Axminster Carpets has been announced as a Runner Up in the ‘Cleaner Water’ category at the inaugural Environment Agency Awards. The ‘Cleaner Water’ award recognises companies that have achieved outstanding results in preventing pollution or improving water quality in rivers, seas or lakes. The awards were judged by a panel of environmental professionals led by the Environment Agency’s Director of Environment and Business Ed Mitchell. Among the judges were Nicci Russell, Policy Director at Waterwise, Dax Lovegrove, Head of Business & Industry Relations at WWF and David Acres, Policy & Environment Manager at EDF.
In late 2009, Axminster Carpets officially unveiled a revolutionary Water Recycling Plant after an investment of some £2 million. The plant converts waste water back to a level where it can be completely reused: 95% of Axminster Carpets’ waste water, over 2 million litres per week, is piped back into the plant processes without entering the eco-system after having all the contaminants removed. The residual waste is being converted to bio-fuel with the long-term plan to use this to power the company’s lorry fleet and the manufacturing plant.
“The commissioning of our water recycling plant was an ongoing part of our strategy to minimise the environmental impact of our yarn spinning and carpet manufacturing processes,” comments Josh Dutfield, Group Managing Director. “It has helped us to radically reduce our output of water with contaminants and has allowed our water use to become much more efficient, as recognised by our position as Runner Up in the Cleaner Water category.”
The awards were presented at the Environment Agency’s annual conference, Environment10, where Energy Secretary Chris Huhne MP, praised the calibre of entries: “I’m thrilled to be able to present these awards to such worthy winners who are tackling climate change and improving the environment on the front line. All the finalists have shown real innovation in cutting carbon and improving sustainability.”
For further information telephone 01297 630650 or visit www.axminstercarpets.co.uk
