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Editor’s Comment: Turning around the UK’s ‘throwaway culture’
Transitioning to net zero is an increasing priority. Almost every single industry is now urgently looking at how they can reinvent their end-to-end value chains for a sustainable future. The electrical retail industry is no different. Manufacturers are recognising the need for change and coming up with clever new technologies to help consumers be even “greener” in their own homes.
The latest appliances are more energy efficient than ever before. Refrigerators, for example, are helping to prevent wastage by keeping food fresher for longer, and ‘eco’ settings on the latest washing machines are designed to use less water and still clean just as well at lower temperatures.
Not only this, but manufacturers’ own factories and production methods are more responsible than ever before – from raw materials supplies, shipping methods, packaging and end-of-life recycling and material recovery. While targets of zero carbon footprint won’t be achieved overnight, as an industry we are already taking big strides forward.
The phrase ‘repair over replace’ has become widely used as both manufacturers and consumers are gradually accepting that repairing, re-using or properly recycling appliances and electronics will make a huge contribution towards a more sustainable future.
The UK is currently the world’s second largest producer of electrical and electronic equipment waste; with half a billion items going to landfill each year, it is estimated, sadly, that by the end of this year we could top this wasteful table. However, thanks to a growing number of companies, products are being saved from landfill and given a second life – helping to turn around the UK’s “throwaway culture”.
This month I spoke to Blake Green – he’s the CEO of E&S Services (Domestic Appliance Repairs), which provides end-to-end repair, refurbishment and recycling solutions for brands and retailers – to help them improve their ongoing environmental targets.
“It’s a win-win because everyone wants to recycle and do their bit for the environment, but it’s not always easy to do,” Blake told me. “That’s where we come in; whether we’re reusing machine parts, recycling through compliance schemes, or refurbishing product to be re-sold, we are saving e-waste going to landfill.”
You can read my interview with Blake on pages 16 and 17 of this issue. In addition, we have the exciting first instalment of “Stu’s Views” – originally the internal codename for this article series, that ended up sticking! AWE Managing Director, Stuart Tickle (pictured right), will be exploring the ever-
expanding world of smart home and custom installation and sharing his thoughts on the almost infinite opportunities that retailers can consider for their business in the years ahead.
With his many years of experience in the sector – which he reflects upon on his first piece, Stuart is undoubtedly an expert on this subject. So I very much look forward to bringing you his new exclusive monthly column in ERT!
Jack Cheeseman – Editor – jackcheeseman@ertonline.co.uk
View the latest edition of ERT online – or on your mobile device
