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

Amazing Trip to The Metsa Paper Mill in Finland

Marc and Andy braved temperatures reaching an incredible -31 degrees in a four-day extravaganza trip to visit the Paper Mills and HQ of Metsa Tissue in Mantta in Finland.

Wow what an experience! Not only to see the live production environment at the mill but to get the opportunity to drive snowmobiles on the ice, ride on the sledges pulled by a team of huskies and enjoy the food and culture in nearby Helsinki.

We cannot thank Mark Dewick, Jo Long and Vicky Anslow of Metsa enough for their fabulous hospitality. A truly memorable, informative and fabulous time was had by all.

Andy’s Enormous Effort Pays off Despite An Injury!

On Saturday 24th September Andy Hills, our Office Manager and his brother Paul took part in the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride 2016 raising over £1,200 for The British Heart Foundation.

Bike Ride Thank You 2016

The grueling muddy adventure covered 75 miles of exhilarating terrain including steep forest inclines, tricky technical descents, rocky paths and adrenaline pumping single tracks.

Andy unfortunately sustained an injury but carried on none the less to complete the ride in under 10 hours. I am sure you will be pleased to hear he has recovered well from the ordeal and his injury!

Well done on your fabulous achievement guys.

There is still time to show your support just follow the link:- https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andy-hills1

A Rough Ride Helps Make Healthy Hearts

London to Brighton Sept 16On Saturday 24th September Andy Hills, our Office Manager, will take part in the London to Brighton Off-Road Bike Ride 2016. This challenging ride packs all the best bits of off-road riding together into an amazingly varied route. A gruelling muddy adventure, it covers 75 miles of exhilarating terrain including steep forest inclines, tricky technical descents, rocky paths and adrenaline pumping single tracks.

Andy has always been a keen cyclist and firm supporter of Futures Supplies Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. In 2011 he was successful in cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats raising a hefty £5,000.

British heat foundationThis year Andy is raising funds for The British Heart Foundation. Coronary heart disease is the UK’s single biggest killer and the BHF funds crucial life saving research into improving the treatment, diagnosis and the prevention of heart and circulatory disease.

Andy will be taking up the challenging cycle ride with his brother Paul. Between them they have already managed to lose some 6 stone through training for the off road ride this year! Andy said “Paul and I had both put on a bit too much weight over the past few years, Paul was also suffering from hypertension and my Dad recently had to undergo major heart surgery. This inspired us to try and do something that will not just help us lose weight and become healthier but also to support the British Heart Foundation who do such amazing work”.

You can read more about their journey and show your support by donating through Andy and Paul’s JustGiving page – just click the following link:- https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/andy-hills1

Find out more about the British Heart Foundation and their amazing work here https://www.bhf.org.uk/