Pittards issue 2002 environmental report

In 2000, leather manufacturers Pittards became the first to publish a detailed report that addressed environmental responsibility and accountability across all areas of business. Now, two years on, the company have released their 2002 Environment Report highlighting progress that has been made since the first report was published. 'On the environment front, these are exciting times for Pittards', explains Phil McNee, group environmental manager. 'Instead of the 'linear' practices of using materials and resources to make products that create waste, we are working on projects that challenge this traditional approach. 'Examples include the evaluation of gasification technology, whereby our wastes are used to create energy and the assessment of advanced effluent treatment technology, whereby effluent is cleaned up to a point where it may be re-used in our manufacturing operations. Waste is a cost that does not produce value to our customers and our ultimate goal is to eliminate it.' Environmental policy Specifically, Pittards will: * Meet and strive to better relevant environmental standards and legislation * Annually review environmental objectives and targets with a view to continually improving the group's environmental performance * Use only those hides and skins which are byproducts of the meat, dairy and wool industries worldwide * Communicate openly on the nature of their activities and report progress on environmental plans and performance * Organise activities and operations in such a way that environmental impacts are assessed and minimised * Aim to minimise waste through the stringent us of all materials, supplies and energy * Use renewable or recyclable materials and components wherever practicable in operations * Maintain a research and development activity aimed at evaluating and developing more efficient and more environmentally acceptable technology * Include environmental considerations in all investment decisions.