The CHSA represents more than 200 manufacturers and distributers within the UK and is committed to ensuring that members trade ethically and sustainably.
The group consists of members from chemical companies which supply a wide variety of end users in a variety of industries and has started to look at issues affecting end users which have an impact on their sustainability. By joining the group, it means that we can have an input to the information and guidance provided to UK industries to improve the understanding and therefore application of sustainable practices.
What does your role as Business Systems Manager bring to the sustainability conversation—how do systems and sustainability intersect at Kersia UK?
The first group meeting was focused on the understanding of carbon data collection to create a base level across industry. My involvement within the first group meeting focused heavily on the standardising of data collection methods to ensure that all members use the same methodology for calculating carbon emissions. It was interesting to find that the companies involved in the meeting had different methodologies which results in a great disparity of accuracy for the same metric. For example, there were four different calculations for understanding the CO2 generated by vehicles. With the overall intention being to minimise the complexity of this data collection the methodology used by Kersia Bury was seen as the simplest yet most accurate and is to be included within the guidance.
Can you share an example of a sustainable practice or initiative you’ve helped implement at Kersia UK that you’re particularly proud of?
Kersia Bury has encouraged the reuse of containers with its customers for many years. One of the key issues is to ensure that customers fully understand their obligations when returning empty containers to ensure that hazardous waste legislations are not breached. This involved coordinating with our launderers to report any returns which are not to the requirements. All breaches are fed back to the customer along with requests to advise how improvements are to be made. Since starting the project, the quality of returns has improved, and the quantity has increased by 20 percent over previous years. By encouraging reuse, we are reducing our impact on the planet by reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.
How has being part of this working group influenced your approach to sustainability within Kersia? Has it sparked any new ideas or collaborations?
This is difficult to say as the group has only just started working together. I believe that there will be benefits as the group develops new ideas with a view to improving sustainability throughout the manufacturing and distribution industry.
What role do you think partnerships and cross-industry collaboration play in reaching long-term sustainability goals?
By working with different industries, we can see how other people approach similar problems and look at their solutions. There will be instances where access to these solutions will work for Kersia to not only identify solutions but can also encourage us to look differently at our site and impacts to improve in areas we do not consider to be issues to the company.
Ian’s involvement in the CHSA’s Roadmap to Sustainability working group highlights Kersia UK’s proactive role in shaping a more sustainable future for the cleaning and hygiene sector. From championing standardised carbon data collection to advancing practical reuse initiatives, Ian is helping ensure that sustainability is embedded not only in our systems but also across the wider industry. As the group evolves, we look forward to the shared learning, innovation, and partnerships that will support lasting environmental progress.
Ensuring safe and sustainable connections across the food chain with expert hygiene solutions.
