Teknek adopts OECD Sustainable Manufacturing Framework

Glasgow based Teknek, which has for over 30 years provided waste reduction technology for advanced manufacturing applications across the globe, has adopted the OECD sustainable manufacturing framework.

Having been at the forefront of waste reduction in advanced manufacturing and an early adopter of Lean Manufacturing which also seeks to eliminate waste, Teknek was already a ‘low intensity producer’, stated Stephen Mitchell, Managing Director." For many years we have been working on improving the sustainability of our products and processes. A number of our key initiatives have been delayed due to COVID, however we are now moving at pace towards meeting the OECD criteria".

Our journey started some years ago.  For example we have been working with suppliers to eliminate single use packaging, and within the main factory to reduce waste, improve waste segregation and to facilitate increased recycling. Our energy is 100% renewable.

 In 2020 Teknek adopted an Earth Aware – Human Centric design approach. This innovative approach has resulted in new versions of long standing products which are more sustainable.

The new products use materials which last longer and can be easily recycled. Adopting this new approach has resulted in no compromise in performance nor any cost disadvantage, in fact the opposite, the new products work better and in some cases cost less.

The new thinking has also resulted in a range of advanced technologies for which the company has applied for patent protection. These new technologies will allow Teknek to create novel products which use far less materials, less energy and which create less waste. They will also allow Teknek to grow sustainably, and continue to make its class leading products in the UK.

It’s a salutary lesson that doing the right thing for the planet is also good for business.