFloor are delivered to customers on our 35-strong, privately-owned fleet which now includes two CNG lorries. The introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles will result in a reduction of CO2 emissions by 115 tonnes per truck, per year. UltraFloor says it’s fully committed to using fuel alternatives and aim to have 25% of its fleet running on CNG by the end of 2024, and 60% by the end of 2025.’
UltraFloor acknowledges diesel isn’t great for the environment and that’s why every other vehicle in its fleet features AdBlue. ‘AdBlue is an additive which is used alongside diesel to reduce mono-nitrogen oxide emissions produced by the exhausts of vehicles. AdBlue transforms the harmful mono-nitrogen toxins in diesel into nitrogen and water vapour reducing the negative impact vehicle emissions have on the environment.’
Are pallets taking up space in your yard? UltraFloor says it can take them back. It says: ‘Our experienced drivers can collect your unwanted pallets and return them to UltraFloor to be recycled or reused. During 2020, UltraFloor Drivers collected about 15,000 pallets. That’s 193 tonnes of wood which has saved about 1,900 trees.’
Other initiatives successfully implemented at UltraFloor reportedly include intelligent lighting, a grey water system and climate control. It also says it’s been proudly zero waste to landfill since 2014 – this means 100% of manufacturing waste is recycled and not send to landfill.
‘UltraFloor’s environmental practices have been acknowledged by ISO 14001 – an independent accreditation which UltraFloor have been awarded for the last 15 years. The ISO standard allows UltraFloor to reflect a good level of professionalism and demonstrates best practice. This accreditation is a great accomplishment for UltraFloor as it shows their customers, the supply chain, and the flooring industry as a whole, their intent to continually improve all aspects of their business and how committed they are to providing sustainable solutions.’
Find out more about UltraFloor’s environmental commitments for the future by visiting Instarmac to download a copy of its environmental and social responsibility report.
www.instarmac.co.uk
