Woolcool is an innovative and award-winning manufacturing family business, based in Stone, Staffordshire. They have developed a range of sustainable products, including their insulated packaging solutions using 100% pure wool amongst other natural materials. Woolcool’s solutions are used for the transportation of temperature sensitive products. Their technology is the foundation upon which the business ethos, product range and culture is built. As one of the first packaging companies in the UK to achieve B Corp certification, they believe in business as a force for good, considering their impact on people and planet in all decision making. Sustainability isn’t just about environmental impact, but also social.

Woolcool recognise the immediate and future importance of considering sustainability in all business practices, which is why they strive to continually improve in this area. They are the first to admit that they aren’t perfect, and there is still so much more they can do. One main area in which they are focused to improve their impact is in starting their journey to conduct a full and in-depth LCA. Their recent completion of a Carbon Footprint Analysis has provided a solid starting point to assess where they can begin to reduce these emissions. Whilst focus on reduction of their Carbon Footprint is important, this was just the first stage in a whole matrix of other environmental measures. They are working with Keele University to investigate, measure, review and improve all aspects of their environmental impact.

Two such examples of this continual goal to improve, particularly with regards to carbon emissions, is the elimination of the need for gas in their facility, followed by the installation of a Building Management System to reduce energy consumption by monitoring when heat and lighting is needed. They have partnered with Keele University on a second project, to review their energy usage further, looking at ways to improve, such as the installation of solar panels or heat exchange opportunities.

There are many benefits Woolcool have seen when adopting this focus, and many more they hope to see in years to come. A review of energy usage ensures consumption is as efficient as possible in a world of spiralling energy costs, a win-win situation for both the  bottom line and the planet. They have seen customer engagement in these practices, with a number of their customer base requesting environmental measures when going to tender, and Woolcool were able to provide these immediately. These type of requests are growing in number.

Whilst reviewing sustainable practices is currently widely seen as a ‘nice to have’, it won’t be too long until more sustainable practices will be encouraged, if not enforced. It is always healthier for a business to choose to implement changes over a controlled timeframe, rather than being forced to do it quickly. This approach allows this slow, manageable transition. Finally, and the key benefit, is the future-proofing of their business and most importantly, playing their part in protecting the future of this planet.