400th signatory joins closed loop recycling project

Newcomer to the code British Waterways has now pledged to work with London Remade in order to recycle more of their waste and build sustainability into their procurement procedures by entering into the UK’s closed recycling loop.

Other signatories to the green code include all London borough councils and private sector retailers, construction firms and banks, as well as big names in both the IT / telecommunications and community sectors.

“The Green Procurement Code has begun to change the way many companies think about the environment,” London Mayor Ken Livingstone said. “London Remade has worked really hard so that the 400 signatories are now looking at sustainability as the way forward.”

“Reaching the 400 mark is a real achievement and the basic message is if you are not buying recycled goods, then you are not recycling.”

As well as buying more recycled products to help secure market demand to support their own recycling initiative, British Waterways will also be exploring opportunities to recycle more of the waste it removes from its waterways, such as using duck weed to make compost.

The company is also working with Transport for London and other partners on plans to transport recyclable materials by barge in a bid to reduce traffic congestion and pollution on the capital’s streets.

“By signing up to the code, we want to play our part in developing the market for recycled products, saving money and the environment at the same time,” procurement manager Mike Lewis explained.

“We aim to become increasingly sustainable with the ultimate goal of buying where possible recycled products from companies who have taken in our waste materials.”

By Jane Kettle