GOLD
Bantam (Prevented Ocean Plastic): Your better plastic choice
Created and launched by Bantam Materials UK Ltd. in 2019, the Prevented Ocean Plastic programme provides an innovative solution for coastal communities that lack formal waste management infrastructure and are at risk of ocean plastic pollution. By working with local recyclers and developing new collection centres, we give value to what would otherwise be discarded waste, which can then be turned into new products for the UK and European markets. We are currently working with over 30 brands to help them achieve their 2025 and 2030 sustainability goals.
2023 was a big year, with over 300 SKUs across 31 brands and 13 product categories, and we crossed the 500 SKU threshold in Q1 of 2024. The programme saw the first ‘bottle into bottle’ application of the solution, with Lidl GB using Prevented Ocean Plastic in its San Celestino sparkling water range, and Lush recently announced integration into their product lines as well. We were recognised by a number of prestigious organisations, including: the Earthshot Prize, as an official nominee for both 2023 and 2024; the British Plastics Federation as their Top Innovation of 2023; and as an award-winner at the Green World Awards in the Houses of Parliament last year.
SILVER
SRC Group: ECO-BLOC® – pioneering sustainable construction
Since its launch in 2021, ECO-BLOC® has been a game-changer in the construction industry. Annually, we produce three million blocks, utilising 50,000 tonnes of recycled aggregates, processed via our very own recycling plants. This innovative approach has allowed us to divert significant amounts of waste from landfill, instead incorporating it into our block production. By creating ECO-BLOC® products, we are not only recycling but also reducing the strain on our planet’s natural resources traditionally used in construction. This sustainable practice has a dual benefit: it aids in waste management and contributes to the preservation of our environment. The production of ECO-BLOC® has also led to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions. For every tonne of material used, we avoid emitting a significant amount of CO2, contributing to the fight against climate change. ECO-BLOC® is more than just a product; it’s a testament to our commitment to a circular economy, where waste is not waste but a valuable resource. We are proud to be part of the solution, not the problem, in turn making a positive impact on our planet.
SILVER
Simba Sleep: Sleep Well, Repeat: Simba Sleep Circular Mattresses
Simba started with a mission: to help solve the word’s sleep crisis; we’re determined to bring a great night’s sleep to everyone who needs it – but we don’t want it to come at a cost to our environment. That’s why we’ve launched a variety of initiatives to make our circular economy more, well, circular.
It started when the National Bed Federation discovered the UK sends 76% of mattresses to landfill every year – over 5 million mattresses. We weren’t just shocked, we were spurred. When the mattress industry was asked to take recycling rates from 24% to 76%, we took the lead by launching a Mattress Recycling Service and a Return and Refurb programme. In 2023 alone, they saved 4,929,822 kilograms of CO2 reaching the atmosphere from a total of 23,342 refurbished and recycled mattresses. And we want to go higher.
We’re also designing our mattresses with their end of life in mind, so easier to take apart at their end-of-life via recycling. We’re also innovating for more recycled content in our mattresses, like surplus manufacturing foam in our ReGen™ bases. Until we can make mattresses entirely from recycled materials, we’re using more mindful virgin materials wherever we can.
BRONZE
ReSpace Projects: ReSpace Alliance: circular economy at street level
ReSpace is a non-profit which turns empty buildings into thriving community projects; no project is the same, as each is determined by local community needs, but each project is created using surplus and wasted resources. We reuse waste, to reduce inequality and rebuild communities. For example, one 6-month project, Zero LDN, saved around £10,000 worth of resources from reaching landfill, including construction materials, food, textiles, electrical goods and furniture. These resources were instead given for free to local people, or used in the creation of the project itself. This project also saved local people over £100,000 in the cost of hiring space, whilst also delivering free workshops and activities for locals. The value of these free and accessible spaces cannot be overestimated, and we had several regular visitors to Zero LDN tell us this project saved their lives, as it gave them a sense of purpose and belonging, or a route to access formal support. Projects all promote reduction of waste, and the reuse and repair of resources, even down to screws, fittings and fixtures which get ring-fenced for distribution across local communities, charitable groups and other respaced projects.