Omega PLC is on a Sustainability Journey
British Kitchen manufacturers Omega PLC is prioritising the planet as they work tirelessly to become more sustainable in all areas of their business. Omega PLC CEO Simon Barber says, “In 2018 Omega made a capital investment of £20 million back into the business with one eye clearly looking down the road regarding our future sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals. We wanted to create a best-in-class manufacturing and support centre on site offering the best kitchens in the UK. In that, we wanted to create an underlying foundation that could aid in achieving a brighter future for our, people, partners and the overall planet.”
Omega has chosen to support the UN Sustainability Development Goals which they have integrated into their business practises and to focus their journey on six key goals where they will be able to make the greatest impact:
- No Poverty
- Good Health and wellbeing
- Gender Equality
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Life on Land
The Yorkshire based business has already made great progress on their journey to sustainability. Looking at production, Omega are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, meaning 100% of the wood and timber used to produce their kitchens is sourced from well-managed, responsible forests to the highest social and economic standards, whereby trees that are harvested are replanted. Earlier this year Omega introduced a 100% recycled door range made from recycled wood, upcycled through an eco-friendly process and the kitchen carcasses are made from 35% recycled material using wooden by-products from other industries. In 2021 Omega became part of The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) which supports the furniture supply chain, guiding compliance with sustainability and product testing. Omega is also proud to be a zero waste to landfill manufacturer.
On their mission to bring down CO2 emissions, the 2018 substantial investment designed and built the Omega office and warehouse with integrated solar panels. Power consumption has been reduced by installation of an Ecogate system in the machine workshop and LED lighting in place of traditional electric lights. There is continued investment in a greener and more fuel- efficient ECO6 lorry fleet which uses the latest technology to convert dangerous emissions into harmless ones whilst delivering across the UK. All company vehicles are moving to hybrid or fully electric and this has been supported by fitting onsite electric vehicle charging bays available for staff and visitors.
As an organisation Omega continually evaluate their success and continue to look for ways, they can improve their sustainability and environmental impact and to drive this forward they have set some ambitious goals for the future. Furthering its investment in solar power energy, Omega is looking for ways of using more renewable energy in the manufacturing of their kitchens. Future plans include the installation of more electrical vehicle charging stations and the completion of the LED lighting roll out. Omega is working to use 100% recyclable packaging and implement a 50% reduction in print. Omega PLC CEO Simon Barber says, “We have continued to make ongoing day-to-day changes and develop initiatives throughout the organisation that can aid our corporate and social responsibility and the long-term impact on the planet. We have actively set up steering groups to investigate and act upon which will all feed into our future measures and ultimately help to achieve our goals.”