Headlines
Sustainability at Larson-Juhl
08 April 2021
Sustainability is a topic that we’re incredibly passionate about here at Larson-Juhl UK, and it is becoming ever-more popular with consumers too. In fact, a recent study found that 78% of consumers consider the environmental impact of their purchases at least occasionally*. Although we all still have a long way to go, Larson-Juhl is playing its part in making the world a better place. Here are some of the things we’ve been doing!
Reducing our Plastic Usage:
- Our chop service was previously wrapped in plastic, but we have now switched to using recyclable cardboard boxes for both the chop service and our mouldings.
- Our mountboards are also packaged in cardboard boxes and recyclable bags, further decreasing our plastic usage and making us eco-friendlier.
Certified Materials:
- We currently stock 360 mouldings that are FSC or PEFC approved, all of which are made using timber that has been lumbered in compliance with sustainable forestry policies and are also fully recyclable. These include Andover, Anvil, Driftwood and many more!’
- Larson-Juhl has full chain of custody ensuring that timber is tracked through every step of the supply chain from forest to shelf. This provides 3rd party certification that products originate from certified forests with an unbroken path to the customer.
- All of our mountboards are produced in the U.K, with 194 of them being FSC certified. The paper mill uses 18% recycled fibre input, given a second life as paper products and packaging
Chop Service:
- Using our chop service allows customers to order the exact amount of moulding that they require, reducing wastage.
Mountboard Production:
- Our mountboards are made in partnership with James Cropper in Cumbria and are made in a factory that heavily focuses on sustainability.
- Water - The process draws in water from the river Kent and 85% of the water is retained and recycled many times within the production process, therefore reducing the water usage. The liquid waste is purified to meet the limits set by the Environmental Agency Authority, and the river is clean enough that it has been classed a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Site, Special Area of Conservation because it is home to a thriving population of white-clawed crayfish which are considered to be of international environmental importance.
- Energy – The factory is investing in low-carbon energy solutions and is reducing primary energy consumption in line with the paper sector Climate Change Agreement.
- Land – Solid waste from the site is taken on a daily basis for land-spreading on local farms, eliminating the need for landfill. The solid waste has also been shown to have agricultural benefits!
New Customer Service Centre:
- Our recent move to a new customer service centre means that all stock is now under one roof and we no longer have to move products between locations. This not only increases efficiency, but also reduces the energy consumption of the business.
- Moving to a new building also has additional advantages. The new building has motion sensors in both the office and the warehouse and an electric car charging point in the car park to improve its energy efficiency.
- In addition to the energy saving adaptations of the building, we ensure that all dry recycling is sorted before leaving the building.
Environmentally aware:
- Our team all do what they can to increase our energy efficiency. We are proud to say that the majority of our sales team also drive hybrid cars to reduce their fuel consumption, and therefore reducing their carbon footprint.
- We also encourage employees to make use of the nature reserve behind our new Customer Service Centre as we understand the importance of nature in the modern world, and this year it is more important than ever.
Becoming more sustainable is a journey, and we’d love to know what steps you are taking with your businesses to reduce your impact. Let us know on social!
* Survey from global management and consulting firm Kearney, conducted with 1,000 consumers on March 6, 2020.
