Survey reports ‘high risk’ of council tax rises if government targets missed
A ground-breaking campaign is launched today by the plastics industry to challenge itself, government and consumers to step up recycling and to stop sending plastic to landfill.
The Plastics 2020 Challenge, backed by MPs from across the political divide, is the first time plastics manufacturers and processors themselves have called for a widespread and open debate and set their own targets for helping make the country greener.
The plastics industry is pledging several commitments on the “four R’s” – reduce, reuse, recycle and recover, including doubling the recycling rate of plastic packaging by the year 2020.
The campaign also challenges the government, MPs, environmental groups and consumers to join forces with the industry to get more out of the resources we all use.
MPs and council leaders will gather today for the launch at Westminster where new research will be published showing only half of the responsible councillors confident they will meet the government’s waste strategy targets for 2010, 2015 and 2020, suggesting large and unnecessary hikes in council tax bills unless action is taken.
The campaign website www.plastics2020challenge.com is also launched today, urging members of the public and interest groups to join the debate on the benefits, use and disposal of plastic products and packaging.
In a radical move other environmental campaigners, such as Friends of the Earth, will be encouraged to take part in regular web debates – on subjects such as marine littering and bio plastics. The sponsors of the Plastics 2020 Challenge believe that only an honest, open and rational debate on controversial issues will lead to a consensus about how to move forward.
The Plastics 2020 Challenge has been welcomed by WRAP, the government-sponsored waste reduction and recycling agency, and the Local Government Association.
Underpinning the scale of the Challenge are the findings of research by ComRes which showed that almost a third of councillors do not expect to meet the government’s targets for recycling, composting and energy recovery next year while a third did not know if they would meet the targets for 2015 and 2020. Almost a fifth of councillors reported a high or very high risk of council tax bills having to rise in 2020 because the target would not be met. Asked about the scale of potential council tax increases if the target was missed 18% said it would be above 5%, with half of those respondents saying it would be over 10%.
Calum Forsyth from the Plastics 2020 Challenge said: “There are plastics businesses in virtually every parliamentary constituency in the land. The industry is worth £19bn to UK Plc and employs 186,000 people. Plastics have become indispensable to our daily lives, and yet debate surrounding their use and disposal has become unhelpfully polarised. The urgent challenge is to confront head on these issues which surround one of modern life’s essential materials, as time is running out about the options for efficient disposal of plastics.”
Councillor Paul Bettison of the Local Government Association commented: “It is very welcome to see the plastics industry come to the table with proposals to drive up plastic recycling rates as well as wider initiatives for resource efficiency. Consumers have shown high levels of support for recycling, and with the industry’s engagement I hope we see the challenge being met.”
Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley said: “It is welcome to see the plastics industry taking on this important Challenge. I and my colleagues will be supporting them and watching progress closely over the coming years on this vital environmental issue.”
Nigel Evans, Conservative MP for Ribble Valley commented: “The industry has set a challenging target to doubling plastic packaging recycling and I hope we will see others responding to the Challenge so that the 2020 target can be met.”
Wednesday, 8 July 2009
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Kellogg's Recycling Success with Dolav Plastic Pallet Boxes
Waste reduction and recycling is a success at Kellogg’s Manchester product-packing factory. Well on track to achieve its target of zero landfill by 2015 or sooner, waste reduction and recycling with reusable Dolav pallet boxes is already saving money.
All of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes, Rice Crispies, Frosties, Crunchy Nuts and CoCo Pops sold in the UK and Ireland are put in packets in Manchester. Kellogg packers separate plastic inner liner, carton or food waste into line-side Dolav plastic pallet bins. With these new Dolav containers, the non-food waste is now forklift-tipped into recycling skips. This has marked the end of compacting for landfill and closes the gap for Kellogg on reaching its target of zero landfill for food packaging waste by end this year. Kellogg sends any food waste to animal food production and has been recycling corrugated board waste for some time.
In just one year Kellogg has increased packaging waste recycling by a third from about 45 percent to more than 60 percent, soon to be 80 percent. Total waste is reduced by one quarter. Financial benefits come from reduced tonnage to landfill and less to pay in landfill taxes, up recently by £11 a tonne. By recycling Kellogg earns a rebate to offset its already reducing landfill tax.
With pallet bins key to recycling waste packaging, Kellogg's Environment Manager, Harry Almond, searched for a suitable product. “We wanted and found a Dolav pallet box strong enough to stand up to punishment by forklift drivers, who treat it as a waste bin. The Dolav, with strong runners underneath for tipping and made in tough, food-grade plastic, meets Kellogg’s food-quality standards,” he said. The Dolav Ace, introduced in 2008 especially for the food sector and for tough recycling environments, fitted the bill and is at work line-side with the UK’s best-known breakfast cereals.
More: www.dolav-uk.co.uk or Tel: +44 (0)1953 880220
See Dolav on stand No. 850 at RWM show, 15-19 Sept 09
Friday, 26 June 2009
The Cleantechnology Revolution
New Report concludes that clean technology (“Cleantech”) is on the cusp of transforming practically every business sector. Those who fail to face the challenge and indeed turn this into an opportunity, risk falling by the wayside
'Cleantech, the Impact on Key Sectors in Europe,' was commissioned by the leading European legal services providers CMS from independent consultants Oxford Analytica. The Report finds that the economic downturn has not derailed the development of Cleantech, only temporarily shifting its focus toward public policy issues and that Cleantech provides a necessary future-proofing of the leading economies beyond the financial crisis. In particular, the Report examines the way Cleantech will develop in four key sectors each of which are on the front-line of today’s issues, namely (1) damage to the planet, including climate change, (2) energy security, (3) commodities, food and water security and (4) huge population growth and longevity.
-Personal and Freight Transport-. Transport is estimated to be responsible for about 25% of European CO2 emissions and to account for approximately 71% of oil consumed in the EU. The economic downturn represents an opportunity for car manufacturers to rise to the challenge of more energy efficient vehicles better aligned with public policy objectives. There will be a shift towards internalising the external costs (CO2 and particulate matter) to users and manufacturers, e.g. in congestion or emissions charging, with IT systems focusing on logistics and information delivery and intelligent traffic systems becoming prevalent. Transportation solutions based on natural gas, biofuels, hydrogen, hybrid and/or electric systems will continue to grow.
-Real Estate and Construction-. This sector is likely to see considerable change. For instance, energy use in building accounts is estimated to account, globally, for 33% of manmade greenhouse gas emissions globally. Not surprisingly, if this sector is the root of such a large portion of the problem, so too can it be the root of a large portion of the solution. To rise to the challenge of climate change, water use and various other issues, the built environment is likely to be entirely shifted toward an overriding sustainability objective. There is a need to consider lifecycle costing in a way that is new to the real estate sector, but relatively common in infrastructure projects. Beyond new build, the real opportunity lies in unlocking the enormous savings that can be achieved in retrofitting, and for policy makers and the real estate sector a priority should be to develop a financial model to incentivise developers and landlords (rather than the consumer facing end of this sector, i.e. tenants and occupiers).
-Agrichemicals and Water Management-. Beyond improved efficiency in water management, flood irrigation systems, salinisation issues, and wastewater reclamation technologies, there are also novel innovations in the management of food production waste, biocomposites, methane mitigation, GM-enzyme waste decomposition and carbon sequestration are all future growth areas. The regulatory framework is taking shape (with the EU Water Framework and EU REACH Directives being flagship pieces of legislation) and for these sectors there is a need to respond to the EU’s enormous ambitions in this area while remaining financially and globally competitive.
-Waste Management-. Rapid progress is taking place in the fields of gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. Companies employing a range of clean technologies to restore grey water and even restore to potable quality water industrial or municipal wastewater. Improvements in collecting data on waste movements via the internet could significantly improve efficiency. The concept of producer responsibility continues to gain prominence. Electrical and electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste sources, and this stream of waste is captured by producer responsibility principle.
The Report highlights the central role that European regulation and policy is playing in the development of Cleantech, and the direct impact that CO2 reduction targets, and the Kyoto Protocol is already having on businesses.
"What is happening now with Cleantech is the beginning of something similar to the IT revolution, if not the Industrial revolution", says Paul Sheridan, Partner and Head of Cleantech at CMS in the UK. “Businesses that seek to face the future with eyes wide open, however daunting and challenging that may be, will be ahead of the game and well able to adapt and prosper in the new business environment."
Munir Hassan, Head of Clean Energy at CMS in the UK, also notes that, “Cleantech has been a frontline issue for the Energy Sector for many years. It is now spreading in importance to all other industry sectors.”
The report also found that:
-Cleantech will have implications for businesses in relation to regulatory shifts, procurement decisions, reputational risks, lobbying needs, lifecycle costing and responsibility, investment opportunities, technology transfer and up-grading IT.
-Policy and regulation, commodity prices, the economic downturn and stakeholder attitudes are the megadrivers accelerating take up of Cleantech. Production reductions as a result of the economic downturn will raise commodity prices, providing renewed incentive to turn to Cleantech.
-Parallels with the Great Depression; new technologies that had previously been marginalised were commercialised and helped aid economic recovery.
'Cleantech, the Impact on Key Sectors in Europe,' was commissioned by the leading European legal services providers CMS from independent consultants Oxford Analytica. The Report finds that the economic downturn has not derailed the development of Cleantech, only temporarily shifting its focus toward public policy issues and that Cleantech provides a necessary future-proofing of the leading economies beyond the financial crisis. In particular, the Report examines the way Cleantech will develop in four key sectors each of which are on the front-line of today’s issues, namely (1) damage to the planet, including climate change, (2) energy security, (3) commodities, food and water security and (4) huge population growth and longevity.
-Personal and Freight Transport-. Transport is estimated to be responsible for about 25% of European CO2 emissions and to account for approximately 71% of oil consumed in the EU. The economic downturn represents an opportunity for car manufacturers to rise to the challenge of more energy efficient vehicles better aligned with public policy objectives. There will be a shift towards internalising the external costs (CO2 and particulate matter) to users and manufacturers, e.g. in congestion or emissions charging, with IT systems focusing on logistics and information delivery and intelligent traffic systems becoming prevalent. Transportation solutions based on natural gas, biofuels, hydrogen, hybrid and/or electric systems will continue to grow.
-Real Estate and Construction-. This sector is likely to see considerable change. For instance, energy use in building accounts is estimated to account, globally, for 33% of manmade greenhouse gas emissions globally. Not surprisingly, if this sector is the root of such a large portion of the problem, so too can it be the root of a large portion of the solution. To rise to the challenge of climate change, water use and various other issues, the built environment is likely to be entirely shifted toward an overriding sustainability objective. There is a need to consider lifecycle costing in a way that is new to the real estate sector, but relatively common in infrastructure projects. Beyond new build, the real opportunity lies in unlocking the enormous savings that can be achieved in retrofitting, and for policy makers and the real estate sector a priority should be to develop a financial model to incentivise developers and landlords (rather than the consumer facing end of this sector, i.e. tenants and occupiers).
-Agrichemicals and Water Management-. Beyond improved efficiency in water management, flood irrigation systems, salinisation issues, and wastewater reclamation technologies, there are also novel innovations in the management of food production waste, biocomposites, methane mitigation, GM-enzyme waste decomposition and carbon sequestration are all future growth areas. The regulatory framework is taking shape (with the EU Water Framework and EU REACH Directives being flagship pieces of legislation) and for these sectors there is a need to respond to the EU’s enormous ambitions in this area while remaining financially and globally competitive.
-Waste Management-. Rapid progress is taking place in the fields of gasification, pyrolysis, and anaerobic digestion. Companies employing a range of clean technologies to restore grey water and even restore to potable quality water industrial or municipal wastewater. Improvements in collecting data on waste movements via the internet could significantly improve efficiency. The concept of producer responsibility continues to gain prominence. Electrical and electronic waste is one of the fastest growing waste sources, and this stream of waste is captured by producer responsibility principle.
The Report highlights the central role that European regulation and policy is playing in the development of Cleantech, and the direct impact that CO2 reduction targets, and the Kyoto Protocol is already having on businesses.
"What is happening now with Cleantech is the beginning of something similar to the IT revolution, if not the Industrial revolution", says Paul Sheridan, Partner and Head of Cleantech at CMS in the UK. “Businesses that seek to face the future with eyes wide open, however daunting and challenging that may be, will be ahead of the game and well able to adapt and prosper in the new business environment."
Munir Hassan, Head of Clean Energy at CMS in the UK, also notes that, “Cleantech has been a frontline issue for the Energy Sector for many years. It is now spreading in importance to all other industry sectors.”
The report also found that:
-Cleantech will have implications for businesses in relation to regulatory shifts, procurement decisions, reputational risks, lobbying needs, lifecycle costing and responsibility, investment opportunities, technology transfer and up-grading IT.
-Policy and regulation, commodity prices, the economic downturn and stakeholder attitudes are the megadrivers accelerating take up of Cleantech. Production reductions as a result of the economic downturn will raise commodity prices, providing renewed incentive to turn to Cleantech.
-Parallels with the Great Depression; new technologies that had previously been marginalised were commercialised and helped aid economic recovery.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Green transport boost
Newly launched, Newcastle based company, Future Transport Systems, FTS, is pioneering the introduction of sustainable transport across the UK having won a number of major contracts to introduce electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure to Britain’s roads.
FTS has already employed 4 low carbon transport and automotive specialists and has ambitious plans to recruit another 6 before the end of the year. The team will be based at the company’s head office in Newcastle and its technical centre in Hethel, Norfolk on the Hethel Engineering Park, a hub for automotive and engineering development.
The company is the UK’s first consultancy specialising in integrating low carbon vehicle technologies with transport and electrical infrastructure. The team is well placed to deliver these projects, as its sister company is leading independent energy consultancy, TNEI Services. FTS will draw a wealth of transferable expertise in electrical networks, systems integration, planning and the environment from TNEI.
FTS is already using in-house GIS and electrical network modelling capabilities to design the charging networks required for electric vehicles, and assess their impact on existing infrastructure.
One of the key aspects of this work is to analyse and test how electric vehicles could be deployed and to identify and resolve any constraints on their successful implementation and roll out.
One of the projects the team is managing is the ultra-low carbon vehicle demonstrator project, awarded to the North East region by the Technology Strategy Board to deploy electric vehicles in the North East region. FTS is working closely with One North East, Nissan, Smiths Electric Vehicles, Avid, Newcastle University and Liberty to deliver this project.
Commenting on the FTS launch and plans for the future, MD Matthew Lumsden said: "Our goal is to be the leading low carbon vehicle infrastructure consultancy for sustainable transport in the UK and beyond. We are already on course to achieve these goals with a very substantial order book at the company’s launch."
“We expect significant growth in the electric vehicle sector over the next 5 years with many opportunities arising from the parallel development of smart metering, smart networks and renewable generation. These are very exciting times for those of us involved in systems integration and deployment and for those pioneering the new business opportunities that will arise from these new technologies and systems."
FTS is committed to developing a base of low carbon transport infrastructure expertise within the North East. In addition to working closely with the team at One North East on the TSB project, FTS is teaming up with the Universities of Newcastle and Durham to develop design software for mapping out Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure.
Margaret Fay, chairman of regional development agency, One NorthEast, said: “The North East has plans that are already well advanced to spearhead the development of electric vehicles.
“FTS has a major role to play in these plans, which will influence the way electric vehicles are used not just in the North East but nationally and internationally.”
Sarah Green, regional director CBI North East said:
“FTS is one of the first of many new businesses that we hope will take advantage of the opportunities created by the Great North Revolution. If the UK is to meet its carbon reduction commitments, Government must encourage the development and take up of electric vehicles. FTS is exceedingly well positioned to advise businesses and Government on how to make this happen and it’s brilliant that entrepreneurs in the North East have recognised this opportunity to develop this new niche consultancy.”
Viv Stephens, head of business strategy, Cenex:
“The emergence of the North East region as an early adopter of electric vehicles reflects the growth of its capabilities in terms of local industry, academia and specialist consultancies such as FTS. As the national Centre of Excellence in low carbon vehicle technologies, Cenex is looking forward to working in collaboration with the North East region’s key partners in the field of electric vehicle deployment. We congratulate FTS on taking the initiative to develop its specialist capability in infrastructure development, which supports the region’s broad objectives in the adoption of sustainable transport solutions.”
www.futuretransport.co.uk
School wins green award
CBBC presenter Michael Absalom and the BBC’s Really Wild Show presenter Steve Backshall, today named Lutley Primary School from Halesowen as the national winner of the 2009 TOTAL Green School Awards for its innovative ‘Super School Grounds’ project.
The wining project was the brainchild of 30 pupils aged between nine and 11 years, who created an oasis in the school grounds. In 2007, the children planted a vegetable garden and they have since harvested and shared the produce with their classmates. After this success, the pupils obtained a grant which was used to build a covered outdoor classroom made from home-made cob bricks (a mixture of clay and straw). The children have also planted trees in the school grounds and created a wildlife garden with a pond and beautiful dragonfly mosaic.
The judges were particularly impressed by the very high standard of the Lutley Primary School’s entry and the huge amounts of thought, energy and effort that had evidently gone into the project.
The winners were announced at the national finals held at London Zoo in Regent’s Park, and the pupils were presented with their award by children’s TV favourites Michael Absalom and Steve Backshall.
Michael Absalom said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of these amazing awards and it’s great to see the enthusiasm demonstrated by the quality of the schools’ projects. The pupils are clearly very aware of the environment around them and have submitted some really inspired projects.”
The awards comprise four categories, each allowing group work on environmental topics in a diverse range of subjects including, Art, English, History and Mathematics as well as Science Technology and Geography. From the huge number of entries received, winners for each of the four categories; Totally Active, Totally Clued Up, Totally Creative and Totally Powered Up, were chosen from each of the five regions; Scotland, Wales, Central England, North and South England. The four winners from each region attended a regional final where the national finalists were selected by a panel of judges.
YPTE Director, Peter Littlewood, commented: “After three years of the awards, it is still brilliant to see some of the fantastic ideas young people around the country have come up with. The quality of the entries this year made it extremely hard to choose the winners, but the ‘Super School Grounds’ project from the Lutley Primary School pupils was just inspirational and the pupils thoroughly deserve the prize.”
All students in the winning group receive an all expenses paid Environmental Discovery Course with the YPTE, which comprises a four-night environment adventure exploring the British countryside.
Mrs Cox, Teacher at Lutley Primary School said: “The children were over the moon to make it to the final, but to actually win the National 2009 TOTAL Green School Awards is just fantastic. The children work very hard on their ‘Super School Ground’, alongside many other eco projects, and are extremely excited about the environment adventure trip.”
TOTAL Bitumen, General Manager, Mike Linley, commented: “TOTAL is pleased to be supporting this competition and encouraging young people to take a greater interest in the future of their planet. It is great to see the ongoing enthusiasm demonstrated by the quality of Lutley Primary School’s project, which covers many important environmental issues. The pupils have not only learned something valuable about the environment, they have also brought that message to other children.
The TOTAL Green School Awards competition will run again in 2009/2010. For details on how to enter go to http://www.totalgreenschoolawards.org
Photo credit: Geoff Caddick/PA
Monday, 22 June 2009
Whale of a time with P&O Ferries
Whale watching trips led by conservation experts have been scheduled on four special mini cruises with P&O Ferries this summer.
The three-night trips cost from £99 per person, with departures from Portsmouth port in July (7th and 10th) and September (17th and 20th.)
Scientists from the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) will give presentations and organise watches from the best vantage points on board the Pride of Bilbao cruise ferry, which sails between Portsmouth and Bilbao.
During similar trips on ferries to Spain last year more than 3,300 cetaceans were spotted, ranging from diminutive harbour porpoises, through bottlenose, common and striped dolphins which like to ride the ship's bow wave, to minke, fin, sperm, pilot and beaked whales.
It isn't all whale watching on mini cruises to Spain as the itinerary gives time for a shore excursion in Spain, with popular options including the Guggenheim gallery, the old city of Bilbao, and the fishing village of Castro Urdiales. And facilities on board include cinemas, shops, bars, restaurants and live shows.
Prices include a standard class cabin and are based on two people sharing. For bookings call P&O Ferries on 08716 646464. BDRP publishes its work and blogs of previous trips at www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk
The three-night trips cost from £99 per person, with departures from Portsmouth port in July (7th and 10th) and September (17th and 20th.)
Scientists from the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) will give presentations and organise watches from the best vantage points on board the Pride of Bilbao cruise ferry, which sails between Portsmouth and Bilbao.
During similar trips on ferries to Spain last year more than 3,300 cetaceans were spotted, ranging from diminutive harbour porpoises, through bottlenose, common and striped dolphins which like to ride the ship's bow wave, to minke, fin, sperm, pilot and beaked whales.
It isn't all whale watching on mini cruises to Spain as the itinerary gives time for a shore excursion in Spain, with popular options including the Guggenheim gallery, the old city of Bilbao, and the fishing village of Castro Urdiales. And facilities on board include cinemas, shops, bars, restaurants and live shows.
Prices include a standard class cabin and are based on two people sharing. For bookings call P&O Ferries on 08716 646464. BDRP publishes its work and blogs of previous trips at www.biscay-dolphin.org.uk
Friday, 19 June 2009
Harness the power of nature with Ecover’s new hard surface cleaning range
Ecover, the world-leading pioneers of ecological cleaning are packing their most powerful punch yet with a brand new range of hard surface cleaning products that put their competitors to shame. While they’re even tougher than petrochemical products on household grime, they’re brilliantly gentle on both the environment and your skin.
Guaranteed to leave your home sparkling clean, this hard-working range harnesses the power of nature through pioneering ingredients called Eco-Surfactants. Developed exclusively by Ecover’s ecological innovators, these new ingredients mean the new range is proven to clean as well as – or better than - the UK’s leading conventional brands.
The range consists of two new products: Ecover Power Cleaner and Ecover Window & Glass Cleaner; as well as two new formulations of household favourites, Ecover All Purpose Cleaner (previously known as Ecover Multi-Surface Cleaner) and Ecover Multi Surface Spray Cleaner (previously known as SquirtEco).
• Ecover Power Cleaner – RRP £3.99 (500ml) – this new power degreaser is great for tackling grimy ovens, bbqs, cooker hobs, extractor hoods and grills and consumers have found it to be as effective as Cillit Bang Power Cleaner Degreaser when it comes to ovens and pots and pans.
• Ecover Multi Surface Spray Cleaner – RRP £2.84 (500ml) – twice as powerful as Ecover’s previous spray surface cleaner, SquirtEco3 thanks to Ecover’s Eco-Surfactants, this versatile spray cleaner is safe around food. It cleans as efficiently as Flash Multi Purpose Spray, leaving all washable surfaces sparkling clean.
• Ecover Window & Glass Cleaner – RRP £2.69 (500ml) - this brand new product can be used on windows, mirrors, glass and chrome. Up against Mr Muscle Window Cleaner, it took victory on performance and finish, and was described as ‘efficient’, ‘very effective’ and ‘easy to use’ in consumer research.
• Ecover All Purpose Cleaner – RRP £1.59 (500ml) - the concentrated form of this new formulation is over 70% more powerful than the old one. It naturally and hygienically cleans all hard washable surfaces just as well as Flash All Purpose Dilutable and was found to ‘remove stubborn marks’, be ‘good in the bathroom’ and ‘make taps sparkle’ in consumer research.
The pioneering Eco-Surfactants make the hard surface cleaning range unique. Not only are these pioneering new ingredients made with fully renewable plant-based ingredients (rapeseed oil, yeast and glucose), they are also produced using a totally biochemical process – similar to the process of brewing beer – as opposed to a chemical one as many of Ecover’s competitors use.
What’s more, because Ecover only uses sustainable plant-based and mineral ingredients, you don’t have to worry about leaving behind residues of nasty (and unnecessary) chemicals when you clean. And thanks to its pH neutral formula, it won’t irritate skin like some other products can – so feel free to forget the rubber gloves.
Clare Allman, marketing manager, Ecover UK says: “Historically, the assumption has been that green cleaning products aren’t as effective as conventional petrochemical-based products but at Ecover we have always challenged this perception by creating effective ecological cleaning solutions. Thanks to our pioneering new Eco-Surfactants, our new range is supremely ecological, and cleans even better than before.
“The new range has even better ecological credentials than ever: excellent biodegradability and lower aquatic toxicity as well as reduced transportation5 As the ingredients Ecover use to make Eco-Surfactants are sourced in Europe, much closer to our ecological factories, they take half the CO2 to transport than the previous ingredients. We’re really excited about the range as it offers a truly effective ecological solution to the cleaning needs of people across the UK.”
The new hard surface cleaning range is available in health food stores, with a limited range available in major supermarkets. For a full list of stockists visit our ‘Where to Buy’ page on www.ecover.com
For further information please visit www.ecover.com
Guaranteed to leave your home sparkling clean, this hard-working range harnesses the power of nature through pioneering ingredients called Eco-Surfactants. Developed exclusively by Ecover’s ecological innovators, these new ingredients mean the new range is proven to clean as well as – or better than - the UK’s leading conventional brands.
The range consists of two new products: Ecover Power Cleaner and Ecover Window & Glass Cleaner; as well as two new formulations of household favourites, Ecover All Purpose Cleaner (previously known as Ecover Multi-Surface Cleaner) and Ecover Multi Surface Spray Cleaner (previously known as SquirtEco).
• Ecover Power Cleaner – RRP £3.99 (500ml) – this new power degreaser is great for tackling grimy ovens, bbqs, cooker hobs, extractor hoods and grills and consumers have found it to be as effective as Cillit Bang Power Cleaner Degreaser when it comes to ovens and pots and pans.
• Ecover Multi Surface Spray Cleaner – RRP £2.84 (500ml) – twice as powerful as Ecover’s previous spray surface cleaner, SquirtEco3 thanks to Ecover’s Eco-Surfactants, this versatile spray cleaner is safe around food. It cleans as efficiently as Flash Multi Purpose Spray, leaving all washable surfaces sparkling clean.
• Ecover Window & Glass Cleaner – RRP £2.69 (500ml) - this brand new product can be used on windows, mirrors, glass and chrome. Up against Mr Muscle Window Cleaner, it took victory on performance and finish, and was described as ‘efficient’, ‘very effective’ and ‘easy to use’ in consumer research.
• Ecover All Purpose Cleaner – RRP £1.59 (500ml) - the concentrated form of this new formulation is over 70% more powerful than the old one. It naturally and hygienically cleans all hard washable surfaces just as well as Flash All Purpose Dilutable and was found to ‘remove stubborn marks’, be ‘good in the bathroom’ and ‘make taps sparkle’ in consumer research.
The pioneering Eco-Surfactants make the hard surface cleaning range unique. Not only are these pioneering new ingredients made with fully renewable plant-based ingredients (rapeseed oil, yeast and glucose), they are also produced using a totally biochemical process – similar to the process of brewing beer – as opposed to a chemical one as many of Ecover’s competitors use.
What’s more, because Ecover only uses sustainable plant-based and mineral ingredients, you don’t have to worry about leaving behind residues of nasty (and unnecessary) chemicals when you clean. And thanks to its pH neutral formula, it won’t irritate skin like some other products can – so feel free to forget the rubber gloves.
Clare Allman, marketing manager, Ecover UK says: “Historically, the assumption has been that green cleaning products aren’t as effective as conventional petrochemical-based products but at Ecover we have always challenged this perception by creating effective ecological cleaning solutions. Thanks to our pioneering new Eco-Surfactants, our new range is supremely ecological, and cleans even better than before.
“The new range has even better ecological credentials than ever: excellent biodegradability and lower aquatic toxicity as well as reduced transportation5 As the ingredients Ecover use to make Eco-Surfactants are sourced in Europe, much closer to our ecological factories, they take half the CO2 to transport than the previous ingredients. We’re really excited about the range as it offers a truly effective ecological solution to the cleaning needs of people across the UK.”
The new hard surface cleaning range is available in health food stores, with a limited range available in major supermarkets. For a full list of stockists visit our ‘Where to Buy’ page on www.ecover.com
For further information please visit www.ecover.com
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