Archwood Group appoints Environmental Action Group to drive sustainability

Archwood Group, the North Wales-based business behind two leading UK brands, has appointed an internal Environmental Action Group to drive its sustainability goals and pledge for a greener future.

Archwood Group is a leading manufacturer of timber products with two trading brands: Richard Burbidge, a manufacturer and supplier of stairparts, decking accessories and decorative mouldings, and Atkinson & Kirby, which supplies premium hardwood flooring.

Amid a turbulent year for the timber trade, Archwood Group has appointed an Environmental Action Group to drive its sustainability agenda with the aim to reduce carbon emissions.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing businesses across the globe and a total review of operations is critical to ensure businesses are operating as sustainably at possible.

The impact of climate change combined with the pandemic and Brexit has had a huge impact on the timber industry, with shortages widely publicised and both builders and consumers struggling to get their hands on supplies.

Thanks to Archwood Group’s long-standing partnerships with domestic and international timber suppliers, the company is proud to have been able to maintain a constant supply of certified material into the UK market during these challenging times.

Archwood Group’s appointment of the Environment Action Group demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental best practice and environmental responsibility. The group is ISO 14001:2015 accredited which confirms its environmental management systems are complaint with the standard’s rigorous requirements.

Sophie Peach, Non-Executive Director of Archwood Group, comments: “The aim of the group is to ensure progression towards the wider business objectives and to ensure everyone is actively participating and driving environmental action across the business. It is also a response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which state that for the future of the planet it is the responsibility of governments and businesses around the world to ensure they minimise destructive effects on the environment.

“Archwood is a family-run business that prides itself on its people, with a wealth of experience across the team, but also a business that has always pushed for transparency, leading the way back in 1980s working with FSC® accreditation process. Environmental responsibility is a core value and forms part of our business culture.  Sustainability is at the heart of our everyday decisions and forming the group is not about compliance and ticking boxes but about doing the right thing and ensuring we are prioritising sustainability across all our brands.”

The Environmental Action Group is working towards the ultimate goal of reducing carbon emissions and is currently reviewing its environmental impact. From this, the group will ascertain a baseline and develop a carbon footprint management plan which sets clear measurable objectives, targets and timescales to becoming net zero.

The appointment comes as Archwood Group launches its ‘Sustainability Month’ this September with a range of meaningful eco initiatives, including the launch of a partnership with COAT Paints. Designed using a water-based, low-toxin and solvent free formula, COAT Paints are also animal cruelty free and vegan, as well as being carbon neutral.

Lee Travis, Quality Manager of Archwood Group, comments: “Sustainability Month is an important initiative for us to help drive awareness of the group but also the importance of a sustainable timber trade to preserve the environment. Partnering with like-minded brands that share the same ethos as us is just one part of this and we are looking forward to a greener future.”