Organic food company wins green award for recycling

The company received the award for its efforts to reduce waste and educate employees about efficient recycling methods. Between 2007 and 2008 the company cut food waste by more than 70 per cent, water consumption by nearly 30 per cent a year to less than 37,000 litres and lowered its use of gas by 10 per cent.

That was achieved by installing more efficient equipment including water saving devices and a can-crushing machine, reducing waste through good purchasing practices, reuse and recycling; economic use of paper and encouraging the purchase of recycled and recyclable materials, according to the judges.

The company plans to be carbon neutral by 2012.

Environmental commitments​

The company’s 818 employees at its four UK sites regularly receive environmental training which makes them more energy conscious at home. Each department is audited for environmental performance and staff are encouraged to set up local recycling schemes which vie for the company’s own green awards.

93 per cent of staff think that the company takes its environmental commitments “very seriously.”

Irwin Simon, president and chief executive officer of Hain Celestial said: "As a leader in the natural and organic industry, I am proud of our dedicated workforce and their commitment to environmental practices in the United Kingdom. We continue to promote 'A Healthy Way of Life(TM)' through the dedication and efforts of our team……. which has earned us the recognition this year as the best green company in our sector​."

Prepared foods​

Based in Luton with facilities in London, Manchester and Fakenham, Hain Celestial UK produces and sells natural and organic products including Daily Bread and DeliGo branded fresh prepared foods and Linda McCartney frozen meat-free products.

The Sunday Times ​conducted the competition with ​environmental consultants, Bureau Veritas and market research group, Munro Global. The survey assesses the environmental performance, policies and practices of businesses and takes account of the views of employees, who rate their organization's green credentials.