Taking the green path

Buying green is becoming more and more a part of everyday life – from organic produce to carbon offsetting airlines. Now, one Laboratory supplier is following suit

Since being awarded ISO14001:2004 environmental management accreditation in 2006, Anachem has strived to reduce its impact on the environment even further.

ESTABLISHED in 1970, Luton-based Liquid Handling Specialists Anachem has consistently focused on bringing to market products that help to improve scientists’ overall laboratory productivity, assure the quality of their results and to assist them in meeting regulatory compliance. Equipment maintenance and servicing has been an integral part of Anachem’s business and the company has developed its pipette service operations dramatically over the years, raising awareness of the importance of regular maintenance and calibration of pipettes to assure their performance.

These are exciting times for Anachem with many new products currently being launched, however it is the company’s shift towards a more responsible, greener focus that has attracted the interest of their customers as Sally Bell, Anachem Senior Marketing Communication Specialist explains.

“Environmental issues have become much more prominent in all areas of our lives and the importance of being more environmentally aware combined with the demand for greener products is very high, not just domestically, but also in the workplace. Anachem has always prided itself on reacting to customer needs and the demand for greener laboratory products has greatly influenced us to source them, thereby becoming a more environmentally conscious company.”

In response to the latest environmental legislation, Sally considers that Anachem has reacted positively to ensure they are at the forefront of the drive towards saving energy wherever possible. “Anachem is proactively taking steps to minimise the impact our business has on the environment and has established an environmental management system to define the policies and procedures in place to conform to all elements of ISO 14001: 2004, which was awarded to us in June 2006.”

As Sally explains, all areas of Anachem’s business have undergone an environmental impact survey and are now geared up towards total energy efficiency.

“All our paper is now recycled, the company’s business cards are made from recycled card and all marketing material is printed on sustainable source paper. Anachem staff are acutely aware of the need to be energy efficient, we even have our own Anachem fleece jackets made from recycled material to keep staff comfortable whilst keeping the heating to a minimal level. Our promotional giveaways are now predominantly produced from recycled materials and plastics and our protective packing now comprises of shredded recycled paper instead of polystyrene chips. Reducing the need for printed catalogues and literature is seen as a useful way to save energy and so we now promote ordering of consumables on-line as a more environmentally friendly option.”

In addition to these measures, Anachem has also introduced a range of specific initiatives aimed at encouraging its customers to consider recycling equipment.

“Our Pipette Recycling Scheme is turning old pipettes into cash savings as for every pipette supplied to Anachem for recycling, customers receive a £50 discount against the purchase of any new pipette from us. Wherever possible we ensure these old pipettes are reconditioned for worthy causes or charities. Anachem has always led the way in bringing new and innovative products to scientists and so we now offer the widest range of green and eco-friendly options to suit all needs and budgets, allowing everyone to help the environment however large or small their laboratory. Anachem’s heavy metal free Earth Saver Tips for instance utilise packaging that is completely manufactured from biodegradable material. And for laboratories joining the Anachem recycling scheme we provide a collection service for used plastic items. This material is then ground into 10mm granules which are moulded into various items such as water pipes, patio furniture and other plastic products, this reduces the potential for plastic waste to be deposited in landfill sites and decreases the energy used for recycling,” said Sally. 

To further reduce their carbon footprint, Anachem also supports a range of environmental projects as Sally outlines.

Anachem MD hands over a cheque related to their greener car scheme

“Anachem is offsetting the CO2 emissions which our fleet of 78 diesel cars currently produces with the planting of almost 4,000 trees. In doing so Anachem is one of the first companies to take action on climate change this way, in association with the Woodland Trust. The aim is to plant trees and create new native woodlands for wildlife and people across the UK, whilst at the same time helping to offset our CO2 emissions. Anachem is also supporting the Snail Wood Project which aims to create sustainable, native community woodland for education, recreation and the future. Additionally when customers sign up to the Anachem Tip packaging recycling scheme, the company donates money on their behalf to a number of environmental projects. These include the ‘Ecuador School Recycling Project’ and the ‘Combating Deforestation in Columbia Program,’ as well as investing in UK Hedge Funds aimed at preserving the traditional English Hedgerows and the species that live within them.”

It is now Anachem’s overall policy to operate its business employing the best environmental practices possible, as exemplified by its Environmental Management System. Anachem has also made every effort to be at the forefront of environmental thinking prior to it becoming legislation, as Sally concludes.
“Anachem will ensure control of any waste discharge which may have an adverse affect on the environment and is committed to the prevention of pollution. Anachem has also reviewed the environmental impact of its activities and acts on any areas that have a significant adverse affect. The principal aim is for a programme of continual improvement in Anachem’s environmental performance and as such all employees have been made aware of Anachem’s environmental policies and objectives. To ensure that these policies are upheld, a dedicated committee has been set up known as “The Green Team” to champion this cause. The significance of this for Anachem is it shows our customers we are serious and dedicated to being an environmentally aware company, thereby supporting our aim of being the greenest laboratory products supplier in the marketplace.”

By Barry Hill