Import Services, the Hampshire-based logistics company, is firmly focused on minimising its impact on the environment by integrating a series of recycling and conservation operations into its day-to-day activities.
Each week, the region's number one importer handles more than three tonnes of cardboard across its three warehouse sites in and around The Port of Southampton - a third of which is re-used in its distribution services, while the rest is recycled at a mill into new cardboard.
"If you add up all the cardboard that comes through our warehouses every year, it tops the 150 tonne mark and we have worked hard to come up with a workable re-use or recycle practice where none of it gets thrown away," said Roger Loveless, Import Services operations director.
"In addition to our cardboard recycling, we have also adopted a number of other eco-friendly practices that we hope will reduce any adverse effect our operations may have on climate change. Our environmental policy states that we will prevent pollution, minimise waste and maximise efficient use of resources and we are fully committed to following that philosophy.
"The proceeds from the recycled cardboard are donated directly to Import Services' chosen charity, the Rainbow Centre in Fareham, who specialise in conductive education to help children with cerebral palsy in the south.
"We also recycle ink toner cartridges and paper with any payback again going directly to the Rainbow Centre. So at the same time as being 'green', we are also supporting our local community," added Roger.
Import Services has large warehouse facilities located in and around The Port of Southampton. This proximity to the container ships which discharge and reload at the port, plus fast track container turn-rounds at Import Services' sites, reduces the need to truck or rail freight to distribution centres inland. Therefore the transportation of containers is reduced significantly, so cutting carbon emissions.
In keeping with its green policy, Import Services also operates battery efficient forklift trucks, which are recharged overnight. Plus a movement activated lighting system has been installed at Import Services' 109,000 sq ft Nursling warehouse where up to 10,000 pallets, made with wood supplied from sustainable forests, can be stored. Lights will only activate when triggered by operations in the warehouse aisles and then switch off when the activity ceases, therefore reducing electricity usage.
"This is all part of Import Services' drive for reducing its carbon footprint" reported Roger, "In addition, all our staff are required to undergo Environment Awareness training designed to identify environmental issues and enable individuals to recognise opportunities for conservational improvements, especially in the areas of general housekeeping and health and safety."
Import Services provides a full door to door logistics service, from accounting services, purchase order tracking, storage, order processing, labelling, picking, packing and distribution to European retailers, including Argos, Boots, John Lewis, Sainsbury's, Woolworths, Clinton Cards, Toys R Us, W H Smith plus a number of large independent retailers. For further information please call Import Services 01489 799500.