Policy 25: Environmental Policy

As a company, Simplyfruit is fully committed to protecting the environment and subsequently developing working practices to reduce the impact of activities carried out on site. We aim to prevent the accumulation of waste in production areas and shall prevent the use of unfit materials.

Simplyfruit’s waste disposal practices and procedures will ensure all legislative requirements are met and adhered to. Waste removal and disposal shall be carried out by licensed contractors, dedicated to sorting and recycling where appropriate.

All licenses will be held on file at Simplyfruit.

All fruit waste is dispatched as animal feed, when possible.

Designated containers are provided for fruit waste and various skips and compactors are in place for consolidating packaging waste into the appropriate categories.

Simplyfruit honours its responsibility to safeguard the environment by dispensing all effluent discharges via the appropriate drainage system provided by Craigavon Borough Council.

We aim to fulfil the following criteria as part of our environmental management strategy:

• Comply with the requirements of environmental legislation and approved codes of practice. www.Envirowise.gov.uk
• Assess the environmental impact of all historic, current and likely future operations as required on an annual basis or more frequently as required.
• Continuously seek to improve environmental performance.
• Reduce pollution, emissions and waste.
• Improve efficiency to in turn reduce the use of energy and supplies. (Water, refrigeration, electric).
• Raise awareness, encourage participation and train employees in environmental matters.
• Expect similar environmental standards from all suppliers and contractors.
• Liaise with local government / community on any changes to the business which may impact on the local environment.
• Participate in discussions about environmental issues with customers, other industry members and suppliers on the future direction of the business.
• Maintain current standards and seek to improve, look at new methods / ways to improve manufacturing processes in an environmentally friendly way.

Presently, the site is involved in the following energy saving / recycling activities:

1. Water - knee operated taps have been installed to save water (as well as being good practice for food production areas)
2. Energy - sensors have been installed in staff changing areas. The lights only come on when staff enter the area and switch off when they leave.
3. Cardboard – all cardboard is recycled through an approved contractor.
4. Plastic - all plastic is recycled through an approved contractor.
5. Chemicals - chemicals and oil containers are bunded to prevent spills and leakage into storm drains / sewerage system.
6. Paper - Paper-towel dispensers which save on waste have been fitted.
7. General practices - lights being turned off, belts turned off at breaks and at night time.
8. Chills – the product chills which are emptied each evening are switched off until start of production of the next shift.
9. Packaging – we are researching and developing 100% recycled plastic pots to be used to replace current pots.

We have adopted several energy conservation practices that will not only reduce the amount of energy we are using but also have a positive effect on the environment.