Godfrey Hirst accredited as a Waste Wise Business
15 February 2006

Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd, the country's largest carpet manufacturer, has been accredited as a Waste Wise business during the Waste Wise Geelong Network breakfast held on 21 February 2006 and hosted by Visy Recycling.

Supported by EcoRecycle, the Waste Wise Business Program helps large businesses improve waste material efficiency. To achieve accreditation and recognition under the Waste Wise Business Program, Godfrey Hirst has developed and implemented a waste reduction action plan that significantly reduces waste per annum. Godfrey Hirst has also implemented procedures to review outcomes, set improved targets and update action plans.

Many initiatives have been introduced by Godfrey Hirst Carpets to reduce, re-use and recycle. Waste management practices implemented by Godfrey Hirst include the recycling of a wide variety of materials such as cardboard cores, plastic wrap, steel bale straps and office paper. Positive recycling practices have been reinforced in office areas and reusable materials such as plastic pallets and yarn tubes have been adopted throughout the factory. Godfrey Hirst Carpets aims to minimise or eliminate activities that have adverse impacts on the environment.

Water recycling production methods have been implemented in the carpet dyeing process. Previous technology used large liquid ring vacuum pumps to extract excess water from dyed carpet. During this process, a rotating ring of fresh potable water, known as ‘seal water’, creates a pumping action inside a cylindrical housing, discharged continuously from each pump.

Accreditation with the Waste Wise Geelong Network builds on the company's reputation as a leader in environmental performance and practices in Australian manufacturing. The program is an initiative of the Barwon Regional Waste Management Group, Sustainability Victoria, Geelong Chamber of Commerce and the City of Greater Geelong.

Environmental sustainability is an ongoing project, as Godfrey Hirst remains committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and water usage. Godfrey Hirst will continue to seek and invest in opportunities for future environmental improvements. Winners of the 2005 Savewater Awards for outstanding achievement in water conservation and the Greenhouse Challenge Plus Awards for outstanding achievement in greenhouse gas abatement, Godfrey Hirst is committed to reducing its waste through 'green' manufacturing.

Further information:
Robert Lunardelli
Environmental Engineer
Godfrey Hirst Australia Pty Ltd
Tel: 03 5225 0284

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