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We Did It!

Following our Green Mark certification to Level 1 in January of this year and our subsequent recent recognition as a B Corp certified company, Futures Supplies are delighted to announce they have now been awarded the prestigious Green Mark Level 2 accreditation.

Green Mark provides an internationally recognised environmental certification for companies to indorse their overall environmental performance. The certification process assesses, audits and certifies a business’ impact on the environment and wider community.

Futures Supplies have been able to demonstrate through this certification process, to our clients, employees and the wider community, that we are conducting business to the highest possible standard.

Purva Shah, Green Mark’s Customer Support Executive commented ‘I would like to say a big congratulations on achieving Green Mark Level 2! You had a fantastic submission and scored almost 100% across the board which is an amazing achievement’.

Congratulations to Andrew Hills our Office and ESG Manager for his commitment and hard work on this project and to all the team at Futures Supplies who continue to work tirelessly on improving our social and environmental credentials to help provide a better and more sustainable future for us all.

You can find out more about the Green Mark Certification here greenmark.co.uk/our-approach/

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What an Achievement!

We have loved celebrating Dave and Ian’s amazing 10 year anniversary at Futures Supplies.

Wow what an achievement hey!

Some say how have we managed to put up with them for so long but we’d definitely say we are lucky to have them.

We are super grateful for all their hard work, loyalty and for being such a big part of our journey.

Here’s to the next 10 years guys, we love you.

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Cheeky Panda Answers Your Questions

Why is bamboo so good for the environment? 
Bamboo absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide, grows without the need for chemicals, and helps prevent soil erosion. Its rapid growth cycle means it can be harvested frequently, helping reducing deforestation without damaging the environment, making it a sustainability super-plant!  

Is bamboo good for people with allergies or sensitive skin?
Bamboo fibres are naturally hypoallergenic and have antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies.  

I read bamboo is a really invasive plant?
Like many other plants, bamboo shouldn’t be planted where it’s not native. That’s why the bamboo grown for the Cheeky Panda is sourced from an FSC Certified Bamboo forest in China where it grows naturally and support the local habitats and eco-systems where the flora and fauna flourish in the surroundings of the bamboo shoots. That way, we get the environmental benefits of bamboo, without taking away or affecting ecosystems in other regions, and there’s no need to clear-cut any land either.   

Is bamboo toilet paper better than recycled?
You probably know where we stand on this (bamboo all the way!). There’s a few reasons for this. Firstly, while recycled tissue might sound eco-friendly, the truth is it’s not always what it seems. Sometimes, less than half of it is actually post-consumer recycled. The rest? Freshly cut trees. Not exactly planet-friendly. An other issue with recycled TP is BPAS, which are forever chemicals that have been shown to mess with fertility, hike up blood pressure, and more. Finally, cleaning up recycled paper to turn it into toilet roll involves a chemical cocktail that might end up in our waterways – not so great for nature and our aquatic pals.  

How is bamboo toilet paper made?
Our journey begins in the lush bamboo forests where this incredible plant thrives. Did you know that Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth? This humble grass is capable of growing up to 91 cm (about 3 feet) in a single day. Unlike trees that take decades to mature, bamboo reaches maturity in just 3-5 years.
This speedy growth cycle means bamboo takes the gold in the renewable resource race, one of the reasons we choose it for our home essentials. Plus, the bamboo we choose comes from FSC certified bamboo forests, so we can be sure that all our bamboo is sustainably harvested, and farmers are treated ethically.

When it comes time for our bamboo to get a haircut, we take great care to protect the forest’s biodiversity. Each bamboo pole is harvested one at a time, rather than clear-cutting large areas, which happens in virgin tree forests. This selective harvesting method ensures that the bamboo forest remains healthy and continues to support the diverse range of flora and fauna that call it home. By avoiding clear-cutting, we help preserve the forest ecosystem, ensuring it can regenerate naturally and continue to thrive. No Bald patches for our forests.

Once harvested, the bamboo poles are taken to a processing facility where they are chipped into smaller pieces. This is the first step in transforming raw bamboo into ready-to-use pulp. The chipping process helps break down the bamboo into a form that can be more easily processed in the pulp mill, where the magic of turning bamboo into paper begins.

We use sea freight for all shipments from China to the UK because it has the lowest carbon footprint, thanks to large cargo capacity, slow steaming, cleaner fuels, and emission controls.
In contrast, recycled tissue, despite being converted in the UK, often travels around the world as there isn’t enough recycled pulp available locally. UK converters frequently source recycled materials internationally before final converting and packaging. For example, recycled pulp might come from the USA, be pulped in China, and then shipped to UK converters for final processing. Our supply chain is straightforward and efficient, saving airmiles and going directly from forest to you.

We also ensure that our products and processes comply with environmental regulations and standards. This includes monitoring our use of chemicals, managing waste responsibly, and ensuring that our packaging is recyclable. 
Our converting factory uses renewable solar energy, with at least 95% of processing water recycled and reused. Environmental education is prioritised, and we’re proud to boast that our factory multiple environmental awards. 
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Congratulations Marc Kemp!

Futures Supplies are delighted to congratulate our Managing Director, Marc Kemp, on his admission, as a Freeman, into The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners.

Marc said “I am honoured to be part of such an exceptional group of professionals and industry leaders. I hope I can bring my 26 years of industry experience to collaborate with other members for the benefit of all as well as contribute to the WCEC worthy Charitable Trust. An example of one of its recent projects is providing a donation to the ‘Magic Breakfast’, which aims to provide 2,000 meals to help disadvantaged children.

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking my friend, Louis Beaumont, MD of Hive Cleaning, for proposing me and the Membership Court committee at the WCEC for admitting me.

At Futures Supplies our ethos has always been one of integrity in delivering service, quality, value, reliability, with a commitment to environmental sustainability, and social consideration and we are keen to work with like-minded companies and individuals who match our business ethics”.

Admission was followed by the presentation of the Livery Certificate and then onto the Visiting Masters Luncheon held at the Grocers Hall, next to the iconic Bank of England in the heart of the city.

The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners aim to encourage and maintain high standards of practice and integrity in the cleaning and associated industries. Promoting and supporting education, training, research projects and charities it is one of 111 Livery Companies which are based upon trades, industries and professions and carry on the ancient traditions of the Guilds and Livery Companies which started in the 12th century.

The WCEC was formed in 1972 as the Guild of Cleaners and subsequently known as the Guild of Master Cleaners. It was granted full Livery Status in 1986 as the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners, the 97th Livery Company of the City of London. HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh was an Honorary Freeman of the Company.

You can find out more about the Environmental Cleaners, its initiatives and events at their website.    

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Small Steps Have a Big Impact!

At Futures Supplies we recognise that our business activities have an unavoidable impact on the environment. Our approach is therefor to support the environment by continually striving to make it part of our ethos to reduce the creation of waste through recycling.

This approach is applied throughout our organisation and through third parties involved in, or with our business, in such a way to facilitate the protection of the environment. We are committed wherever possible and practicable to sustainable practices, encouraging similar standards from all customers, suppliers, and contractors on environmental matters.

As part of this commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we strategically segregate all our scrap plastic film waste such as stretch pallet wrap, pallet covers and plastic packaging.

This plastic waste is collected on pallets by our supply partners and reprocessed into recycled pellet ready to be re blown into new films for reuse in the recycled range of refuse sacks we sell thereby closing the recycling loop.

We have also successfully implemented measures to reduce and recycling all of our paper, card and plastics. Our printer cartridges are recycled and postage stamps are recycled through the Royal National Institute of Blind People.

Regularly independently audited and recognised with numerous green accolades, we currently recycle over 75% of our waste, proving small steps can have a big impact!

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Sustainability or Greenwashing?

Always keen to keep up with regulatory changes, our Managing Director Marc Kemp and Office Manager Andy Hills, recently attended an event hosted by the Finnish-British Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with their Patrons Borenius and Metsä Group.

Held at the Leonardo Royal London St Pauls, the event consisted of two keynote speeches, as well as a panel discussion moderated by Lord Justice Snowden.

Sustainability and associated topics are top-trending subjects, on all platforms, across all organisations. However, what does sustainability really mean? What is required, legally or ethically, how is it achieved and how do you sort out the “buzz” from the reality?

Aksu Tuominen from Borenius gave an insight into the Green Claims Directive, the Proposal for Regulation on Packaging and Packaging Waste, and Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

The second keynote speech was provided by Maija Pohjakallio and Kalle Ikonen from Futures Supplies’ partner Metsä Group. They focused on the practical experiences against the background of recent regulations, also shedding light on current EU deforestation regulation and nature restoration laws.

The insightful speeches lead to an interesting and insightful panel discussion on how the topics affect the ongoing concerns of businesses with panellists were Kalle Ikonen and Maija Pohjakallio from Metsä Group, Casper Herler from Borenius, and Andrew Griffiths from Planet Mark.

You can find out more about out sustainability initiatives on our website at www.futures-supplies.co.uk

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Launching the UK’s First Biological Soluble Paper Cleaning Sachets

Futures Supplies, in partnership with BioHygiene, are delighted to launch THE cleaning sachet to help businesses of all sizes create safe, clean, healthy spaces and reduce their environmental impact.

BioHygiene’s market-leading cleaning products harness the power of microbes, enzymes and natural plant derivatives that work deep into surfaces to quickly break down and remove dirt, grime and grease.

The new generation Biotechnology and Ecotechnology targets dirt, grime, grease and odours for a superior cleaning performance. Water-soluble paper sachets & recyclable packaging eliminates plastic waste and low-hazardous formulas protect staff from injury and ill-health.

Kinder ingredients protect our aquatic ecosystem and biodiversity. Smart dosing reduces storage and costs to streamline operations and sustainable, renewable raw materials reduce CO2 by up to 80%.

Try them now www.futures-supplies.co.uk/product.asp?p_part_code=007%2E702W

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Stunning Tallow Chandlers Hall!

A great day on the 7th February attending The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners Election Court Luncheon at the stunning Tallow Chandlers Hall in the City of London.

Its always a pleasure to meet with fellow industry partners, both familiar and new faces. Sharing and exchanging knowledge along with celebrating the newly elected to the livery movement. It was a privilege to support this WCEC event and of course enjoy a fabulous lunch!

Thank you to our partner Louis Beaumont, Hive Cleaning for your invitation and hospitality.

You can find out more about the WCEC and its great work here https://wc-ec.com/the-company/

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Bee Kind!

Our Managing Director, Marc Kemp was delighted to be invited to visit the beehives at the Bee Urban site in Kennington Park by Hive Cleaning who we have been in collaboration with, though their sponsorship program, to support this worthy project.

Bee Urban is a social enterprise that aims to work with communities to improve the environment for the benefit of us all. Focusing on responsible urban beekeeping, horticulture and community growing. It’s not just about bees, people are vital to Bee Urban.

Community engagement and volunteering is important to the project, providing opportunities to contribute to the locality, be creative and reduce social isolation.

Our friends at Hive Cleaning are a B Corp certified, ethical office cleaning company who are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. As part of their efforts, Hive Cleaning have pledged to sponsor a beehive for every new cleaning contract they are awarded. 

Futures Supplies are delighted to sponsor this worthy project as of one of our key sustainability initiatives.

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Let’s Bee Sustainable!

We’re thrilled to announce that Futures Supplies has teamed up with the wonderful Bee Urban project, in partnership with their main sponsor, Hive Cleaning, to support one of our many sustainability initiatives. 

Our friends at Hive Cleaning are a B Corp certified, ethical office cleaning company who are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. 

As part of their efforts, they have pledged to sponsor a beehive for every new cleaning contract they are awarded. 

Bee Urban, is a social enterprise focused on responsible urban beekeeping, horticulture, and community growing, it’s a fantastic initiative that we’re proud to be a part of. 

To learn more about Bee Urban’s inspiring projects and volunteer opportunities, please visit their website at The Hive.