Member Article

Plastics firm starts net zero journey thanks to BEEP help

A polythene manufacturing company from Herefordshire has made huge strides towards reducing its environmental impact, thanks to help from the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP) which has been supported by the Marches Growth Hub.

Elite Plastics Ltd, which is based in Hereford, has saved more than 700 tonnes of CO2 already after receiving a grant through the Business Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP). The firm is on course to save more than £82,000 a year after an energy advisor from BEEP highlighted the help available.

As well as the cash savings and a CO2 saving of at least 341 tonnes a year, the company is enjoying increased productivity and efficiency, reduced energy bills, and the ability to monitor demand in relation to ASC.

The Marches Growth Hub is the business support arm of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership and helps hundreds of businesses every year to start up, grow and thrive.

The BEEP scheme – which is now closing – was established and run by Worcestershire County Council and part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It was a partnership between Worcestershire Councils, Herefordshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Shropshire Council, supported by the LEP and growth hub.

Josh Salmon, commercial director of Elite Plastics, said: “We have always been committed to reducing our environmental impact and achieving a net zero carbon target. That’s why we were delighted to hear about the BEEP grant scheme offered by Worcestershire County Council, which provided us with the opportunity to invest in solar panels and a new energy-efficient machine.

“The application process was straightforward, and the team were incredibly helpful and supportive throughout. They provided us with all the information and guidance we needed to complete our application and secure the grant.

“Thanks to the grant, we were able to install solar panels on our production site roof, which have significantly reduced our energy consumption and carbon emissions. The new machine we purchased is also much more energy-efficient than our previous equipment, enabling us to increase our production capacity while reducing our energy consumption.

“We are proud to be making a positive contribution to the environment through our investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient equipment, and we are grateful for the support we received.”

Elite Plastics produces polythene films, bags and covers, with production lines running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The company aims to become one of the most progressive polythene producers in the UK, which will help customers, including some major UK brands, to achieve their own corporate responsibility goals.

The BEEP grant allowed Elite Plastics to invest in a new bag making machine, a solar energy system, three AC motors and an automated meter system.

Dave Courteen, the Marches LEP’s small business champion, said: “I’m delighted to hear that Elite Plastics is already reaping the benefits of the investment it received through the BEEP scheme.

“The Marches Growth Hub is the front door for all business support across the region and our energy advisors should be the first port of call for any firms looking to start or progress a carbon reduction journey.

“There is a lot of help available, and businesses should always approach the growth hub first when they identify a need for investment.

“The BEEP scheme is now closing but there are lots of funding streams still available.”

For more information about the full range of business support available through the Marches Growth Hub, visit www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Melanie Boulter .