Factory commended for using water wisely

A �2million recycling initiative has won Axminster Carpets a pile of praise.

The company has been named runner up in the “Cleaner Water” category at the inaugural Environment Agency Awards.

The contest recognises companies that have achieved outstanding results in preventing pollution or improving water quality in rivers, seas or lakes.

Late last year Axminster Carpets invested some �2million in a revolutionary water recycling plant which converts waste water back to a level where it can be completely reused.

Now some 95 per cent of Axminster Carpets’ waste water - over 2million litres per week - is piped back into the plant processes without entering the eco-system after having all the contaminants removed. The residual waste is being converted to bio-fuel with the long-term plan to use this to power the company’s lorry fleet and the manufacturing plant.

Josh Dutfield, Group Managing Director, said: “The commissioning of our water recycling plant was an ongoing part of our strategy to minimise the environmental impact of our yarn spinning and carpet manufacturing processes.

“It has helped us to radically reduce our output of water with contaminants and has allowed our water use to become much more efficient, as recognised by our position as runner up in the cleaner water category.”

The awards were presented at the Environment Agency’s annual conference, Environment10, where Energy Secretary Chris Huhne MP, praised the calibre of entries.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be able to present these awards to such worthy winners who are tackling climate change and improving the environment on the front line. All the finalists have shown real innovation in cutting carbon and improving sustainability.”