Colton's commitment to resource-efficient operations.
Over the past few years, Loughborough-based Colton Packaging has made significant investments in its operations and infrastructure to create a sustainable foundation for future growth.
In 2019, the family-run firm purchased a new facility in Loughborough to expand its operations, undertaking a complete modernisation of the building with sustainability and resource efficiency at the forefront of the plans.
Modernisation of the structure included the installation of LED lighting with motion sensor PIRs to maximise energy efficiency and sustainability. Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels were also installed on the office's roof to generate power. In addition, six Tesla batteries have been connected, which contribute towards the firm's ambitions to be more sustainable and less reliant on the national grid for power.
The Tesla batteries enable the business to store energy for peak winter periods, and the accompanying app provides data and insights to manage energy consumption. The batteries will take up to 10 years to show a true return on investment; however, the first energy bill since installation showed a reduction from £500 to just £30 for the month, so it is already making a huge impact.
Supporting green packaging Colton is equally committed to helping clients reduce their environmental impact. Its corrugated cardboard packaging is sourced from FSC-registered manufacturers in the UK, and by choosing a recyclable material for packaging, Colton helps businesses meet their environmental targets.
Last year, Colton's in-house design team eliminated polystyrene from the corner packaging used to protect two manufacturing clients' door and frame products. The team reimagined bulky, polystyrene corner pieces and boosted their sustainability by designing a die-cut, corrugated cardboard solution as a replacement. It was as robust in protecting the products, yet eco-friendly, minimising waste and reducing required storage.
Since the solution's implementation, the clients have achieved a significant cost reduction and improved sustainability credentials. These benefits are also being multiplied across the end users, as on building sites where residential developments are receiving the doors and frames, they can achieve zero waste to landfill and improve recycling from packaging.
Creating sustainable storage solutions Earlier this year, Colton's in-house team also supported an e-commerce client to find a more cost-effective and sustainable storage alternative to plastic for its warehouse picking operations.
The team designed, sampled and delivered a bespoke cardboard corrugated alternative to the previous plastic tote bins within three weeks. The client is so impressed with the results; it has rolled the design out across more of its warehouse operations. While the totes were made to fit a large bay, they can be reproduced in alternative sizes, and the design team has already developed and produced half-bin totes for smaller goods. The new cardboard products take up less storage space and are 100% recyclable, positively impacting the client's carbon footprint.
In addition to providing a greener alternative to plastic, the new cardboard bins are easier and cheaper to produce. This end product is a testament to Colton's success in creating a resource-efficient solution without compromising on operational proficiency or profitability."