Environment and Sustainability
We believe that companies should be mindful of their day-to-day impact on the environment and should do more to protect and enhance our planet.
Here at Standard Brands, we understand and monitor our environmental impact, we continuously develop initiatives both large and small to improve it.
When the company moved to Castle bellingham in 1957 there became an inherent responsibility for the surrounding area as this is where many of our employees lived and still do. In 2008 we successfully launched our Sustainability Initiative and have made significant changes to the way we operate our business.
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In 2020 a Carbon Footprint study of our production factory was completed. The study showed that the since 2010 Standard Brands have reduced Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 30%. Most of our emissions are directly related to production, we have developed a five year plan to help reduce further environmental impact. The main areas of the plan are:
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The carbon offsetting projects we have selected are categorised as Community Projects. Each project is part of a verified carbon reduction scheme, meaning we can confidently report our emissions are being offset.
DARFUR COOKSTOVE
Fuel Efficient Stoves For North Darfur Women
The project replaces 3 stone fires with fuel efficient stoves (EzyStove®) facilitating 40% in wood savings.
The stove also reduces smoke particles that are harmful to the eyes and lungs by 70% as well as promotes other socio-economic benefits such as:
 Reducing poverty |
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| Good health & well-being |
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| Gender Equality |
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| Climate Action |
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| Creates work & economic growth |
INDONESIA GEOTHERMAL
Gunung Salak Geothermal Energy
Geothermal power plants use steam produced from reservoirs of hot water found a couple of miles or more below the Earth’s surface, instead of having to use fossil fuels. The steam rotates a turbine that activates a generator, which produces electricity. It is a natural and sustainable source of energy.
There are over 150 active volcanoes in Indonesia, giving the nation a huge potential for geothermal energy production. This project involves an capacity upgrade of three turbines at an existing geothermal power plant. The project creates social benefits in addition to the emissions reductions.
| Affordable & clean energy, |
| Creates work & economic growth, |
| Supports industry, innovation & infrastructure, |
| Climate action. |
ADPML PORTAL-PARÁ REDD PROJECT
Helping To Reduce Deforestation In The Amazonian Rainforest, Brazil
The world’s rainforests are being destroyed at an increasingly rapid rate- an area the size of a football pitch disappears every second – that’s over 58 million square miles of forest lost every year.
Deforestation is the number one cause of species extinction globally, and the second leading cause of CO2 emissions. By shifting economics to ensure that trees are worth more alive than dead, we are helping communities protect their forests for the long-term benefit of us all.
Protecting the rights of Amazonian people
The project is working to provide legal land-use permits that will result in official land titles for those villages that actively participate in forest protection.
Supporting Economic Development
Provide funding to start small sustainable businesses and develop agroforestry techniques.
Making a Stand against Climate Change
Project aim is to prevent over 10 million tonnes of harmful CO2 entering the atmosphere over the 40- year lifetime of the project.
| Decent work and economic growth, |
| Climate action, |
| Life on land. |
Water
Energy
General Waste
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A project developed in 2018 highlighted that Standard Brands could save a potential 5 million litres of water, over 5 years. This could be achieved by altering our line washing processes whilst ensuring sufficient cleaning is maintained. By the end of 2020 we saved over 4 million litres of water and we’re on track to surpass the target initially set. |
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A number of improvements to our manufacturing processes and the installation of energy efficient lights and equipment has significantly reduced our carbon emissions, these changes will ensure the long term company goals can be achieved and sustained. |
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Standard Brands is proud to say we are a zero waste site. All our waste will now be used for energy re-consumption, meaning zero waste to Landfill. |
FUTURE PROJECTS
Although we have already made lots of very positive steps towards reducing our impact on the environment, the findings of the Carbon Footprint Study have helped us develop our NEW Environmental & Sustainability plan. The plan currently combines over 20 initiatives, from major changes which can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, right down to small cultural changes like cycling to work, which is a part of each employee’s agenda. This plan is what we refer to as a live plan, it can continuously evolve and each year we hope to add and revisit areas which may not have been possible in the past (for example- electric vehicles).
Standard Brands is passionate about our Sustainability Initiatives and have set stringent targets to ensure these are at the heart of every agenda for the future. From 2020 we aim to reduce emissions by 15% each year which means by 2022 we will have reduced our emissions by approx. 45%. We aim for our main manufacturing site to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Setting the standards with Zip
Producing the best quality products is very important to Standard Brands. We ensure all products are produced in accordance with highest safety and environmental guidelines. Our product packaging has to be functional but where possible we source natural, recyclable and renewable materials.
Reducing deforestation
As part of our commitment to the planet we have developed a line of products made from 100% natural and renewable sources such as coppice willow, sunflower and corn husk. Keep an eye out for these logos displayed on our packs.
Compostable ash for easy disposal
This logo is displayed on packs where the ash after burning and cooling is 100% compostable. Composting promotes healthy plants; and it reduces the use of pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers.
Responsible Grilling
In 2020 we launched our responsible grilling campaign to educate consumers on how light, enjoy and dispose of a BBQ safely.
Ensuring our standards are the highest
All our products meet the relevant licence agreements and legislation.
Certified Site
The site implemented ISO 9001 Quality Standard in 2005, ISO 14001 Environmental Standard in 2008, OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health & Safety Standard in 2009- migrating to ISO 45001 in 2019, FSC™ in 2011, and BRC for Consumer products in 2015 along with various customer standards. Each of these certifications and standards form an integral part of the business and management system and are used as a benchmark to demonstrate our ability to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements along with providing the platform for continual improvement.
FSC
Add text here: FSC forest management certification confirms that the forest is being managed in a way that preserves biological diversity and benefits the lives of local people and workers, while ensuring it sustains economic viability. Our firelighter packaging is 100% recyclable and we have a natural range of products made from wood and wax using FSC® Certified Wood.
Recycling
The Green Dot does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable, will be recycled or has been recycled. It is a symbol used on packaging in some European countries and signifies that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.
HETAS
HETAS is the official body for testing and approval of appliances and publishes lists of approved appliances, fuels and equipment to help consumers, installers, retailers, designers & specifiers in choosing an installation & system to suit your needs whilst complying with the relevant building regulations and safety standards
Ready to burn.
Woodsure Ltd is the DEFRA appointed Certification Body who administer the Ready to Burn Scheme as recognised in The Air Quality (Domestic Solid Fuels Standards) (England) Regulations 2020.
Ready to burn was introduced to educate consumers about the damaging impact burning wet and damp can have to air quality. As of May 2021 it became Law in the UK that all wood fuel under 2m2 must carry the Ready to Burn certification. The Ready to Burn stamp of approval will reassure those who purchase firewood/briquettes with its logo that they are dry enough and immediately ready to burn.
Find out more at: https://www.readytoburn.org/
Natural products to meet consumer needs
Short Rotation Coppice Willow
Short Rotation Coppice Willow Crop is a renewable source of energy also known as Short Rotation Coppicing, often abbreviated to SRC . How does it work? Willow “whips” – long, thin cuttings taken when the trees are dormant, during winter and are planted in the spring, in long rows to make harvesting easier. Apart from needing the ground around them to be weeded to keep down competition until they become established, willows are a fairly undemanding crop. After harvesting, the trees once again begin growing from the root which remains in the soil, providing a new energy crop every three or four years, for around 30 years or more of useful life.
Why ‘Short Rotation Coppliced’ Willow?
- Produces large qty’s of renewable ‘green’ energy without harming the environment
- Contributes to sustainable development in rural communities
- Perfect for generating both heat and electricity
- Energy crops such as willow are generally high yielding and carbon neutral
- Integrate with existing landscapes & ecosystems*
- Future proofing – can contribute significantly to a net zero carbon future for Ireland
