Brush specialist generates sustainable power
Hillbrush has generated 20% of its energy this year since investing in solar panelling on their new premises.
Read time: 3 mins Added: 27/05/2022
When you add items like toothbrushes, shoe brushes and toilet brushes, the average household owns close to 30 brushes. Multiplied by over 40 million UK homes, that’s a mountain of brushes being produced every year.
Leading brush manufacturer, Hillbrush is only too aware of the amount of raw materials and energy it takes to deliver those numbers, which is why their entire operation is now geared up to be even more sustainably efficient.
Hillbrush began in 1922 producing brushes for farmers. It now produces a staggering range, serving many household and industrial needs. The company take eco responsibility seriously, with the development of new recyclable products and a reduction in packaging being prime examples of how it can help.
Building a sustainable future
Sustainability is ingrained throughout the company, from its people to its very structure. When Hillbrush moved premises, it saw the opportunity to raise its commitment. With funding from us, they built an ultra-modern site, utilising hi-tech equipment and features designed to deliver more fuel, energy and water efficiency.
Introducing solar panelling has helped Hillbrush environmentally and economically. 20% of their energy has been generated this year since the instalment, and on 104 days in 2021, Hillbrush delivered surplus energy back to the grid.
To date, they have generated electricity equivalent to over £142,000. With the cost-of-living crisis taking hold, these sustainable initiatives help drive down running costs and protect the company’s bottom line.
Sustainability initiatives
Based in the rural town of Mere, Wiltshire, driving to work is unavoidable for most of the Hillbrush workforce. So, to keep its carbon footprint in check, car sharing is encouraged for those that live within proximity. They’ve also installed electric car charging points for a greener commute.
Recycling is high on the agenda, with its gargantuan efforts earning them a ‘certificate for environmental achievement’ for increasing their tonnage by 86% over the last 5 years. Some of the products manufactured on-site are made from recycled car batteries and they even extract the dust in the factory air and then recycle the warm air to heat the premises! Since 2019, Hillbrush has also been Planet Mark certified, which recognises its achievements and sets goals to reduce its environmental impact by 2 to 5% each year.
Support from Lloyds Bank
Hillbrush and Lloyds Bank share a long and successful history. In fact, in 100 years of business, Hillbrush has only ever dealt with Lloyds Bank. As the company have expanded, we’ve been by its side providing the financial packages to help its business move forward.
The relationship goes beyond financial. By working closely with its Lloyds Bank Relationship Manager, Hillbrush receive the support it needs to navigate it through the complexities of business; from expanding into new markets to evaluating new customer credit notes.
Learnings from experience
For any business setting their sights on similar goals, Hillbrush has a few words of advice. Make sustainability integral to your business plan, set realistic targets, and focus on what is achievable. With the right sustainable solutions in place, it’s possible to reduce the impact we make on the environment and protect our business’s bottom line.
“With the support of Lloyds Bank, we’ve been able to meet our ever-increasing production demands and focus on how we can achieve them sustainably.” Andy Coward, Managing Director, Hillbrush.
“The new sustainable buildings and workshop were so important to Hillbrush’s future. Being able to support the project with the right financial products, Lloyds Bank has enabled them to grow their business whilst reducing their carbon footprint.” Martyn Davies, Relationship Director, Lloyds Bank.
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