Overview
As a responsible corporate organisation, Arktis Endurance Textiles Ltd (Arktis) recognises its responsibility to consider the impacts of its actions and how they affect the environment both directly in terms of our own operations, and indirectly through our purchasing decisions, the products and services we offer to our customers and the business opportunities we pursue.
We provide products and services that fully satisfy the requirements of our customers whilst complying with all environmental legislation and our own ethical commitments.
At Arktis, we are committed to minimising the impact of our operations on the environment and to demonstrating leadership by integrating environmental considerations into all of our business practices.
Scope and Application of Policy
This policy applies to all employees, associates and third parties who undertake activity for and on behalf of Arktis. It applies to the goods and services we procure, our direct operations and the services we provide to our customers.
This policy applies to all entities and employees. Those responsible for its implementation are the business leaders, directors and departmental leads of the company.
This policy also provides an effective framework for realising our commitment to protecting and where possible, enhancing the environment by reducing our environmental impact, preventing pollution, mitigating and adapting to climate change and a low carbon future.
Our Commitment
We want our products, services and production to be part of a sustainable society. Arktis is committed to:
- Meeting all legal requirements, regulations and standards in the country of operation and monitoring to ensure compliance.
- Preventing pollution and monitoring the reduction of any adverse impacts such as the effects of noise, dust and nuisance on the environment and communities as far as is reasonably practical
- Demonstrating efficient use of energy, water and raw materials through the development of performance indicators and taking appropriate opportunities as far as is reasonably practicable.
- Working to improve the standards of the business sectors in which the company operates, enhancing environmental awareness and commitment against our employees through structured training, and encouraging the adoption of sound environmental and social principles amongst customers and suppliers alike
- Communicating our environmental objectives to our suppliers, employees, customers and wider stakeholders
- Engaging in stakeholder and supplier dialogue where possible to identify innovative solutions and appropriate alternatives to meet environmental challenges.
- Providing relevant training to ensure all employees are competent to carry out their work and are aware of their role in reducing waste and conserving energy and resources.
- Seeking to influence the environmental impact of our products through enhancement of design specifications for products and the adoption of sustainable practices.
- Reporting on the key environmental impact of our operations, the improvements achieved and targets for the future.
- Continually improving and monitoring environmental performance in order to reduce environmental impact.
Arktis is committed towards achieving these goals by careful consideration and treatment of the following factors in operating our business.
Waste and recycling
Arktis adheres to strict procedures regarding the disposal and control of generated waste. Arktis uses only essential packaging for the transportation of our garments, the purpose of which is to protect the garments during dispatch and delivery.
We source packaging and cardboard boxes that are recyclable and environmentally friendly. The biodegradable bags we use are constructed from compostable polythene, which in accordance with the waste hierarchy minimises waste to landfill; they can be recycled or composted.
We use cutting techniques that make the most efficient use of our fabrics, reducing waste and offcuts. Further, we recycle waste fabrics by donating to local rag banks, charity projects and Colleges.
Active steps are taken to minimise the amount of product that has to be disposed of via general waste. We minimise out environmental impact by minimising waste in all areas of our operation and through waste being collected by specialist waste recycling companies that segregate the waste streams we generate (e.g. fabric, paper, plastic, metal) and sending them for recycling. Thereby reducing any waste to landfill.
Arktis also takes active steps to ensure that within its office environment every effort is made to recycle. Examples of this include using recycled toner cartridges, all confidential waste is shredded and recycled, and we are continuing to make efforts to introduce a paperless environment.
Energy Usage
Staff are instructed to ensure that all PCs, equipment, and other appliances are turned off at the end of the working day, through the application of power off policies. Heating is adjusted with energy consumption in mind. Energy consumption and efficiency of new products are considered when purchasing them.
We monitor the use of electricity, gas and water and work to reduce usage wherever possible by identifying spikes in demand or excessive usage and set annual targets for the reduction in our use of utilities. We also adhere to the WEEE Directive 2012 with regard to the disposal of electrical items where applicable.
Preventing Pollution
We continually monitor, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption and emissions, usage of our company vehicles. This includes route planning and virtual meetings with customers and supply chain partners wherever possible.
We also forecast and schedule the dispatch of orders to minimise collections by our contracted couriers. We have suitable storage facilities for staff who wish to commute by bicycle.
Procurement and Supply Chain Activities
Arktis uses environmentally friendly raw materials and products in our supply chain and actively sources raw materials, used in the production of garments and equipment, from supply chain partners who share the same ethical and environmental aspirations as ourselves.
We source and use environmentally friendly paper from sustainable sources and wherever possible we purchase paper bearing the European Eco label, we also ensure that wherever possible paper wastage is reduced.
Wherever possible Arktis is committed to using local suppliers for both products and other services such as fabric from companies based in the UK, dyers and printers based in the UK and local companies for haberdashery. Every attempt is made to source products as locally as possible on a competitive basis. Arktis endeavours to work with local suppliers for all other services where practical and cost efficient to do so.
Training
All Arktis employees are briefed with regard to our environmental policy and procedures as part of their induction. Environmental training is provided relevant to job role, for example our cutters are all instructed on how to reduce waste through the application of specific cutting techniques, and our office employees are instructed to power off IT devices and reduce paper through the use of electronic communication and tools.
Culture
This policy is updated and monitored at least once annually in consultation with staff and other stakeholders where necessary. We involve staff in the implementation of this policy, for enhanced commitment and maximum performance. Staff are provided with relevant environmental training. We work with suppliers, contractors and subcontractors to improve their environmental performance. We will continue to use local labour and materials where available to re
This environmental policy shall be reviewed on an annual basis.