Posted on

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/

Posted on

Proud to be a B Corp™ Certified Company

We are so proud our business has achieved B Corp certification.

For over 29 years, Futures Supplies has been at the forefront of sustainable business practices, offering eco-friendly solutions to a wide range of customers. This certification underscores the company’s holistic approach to sustainability, not only through the products we supply but in every aspect of our operations.

B Corp is more than a stamp of approval. It is an objective framework for us to continue to build our business so that it works for both people and planet.

As a certified B Corp, Futures Supplies joins an elite group of companies—over 6,000 globally—dedicated to using business as a force for good. The company is now part of a global movement to drive a shift towards more sustainable and ethical business practices across industries.

It gives us the language and tools to share our story with the wider world. It raises the bar for us to reach and it helps us to share our journey towards becoming the world’s definitive zero carbon Washroom & Cleaning partner – one toilet roll at time!

B Lab’s social and environmental business standards define how businesses can be a force for good. Based on stakeholder input, research, and established best practices, these standards are the basis for B Corp Certification requirements and B Lab’s impact management tools, and they inform the network’s programs and collective action initiatives.

Overseen by B Lab’s independent Standards Advisory Council, the standards help companies improve, measure, and manage their impact on people and the planet.

By certifying, B Corps step into a framework for continuous improvement. In order to maintain certification, companies must undertake the assessment and verification process every three years, demonstrating they are still meeting B Lab’s standards, which are themselves always improving, with continual input from expert stakeholders.

“We see this as a new chapter for Futures Supplies—one that aligns with our vision for the future of business and sustainability,” said Marc Kemp, Managing Director. “This certification gives us a framework to grow responsibly while holding ourselves to the highest possible standards.”

Find out more about our overall B Impact Score here

Posted on

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. 
Posted on

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.    

Posted on

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

Posted on

Making a Real Difference, Right Here Right Now!

Futures Supplies were delighted, on 22nd January 2024, to be awarded the Green Mark Level 1 accreditation for our environmental performance and commitment to sustainability.

The Green Mark Sustainability certification process assesses, audits and certifies a business’ impact on the environment and wider community. It provides an internationally recognised environmental certification, endorsing a company’s environmental credentials through a journey of independent certification.

Futures Supplies have been able to demonstrate through this certification process, to both our clients and employees that we are conducting business, to a recognised international environmental standard.

Mariana Kit, Green Mark’s Customer Support Executive commented ‘I would like to say a big congratulations on achieving Green Mark Level 1! You had a fantastic submission and scored 100% across the board which is an amazing achievement’.

Congratulations to Andrew Hills our Office Manager for his work on this exciting project and to all the  team at Futures Supplies who work tirelessly on improving our 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/

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

The Hygiene Bank Charity Evening

Futures Supplies are delighted to be a headline sponsor for the ‘The Hygiene Bank’ Charity evening in partnership with our client, the award winning commercial cleaning and facilities expert, Cleanology.

The Hygiene Bank believe that basic hygiene is not a privilege and their vision is that one day everyone living in the UK will have access to essential hygiene products. With a mission to bring communities, businesses and thought leaders together they hope to tackle hygiene poverty providing access to products and being a voice for change. Futures Supplies are delighted to be part of this exciting event.

You can find out more and how you can help support The Hygiene Bank here https://thehygienebank.com/get-involved/

Posted on

15 Years of Carbon Neutral Supplies

Futures Supplies & Support Services Ltd has long been at the forefront within the cleaning industry for its environmental credentials and commitment to sustainability and the company is proud to celebrate 15 years of Carbon Neutral status in 2022

Scientific consensus states that carbon emissions must be reduced to avoid catastrophic climate change. Businesses have an important and essential role to play in meeting reduction targets and carbon offsetting enables businesses like Futures Supplies to play a part in the climate change battle.

In partnership with Carbon Neutral Britain, Futures Supplies is delighted to have achieved its Carbon Neutral status for the 15th consecutive year. This accreditation positions the company as an industry leader with one of the strongest and most credible approaches to climate change.

Since 2006 Futures Supplies has demonstrated Its commitment to reducing CO² in accordance with leading edge quality assurance standards. As a result of this reduction process coupled with offsetting the unavoidable emissions associated with their business, Futures Supplies carbon footprint is reduced to net zero.

Marc Kemp, Managing Director says “We are proud to be taking a net zero position on emissions by measuring the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with our business, reducing them at source, and then offsetting any unavoidable emissions by purchasing carbon credits. To ‘balance out’ our emissions, we use our carbon credits to support projects throughout the world. We are currently supporting the Carbon Neutral Britain Climate Fund™”.

The South London based business was one of the first in the cleaning industry to gain certification to BS EN ISO 14001 and has won numerous awards for its ‘green’ initiatives including a coveted ‘Green Apple’ award. Its continued commitment to sustainability, confirms it as a pioneering and ground-breaking business.

Award Winning and Carbon Neutral FUTURES SUPPLIES was established in 1995. The company is a family run, independent distributor of washroom, cleaning, janitorial and associated products.

Its ethos is to deliver service, quality, value, reliability, with a commitment to environmental sustainability, using the most up to date technology and innovation. Committed to integrity and transparency in the way the company operates, how the company supply goods and services and in its business partnerships, its aim is to provide an exceptional customer experience.