Spandex has secured coveted ISO environmental accreditation for its UK manufacturing site that supplies the ImagePerfect range of digital printing materials to subsidiaries in Australia and Europe.
The sign, graphics and display industries supplier received ISO 14001:2015 accreditation that recognises its commitment to continuous improvement in environmental practices at its manufacturing site in Lancaster. The site has achieved its goal of zero waste to landfill with all physical waste now recycled or converted to fuel.
“We are delighted to have gained ISO 14001:2015 accreditation for our manufacturing facility,” says Francis Obi, operations manager, Spandex Lancaster. “Our aim in pursuing the ISO accreditation was to adopt and fully embed a structured framework for improving all environmental aspects of the business. This includes maintaining our site policy of zero waste to landfill and a commitment to the reduction of energy consumption and waste solvents.”
The 7,000sqm Lancaster factory manufactures media products for ImagePerfect, Spandex’s own brand of self-adhesive signage and digital films for sign and graphics producers. The site ships ImagePerfect products to Spandex subsidiaries in Australia and Europe.
“The 14001 accreditation was a factory-wide initiative which covered all aspects of the business and was achieved by everyone working together towards a common goal,” says Francis. “In particular, praise was given to the operational aspects of the factory, which showed high levels of housekeeping, all equipment controls within parameters and any waste from factory processes identified and segregated prior to collection.”
Other areas taken into account for the accreditation included Spandex’s environmental policy, which demonstrates its commitment to continually improving and reducing environmental impacts; Spandex’s commitment to meeting customer and regulatory requirements; and proactive management of all waste streams, i.e. emissions, solvents, plastic, cardboard and wood. Spandex also complies with all relevant environmental law around pollution control and waste management and has targets in place for continued carbon footprint reduction.
"The ISO certification of our Lancaster, England Image Perfect plant tells the world that we are serious about quality. Our customers have told us for many years that our Image Perfect products compete favourably with any brands throughout the world, and our recent ISO certification shows everyone that our customers are pretty smart people," said David Neidell, vice president Asia-Pacific at Spandex.