Our commitment to reducing waste, running an eco-friendly business and promoting responsible use of plastics. As a global leading hairbrush company, plastics are a key component of Denman’s manufacturing, but this doesn’t mean we cannot take a leading role in reducing waste and lessening the environmental impact; quite the opposite.
The current realisation of the impact of plastic waste on the environment has been a global wake-up call to us all on the throw away nature of our modern lives. Often plastics are being touted as the demon of the modern world because of the damage it’s causing, and in some cases quite rightly so. The problem however is not plastics itself, it’s how we use them and, equally important how we dispose and reuse them.
More than most hairdressing companies, Denman has valuable insight into plastics; how they can be best used, best recycled and best avoided. The hairbrushes and combs are manufactured to the highest quality standards and therefore the durability and performance can last a lifetime. On the other hand, single use plastics are by their very nature wasteful and greater thought needs to be given to where they are used and what alternatives there are. Denman is leading the way in looking at alternatives to single use plastics and where possible replacing them with better materials or removing them altogether. A commitment embarked on a few years back has seen plastics in Denman’s packaging gradually reduced and in 2020, we will launch the new fully recyclable, sustainable packaging into professional and retail markets in over 60 countries worldwide. And given the huge number of products sold globally; this will result in a significant reduction in plastics going to landfill.

It’s not just in packaging that we are working to reduce plastics waste. The Denman factory in Bangor Northern Ireland has implemented production methods and systems that have greatly reduced wastage and increased the recycling of scrap parts. Operations Manager, David Dickson, comments “In the past scrap parts were just thrown away. Today, nearly all of it is reground and re-worked into new products. There’s very little waste.”

It’s not just waste, Denman are proactively looking at ways in which as a company we can reduce the environmental impact. Managing Director Philip Steele is heading up the company’s endeavours to be more eco-friendly. “Reducing waste was our initial priority,” he says, “but since then we have moved on to explore other areas where we can improve. We have looked at energy consumption and our ‘carbon footprint’, ensuring our materials are from ethical suppliers as well as our general business practices.” He adds, “Little things like video conferencing and better planning of business trips has meant we take far fewer flights. All of which helps.”

Dr John F. Rainey MBE (Chairman) is proud to see how the company is taking a proactive role in reducing waste and lessening the environmental impact of Denman production and products. “Plastics are an amazing resource and one that is unique in that in many cases there is no alternative for products and components that we use in our every day lives. But,” he adds “we have all become blasé and thoughtless in how we treat, use and dispose of them. This has led to the awful pollution and impact on wildlife that we are all responsible for and should all be ashamed of. We all need to change and be much more considerate and respectful of this truly great material. And while there is much more to do, I am proud that Denman is taking a lead.”