Manchester Rusk

Sector:  Food & Drink
No.of Employees:  33
Region: North West

Summary
Manchester Rusk Co (MRC) was looking into ways to meet new legislative requirements on waste, and approached Groundwork for assistance. When a Groundwork business advisor conducted a free waste audit of the premises, several opportunities opened up.

Background
MRC is a food coatings and marinades manufacturer. The company employs 33 people and is based in Sharston Green Business Park, Manchester. They have been working with Groundwork Environmental Business Services since 2002.  

How they do it

• Recycling waste. Environmental advisors helped MRC source a waste management company who assisted with segregating and recycling 85% of their generated waste. This diverted 70 tonnes of waste from landfill, therefore improving MRC's environmental impact.
• Reduced use of transport. This change has directly impacted on the company's transport use, as less waste means less transport to collect the waste. Estimates suggest CO2 emissions are down by over 40 tonnes.
• Improved energy efficiency. The business was also able to increase its energy efficiency by revising its lighting and refrigeration compressor requirements. While these changes cost £15,000 to implement, advisors helped MRC make a successful bid for grant funding to cover these costs.
  

Business Benefits

• Enhanced marketability. These changes have also brought positive public relations benefits; as MRC keenly advocates its environmental management approach to clients.
• Renewed staff morale. Changes in practice have contributed to safeguarding  jobs. 
• Economic savings. Waste handling costs have been reduced by almost £10K, and a saving of £2,700 has been recorded due to energy efficiency this year alone.