environmental sustainability HPS pigging

Role of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Sustainability is no longer just a corporate buzzword. It has become a key item in the business agenda of many companies. Often when you think of the contribution of businesses to the broader sustainability agenda, naturally thoughts are of large multinational companies.

However, while public pressure and media attention has historically focused on these large corporate organisations, it’s crucial to recognise the contribution and impact of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

In the EU, there are various definitions of what an SME is. For instance, in France relatively large companies (up to 4,999 employees) fall within the SME bracket. However, in most cases SME refers to a business with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million. Collectively businesses of this size make up more than 90% of businesses worldwide. And as such, they have a substantial impact on the environment.

environmental sustainability HPS

Why is Sustainability Important for SMEs?

There’s a lot of confusion amongst SMEs concerning sustainability. In this sense, some businesses are failing to engage and implement sustainable measures across their business operations. In fact, many SMEs admit to not knowing what exact initiatives to follow and how to evaluate its benefits.

Unless clearly instructed to do so, senior executives may be unwilling to dedicate precious resources to a sustainability programme if they do not fully understand the reasons for doing so. Particularly if their priority tends to be orientated towards ensuring the long-term survival and growth of the business.

However, if sustainability is effectively prioritised and incorporated into a company’s core business model from the outset, it can yield significant benefits. It may add value to a company and improve financial performance. Likewise, it may promote a robust growth trajectory. This is through improving business agility and enhancing brand reputation. It may also serve as a competitive advantage enabling businesses to gain a financial upper hand on their competitors.

HPS and Sustainability

Environmental sustainability at HPS is a key consideration, and is something we take extremely seriously. As an SME, we strive to ensure sustainability is embedded within our culture and paramount in all of our activities.

As well as working to reduce the carbon footprint of our own operations, we also help our customers achieve their sustainability goals. This is through supplying them with innovative high-quality pigging solutions that help reduce their environmental impact. That’s because HPS pigging products have been proven to reduce waste, water consumption and minimise the use of cleaning chemicals.

ISO 14001 Certified Pigging Solutions Company

HPS have been an ISO 14001 Certified pigging systems provider since 2014. This reflects our commitment to continuous improvement in environmental performance.

This accreditation is a highly sought after international standard, which requires an effective Environmental Management System. At HPS, we have applied the principles of this standard and have a number of robust processes in operation within the company.

For example, like many businesses, we seek ways to reduce, reuse and recycle wherever possible. At the same time, we will favour more eco-friendly and efficient products where we can and encourage our suppliers to follow our code of conduct. In addition, we recognise the importance of fostering environmental stewardship amongst HPS employees through sustainability awareness and a company Sustainability Officer.

environmental sustainability HPS pigging

Sustainability Officer

In order to ensure we are minimising our carbon footprint, we have a Sustainability Officer that works within the company. Their role is to ensure HPS operates in an efficient and environmentally sound manner as possible, as well as helping to ensure employees are engaged in the environmental agenda.

As well as ensuring HPS are adhering to sustainability best practice, the HPS Sustainability Officer is also responsible for increasing awareness of legislation. This includes environmental, waste, energy and sustainability legislation. This allows us to gain an insight into the challenges facing many of our customers, so that we help them meet those challenges.

Find Out More

HPS are committed to continuously improving our environmental and sustainability credentials. We continually assess our products, services and solutions to ensure that we are minimising our impact on the environment.

For more information about hygienic or sanitary pigging and how it can improve environmental sustainability in your liquid processing operation, please get in touch.

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