Environmental Policy

Our Mission Statement

Cotton Bag Co recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. The Cotton Bag Environmental Policy is also intended to encourage customers and suppliers to do the same.

Responsibility

Jim Garven is responsible for ensuring that the environmental policy is implemented. However, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.

Policy Aims

We endeavour to:

  • Comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
  • Continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
  • Continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
  • Incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
  • Increase employee awareness and training.
  • Make customers aware of the envirnomental benefits of our products.

Transportation

  • We will reduce the need to travel, restricting to necessity trips only.
  • We will promote the use of travel alternatives such as e-mail or video/phone conferencing.
  • We will make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transport or bicycles.
  • We have offered the Cycle Scheme to all staff.
  • Company Directors will only be offered electric of hybrid company cars.
  • We will transport bags from our partner factories by sea freight. Air freight will on be used for urgent orders.

Printing & Production

  • We will use water-based ink and products whenever possible.
  • Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • We will recycle waste inks and add pigment to make black ink
  • We will reduce the amount of material waste when setting up machines for printing by using reject bags from previous orders.
  • Stringent quality control to reduce the amount of waste during production.
  • Offer customers GOTS certified organic materials and increase our range of organic products.

Marketing

  • Our marketing strategy has moved away from paper-based communication and promotional campaigns. We send out a regular e-newsletter to our customers and communicate via email where possible. A range of short YouTube videos and use of social media, promote our services and products and services.

Paper & Packaging

  • We will minimise the use of paper in the office.
  • We will seek to buy recycled and FSC recyclable paper products.
  • We will reuse and recycle all paper where possible.
  • We will use Kraft packaging tape instead of plastic.
  • We will continue will our FSC certification through our sister company Paper Bag Co.

Monitoring & Improvement

  • We will comply with and exceed all relevant regulatory requirements.
  • We will continually improve and monitor environmental performance.
  • We will continually improve and reduce environmental impacts.
  • We will incorporate environmental factors into business decisions.
  • We will increase employee awareness through training.
  • We will review this policy and any related business issues at our monthly management meetings..

Energy & Water

  • We will seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible.
  • Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use.
  • Heating will be adjusted with energy consumption in mind.

Culture

  • We will involve staff in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance.
  • We will update this policy at least once annually in consultation with managers and staff.
  • We will provide staff with relevant environmental training.
  • We will work with suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance.
  • We will display this policy in all departments and a reminder to all staff.

Office Supplies

  • We will evaluate if the need can be met in another way.
  • We will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase.
  • We will favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
  • We will reuse and recycle everything we are able to.

Maintenance & Cleaning

  • Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
  • We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.

Chemical Management Policy

Purpose

This policy describes the general process of purchasing, receiving, storing, using and disposing of Chemicals.

Scope

This policy applies to all Chemicals used by and for Paper Bag Co (South West) Ltd ‘s everyday activities apart from household like activities such as hand soap and others cleaning products.

Purchasing

  • We will purchase, from GOTS Approved Suppliers, water-based ink and printing products whenever possible.
  • MSDS must be requested prior to using and kept on file.

Using

  • All staff, prior to using Chemicals, must be trained accordingly. Records of training must be kept on file.
  • Correct use & wear of PPE must be available depending on the chemical.
  • Usage must be minimised to avoid wastage.

Receiving

  • We will record inks received with a Batch Code, start date and end date.
  • For Chemicals other than Inks, we will keep Purchase Invoices for at least a year from receipt.
  • The Health & Safety representative must conduct a COSHH Risk Assessment.

Disposal

  • Wasted Inks must be stored in provided barrel(s) ready for our contractor J&G Enviromental to collect safely.
  • J&G Environmental Ltd Pollution Prevention & Control Regulation 2000 Permit was provided by
    The Enviroment Agency in May 2006 – their latest Certificate of Registration in Management & Recycling of
    Waste for the Printing Industry & Commercial Operations is valid until May 2025.

Storing

  • All Toxics and Dangerous Chemicals must be kept in the secure locker provided.
  • All Non-Toxics Chemicals can be kept unlocked and accessible for everyday activities.

Others

  • Ecoflo : we have purchased two water filtration units to minimise chemicals in our waste water.
  • Waste Water : we will, periodically, test our Waste Water and record findings.

Last Reviewed: 01/08/2024 – Next Review : 01/08/2025