Environmental and Sustainability Statement
At HEC Showman Limited, environmental responsibility is an integral part of our business philosophy. We are committed to minimising our environmental footprint and embedding sustainable practices throughout our operations.
As a specialist manufacturer and supplier of healthcare furniture based in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, we recognise the vital importance of responsible environmental management in both our products and our production processes.
Our factory benefits from renewable energy, with solar panels installed on the roof of our paint shop. This significantly reduces our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and lowers our overall carbon footprint. In addition, we continuously invest in advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimise waste.
These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and our dedication to operating as a sustainable, forward-thinking business within the healthcare manufacturing sector.
Sustainability at HEC Showman Limited
At HEC Showman Limited, we have always placed a strong emphasis on understanding and minimising the environmental impact of our products and production processes. Through continuous investment in innovative technologies, we strive to reduce our environmental footprint while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Sustainable Product Design and Manufacturing
All of our products are manufactured from metal—a highly durable and fully recyclable material. This choice ensures that our products, including items such as our controlled drugs cabinets, are almost entirely recyclable at the end of their lifecycle (excluding packaging materials).
Sustainability is built into every stage of our manufacturing process. From material selection to production methods, we aim to minimise waste generation wherever possible. Steel offcuts and production waste are collected and fully recycled, supporting a circular economy and reducing the environmental impact of our operations.
General Waste Management and Recycling
At HEC Showman Limited, effective waste management is an essential part of our environmental commitment. We partner with Veolia, a leading waste management provider, to ensure the responsible disposal and recycling of our waste. All waste generated within our facility is carefully segregated into general and recyclable streams and placed in designated bins for appropriate handling.
Veolia operates in accordance with internationally recognised standards, with all of their sites accredited to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). In addition, the majority of our cardboard waste is now processed on-site and repurposed into packaging materials, further reducing our environmental footprint.
Use of Solar Power
To support our sustainability goals, we utilise a dedicated array of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels installed on the roof of our powder coating facility. These solar cells generate a substantial portion of the electricity required for our daily operations, reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and contributing to a cleaner, more energy-efficient production process.
Investment in New Technology
As part of our commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency, HEC Showman Limited has invested in a state-of-the-art fibre laser cutter. This advanced equipment has significantly reduced our electricity consumption compared to traditional cutting methods. The reduction in power demand was so substantial that new energy supply contracts were required upon installation. This investment reflects our ongoing efforts to adopt cleaner, more energy-efficient manufacturing technologies.
Powder Coating and Energy Efficiency
Powder coating remains the most energy-intensive process within our production facility. The gas oven used for curing is approximately the size of a single-decker bus and must be maintained at temperatures just below 200°C to ensure optimal results. To minimise energy consumption, we have implemented strict control measures—keeping the oven in optimal working condition through regular maintenance and operating it only when needed, rather than continuously throughout the day. These improvements have led to a significant reduction in our overall gas usage.
Sustainable Transport and Logistics
We operate a mixed delivery model using our own fleet in conjunction with trusted logistics partners, including DX Logistics, DPD, and Palletways. The majority of our deliveries are handled by DPD, selected in part due to their strong environmental credentials. DPD is actively expanding what is projected to become the largest all-electric delivery fleet in the UK, with over 1,500 electric vehicles already operating across England, Scotland, and Wales. Their continued investment in electric mobility supports our own sustainability goals by contributing to lower-emission last-mile deliveries.
Additional Environmental Initiatives
Across our operations, we are focused on minimising waste and energy use. We have upgraded our facility with energy-efficient LED lighting and are actively recovering and repurposing process heat to assist with space heating within our premises. These initiatives further demonstrate our commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency wherever possible.
