Caravan industry ‘greens’ up its act

SOME of the UK’s leading caravan makers are making the environment one of their top priorities.

The Explorer Group, Swift Group and Bailey of Bristol have each commissioned reports into how their business can reduce waste and cut carbon emissions.

Caravan maker Bailey is looking at ways to reduce the weight of its caravans and improve towing dynamics to lower vehicle carbon emissions.

The move comes following a company report that looked into ways of reducing the environmental impact of its operations throughout all aspects of the business, including waste reduction, improving business efficiency and greener product development.

The Explorer Group, who produce more than 6500 Elddis, Compass and Buccaneer touring caravans and motorhomes each year, has decided to reduce the level of waste taken to landfill sites from their production facility and office complex - to the point where the majority of it will be recycled.

Alan Beel, the business process improvement manager for The Explorer Group, said: "We have already carried out a report which studies factors such as type of waste, containers and suppliers and as a result we have identified just how much we can recycle."

Alan added: "Internationally, companies have been doing this for years but Britain still has a long way to go.
"If companies are reluctant to make these changes, believing it will be a lot of hassle, then they should think of the cost. Reducing waste could eventually lead to big savings for them."

In addition to this scheme for future improvements, Explorer has also joined the Carbon Trust, an independent body that aims to help the UK move to a low carbon economy by helping businesses reduce carbon emissions.
The Swift Group has been championing the environment for some time, and even featured in a local government video on the subject of carbon reduction.

Richard White, Swift's marketing director, said: "To reduce global emissions associated with the production and use of the company's touring caravans and motorhomes is a key part of our strategy."

Swift plans to reduce waste and energy consumption by recycling all waste paper and cardboard, using timber from sustainable sources, and reducing the weight of vehicles in the design process.

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