Sustainability: Back to the future…

Mereway Kitchens’ managing director Mark Mills explains why the about British Kitchen brand is committed to helping its retail network take a ‘greener’ approach

Mereway Kitchens started in 1986 which means we are 35 years old this year, but despite celebrating our fabulous heritage, 2021 is definitely a year to focus on moving forward and looking to the future, ensuring hope for following generations.

If the Covid experience has taught us anything it is that we share a collective responsibility to look after each other and of course our planet. Therefore, at Mereway, we believe having a sustainable and responsible company ethos has never been more important. Investing in our future growth in a sustainable and ethical way and working with our retailers collaboratively is very much how we would like the future to look.

This year, not only is the brand working with The Used Kitchen Company (TUKC) to encourage consumers to sell their old kitchens rather than sending them to landfill, it has also partnered with partnered with the reforesting charity Trees for Life; www.treesforlife.org.uk

Trees for Life is a Scottish charity planting new forests to help reduce the impacts of climate change by storing carbon and preventing flooding and erosion. For over 25 years (not quite as long as us!) the charity has sought to bring innovation to conservation and continues to strive for new and ground-breaking ways to “rewild” the Scottish Highlands.

Our partnership with the charity means has meant that we have our very own “Corporate Grove” in Scotland. Our support also means that we will help fund educational initiatives and the relocation of red squirrels. To kick start the programme we will be planting a tree for each of our valued Premium Partners. In addition, prolonging the life of a Mereway kitchen makes total sense and is definitely a win-win for our retailers and their customers, the new owner and of course the environment. Our kitchens are built to last and we know that they can give many years of service and pleasure beyond that of their first owner. 

Both schemes are in place to help the environment at both ends of the production cycle and Mereway is encouraging its retail partners to take part. We know involvement can not only be a valuable income stream for our customers’ consumer clients but will create awareness and funds and will make a significant contribution to landfill reduction and the future of the planet.

Both schemes are there to help Mereway retailers become involved in a more sustainable future and have been made as easy as possible to adopt. Both schemes can be hugely beneficial to retailers, either directly or indirectly, and clearly resonate with our customers. Giving back to nature is good for everyone.

It is not surprising that consumers care more about sustainability and a greener future post Covid. Through consumer research, Trees for Life found that well over two thirds of consumers want brands to take a stand on environmental issues. Indeed, 92% of consumers say they have a more positive image of a company when they stand up for an environmental issue. This has to be good for the KBB industry and kitchen retailers.

  • Every day in the week leading up to World Environment Day, we are publishing stories from the KBB industry to do with the environment, sustainability, and water saving. To read more articles on this topic go to www.kbbreview.com/?s=sustainability

Have you heard the latest episode of The kbbreview Podcast?

Home > Topstory > Sustainability: Back to the future…