CONSCIOUS COMMERCE

SHAW FABRICS
“Shaw Fabrics strives to supply products that consider its customers’ wellbeing and the environment,” says Marketing Manager Sarah Harris. “Our products are certified with environmental accreditations and are PVC free. Enviro Vision is the latest addition to the range, a FR non PVC screen, with high thermal control and glare reduction properties.”

From an operational perspective, Shaw is also implementing initiatives across its use of paper and plastic based packaging. Part of this is an initiative where used tubes are collected and returned for reuse, currently on trial with customers in Victoria.

Harris says the company has identified two ways of further reducing its impact on the environment;

Tubes
“We recognise that old growth timber only comes once, but recycled paper is used again, and again. We also recognise that toxic adhesives or volatile plastics are inexpensive at first but cost the environment in the long term. Sourcing from intermediaries overseas with opaque supply chains only works until their own old growth forests run out, shipping costs rise, and pollution makes it untenable.”

“Shaw is committed to taking a longer term view, which why we’ve partnered with P&G Paper Tubes to source locally. At the core of every fabric roll that Shaw produces is a recycled, nontoxic, tube made by Australians. Through its relationship with P&G Paper Tubes, Shaw has kept nearly 2500 tonnes of paper out of Australian landfills in just the last two years and reduced reliance on unsustainable plastic alternatives.” Based in Melbourne, P&G Growth Pty Ltd (trading as P&G Paper Tubes) was established with a vision to create a product that exceeds customer expectations in quality, delivery, and cost through continuous improvement and customer feedback. The company also provides a safe, nurturing and growth oriented environment that encourages employees to be highly productive and grow personally and professionally.

Plastic wrapping
Shaw Fabrics has also introduced a new bio-degradable recyclable plastic wrap, Harris confirms. “It’s still in our signature yellow colour but now proudly bears the Recyclable Biodegradable Logos.”

The low density polyethylene (LDP) wrap is certified bio degradable and safe, meaning no harmful or toxic content or emissions. It can be recycled into compost bins, panelling, trash can liners and cans, floor tiles, and shipping envelopes. The wrap is supplied by Wells Plastics UK, whose strategy is to provide tailor-made solutions and technically advanced master batches for the polymer industry.

“The term ‘Oxo-biodegradable’ is a hybridisation of two words, oxidation and biodegradable. It defines a two-step process initiated by the Reverte additive to degrade the polymer chain and prepare it for biodegradability within the environment when a treated item has finished its useful life. Reverte is designed to address the issue of plastic waste that enters the environment and can’t be realistically collected. Reverte has been used in numerous PE and PP applications for many years and now, as a further advance in oxobiodegradable technology, Wells Plastics is offering a new grade of Reverte for PET film. Since most of flexible plastic packaging has a layer of PET or MET PET film, this new development is expected to revolutionise the fight against flexible plastic packaging litter around the world. Shaw acknowledges this fight by introducing our new wrap,” says Harris.

“Shaw appreciates this opportunity to share the details of both our suppliers in the hope that others in our industry support the cause to reduce the impact of packaging on the environment.”

LUXAFLEX
“Luxaflex is working to deliver sustainable outcomes across its brands and services. Consumers are becoming ever more environmentally conscious, and in recognition of this, businesses are introducing more sustainable practices across their operations.”

“In a bid to remain ahead and continue to drive change across its sector, Hunter Douglas, the team behind the Luxaflex brand, has taken recent action to review processes, moving to implement green activity across the group. The first step was the Solar Project where 2,080 solar panels were installed on the roof of the Luxaflex manufacturing facility in Sydney. This significant investment in green energy is a huge step, seeing Luxaflex support the preservation of the environment and the reduction of waste. The project is forecast to generate more than 29 million kWh of energy in its lifetime; the equivalent of planting 637,504 trees, saving 24,862 tonnes of CO2 emissions and 8,911 tonnes of waste from landfill.”

“The Luxaflex team has also reviewed the process behind its printed product installation, care and cleaning instructions, which are currently produced for distribution across all orders. In a move towards paperless communication, these flyers will no longer be printed, but instead made available online. This will provide rapid, professional onsite access to consumers, contributing to a more environmentally friendly model of working.”

Expanding its portfolio further and in a shift towards the company’s commitment to a healthier approach to the environment, the Luxaflex team has added a selection of environmentally conscious products to its range. Such additions include the GreenView sunscreen fabric; woven from 100% recycled plastic bottles, and available for use across the Luxaflex Roller Blinds collection. Another recent addition is the Spectra Fibreglass Sunscreen for Luxaflex Evo Awnings, which uses glass core yarns derived from Silica; a natural and renewable mineral element.

“For over 60 years, the team behind the Luxaflex brand has designed window treatments that have worked to assist in the reduction of energy loss, helping to save on heating and cooling costs to create more energy efficient homes and offices. The Solar Project is one more way of creating innovative and quality products whilst constantly keeping ahead of trends. Our green initiatives and our plans to move towards a more environmentally future, point to an exciting time in the brand’s history.”