Sustainability

Building Towards A Sustainable Future

We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and have developed a comprehensive Carbon Reduction Plan, which you can view below:

Carbon Reduction Plan

This plan has been carefully produced using data and insights derived from the NatWest Carbon Planner, a tool created by NatWest in partnership with Green Element. Green Element is an environmental management consultancy with over 20 years of experience in sustainable practices. Leveraging their expertise, we’ve been able to calculate an accurate estimate of our organisation’s carbon footprint and receive tailored recommendations to help us reduce emissions effectively and responsibly.

Current Sustainability Initiatives

At Duckworth & Kent, we utilise the renewable energy of solar power to manufacture a wide range of reusable instruments, which are then carefully packaged using recyclable cardboard materials. This sustainable approach aligns with our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Renewable Energy

We are delighted to announce that Duckworth & Kent has achieved a significant milestone in our commitment towards sustainability. With the successful installation of solar panels at our facility in 2022, we take great pride in manufacturing our high-precision titanium reusable instruments using renewable energy.

This achievement showcases our dedication to reducing our environmental footprint and underscores our ongoing efforts to embrace clean and sustainable practices in our operations.

Reusable Instruments

At our company, we take pride in the direct manufacturing and sale of a diverse selection of reusable ophthalmic surgical instruments.

Our extensive product portfolio empowers customers to make a worthwhile investment in precision quality reusable instruments, leading to a significant reduction in unnecessary waste typically associated with single-use alternatives.

By prioritising premium quality and sustainability, we aim to provide a lasting solution that benefits both our customers and the environment.

Recyclable Packaging

Our commitment to sustainability is further reinforced with the introduction of recyclable cardboard packaging, significantly amplifying the eco-friendliness of our operations and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

All of our cardboard packaging is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified. Meaning it meets the ‘gold standard’ for ethical production. The wood is harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable.

A period of transition will take place as we move from our current packaging to the new packaging.

Carbon Balancing

We are now taking proactive measures to offset the equivalent carbon dioxide output for any of our paper materials. These include such things as promotional flyers, catalogues and headed paper. Opting for carbon-balanced paper allows for the compensation of unavoidable carbon emissions generated during the production and distribution of paper.

A proportion of the cost to produce these materials now goes to either the Woodland Trust or the World Land Trust. Helping to fund the protection and restoration of forests around the world.

This contributes to our ongoing initiatives to enhance sustainability, benefiting both our company and our customers.

To find out more information related to carbon balancing, click the link below:
World Land Trust – Carbon Balancing

1% Committed to Carbon Removal

We are committed to cutting carbon. Therefore, we contribute 1% of all ecommerce transactions to carbon removal projects. This comes at no extra cost to the customer.

Removing CO₂ from the atmosphere is critical to counteract climate change, but the technology is currently lagging behind. A fraction of every purchase from us helps new carbon removal technologies scale.

We believe businesses can play a critically important role in helping fight climate change. We’re proud to fund next-generation carbon removal. That’s why we are part of Stripe Climate, a coalition of businesses accelerating carbon removal. Currently consisting of 25,000+ business across 39 countries.

No company can stop climate change by itself. Stripe Climate aggregates funds from forward-thinking businesses around the world to increase demand for carbon removal. Stripe Climate works with Frontier, Stripe’s in-house team of science and commercial experts, to purchase permanent carbon removal.

Digitising Instructions For Use (IFU)

Where regulation allows, switching to the digital production of our ‘Instructions for Use’ (IFUs) offers significant environmental benefits, aligning with our ongoing commitment to sustainability. By eliminating printed hard copies, we drastically reduce the consumption of paper and the associated carbon footprint of printing, packaging, and distribution. This move helps us conserve natural resources and decrease waste, further supporting our goal to minimise our environmental impact.

Additionally, we’ve made it easier than ever for our customers to access these essential documents through a dedicated online platform. This ensures that IFUs are always available and up to date, providing convenient, instant access while contributing to a greener, more efficient operation. To view these digital copies of our IFUs, visit: www.dk-ifu.com