Keeping ourselves committed to the environment

We are delighted to announce that Gripple is one of only ten companies across the country to receive a 2010 Queen's Award in the field of Sustainable Development. Moreover, we are particularly proud to be the only SME in the UK to have secured an award in all three categories, including International Trade and Innovation.

As a company following the national 10:10 campaign to reduce emissions by 10% in 2010, we further demonstrated our commitment to the cause by holding our very own Sustainable Development Day to coincide with the announcement. This served to highlight not only the environmental systems that govern our manufacturing processes, but also how everyone within a company can also make a difference.

Employees kicked off the day by travelling to work by foot, bike or car-share. A webinar - itself touted as an alternative to unnecessary air travel - was held to outline our long-term sustainability goals. Also, a work wear recycling initiative was launched; our old uniforms will now be donated to agricultural colleges overseas.

Furthermore, to demonstrate carbon-free delivery methods both old and new, a race was held to transport goods from the Gripple headquarters to the base of our sister company, Loadhog, located over two miles away. The contest took place between a cyclist, a runner, a rickshaw and a hydrogen powered car, as well as a canoeist and several kayakers who delivered products - such as the new Universal Clamp - along the River Don.

Managing Director Mark Edmonds said "This award, which is a unique achievement for a company of our size, is highly valued by us all. We are extremely proud to have joined the select group of companies which have been so prestigiously recognised for making worthwhile contributions to sustainable development."