Advance Spares, a UK-based supplier of industrial fasteners, cold formed products, turned parts, pressings, springs, clips and a wide range of plastic products, has achieved ISO 14001 to enable it to continue supporting a sustainable environment, as well as an increasing and demanding customer base.
Having previously achieved ISO 9001 a number of years ago, which was a key factor in Advance Spares’ growth, the decision was made to make further positive changes to continue year-on-year growth and support its global customers. Adrian Tant, sales director at Advance Spares Limited, explains: “The process started for us around two years ago with initial internal discussions. To achieve the certification everyone within the team would have a part to play. Once a plan was formulated, and with the help and guidance from an external body, the whole process took around 18 months from making the decision and implementing the plan, to obtaining the certificate.”
To obtain ISO 14001 certification, an organisation must implement and maintain an effective Environmental Management System (EMS) that aligns with the standard’s requirements. This involves a multi-step process including gap analysis, developing and implementing an EMS, conducting internal audits, and ultimately, undergoing a certification audit by an accredited body.
Adrian continues: “So much hard work went into achieving this certification. Not only when we were going through the process but also managing the ongoing needs and continuity of the new procedures we have implemented. As a business we review where we are buying our product from. We source globally and are not just choosing the cheapest source but are reviewing the whole supply chain to ensure a chosen supplier can support us, and subsequently our customers, with environmental aspects of the order.”
With a focus on sustainability, Advance Spares uses recycled or renewable packaging to send goods wherever possible, as well as utilising waste boxes by shredding them in an in-house shredding machine, to ensure boxes are not simply thrown away. The company also reuses as many pallets as possible and, if damaged, repairs them in-house to save wastage. “It’s also so important to open communication with our customers when it comes to sustainability,” outlines Adrian. “We work closely with out customers to find out how they can produce their fasteners with the minimal amount of waste. We try to identify whether we could turn a machined part into a cold formed part and thus reduce the waste and scrap. In turn this makes a more cost-effective part for the customer, saving them money in the long-term, whilst also reducing the carbon footprint of the product.”
Advance Spares also looks at the raw material to see if the current material is offering the best option from a renewable, recycled or corrosion resistance option. Examples include stainless steel lasting longer than steel and therefore could extend the life of a fastener, which means less chance of having to replace it. In addition, the company has updated all its factory and offices with LED lighting and now has a policy of only using plug in Hybrid or fully EV cars. It has also installed chargers at its site, to be used by staff or visitors as required.
Adrian adds: “The future of our industry is very challenging at the moment. We also have the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation to navigate our way through and have been working with a number of key suppliers to ensure the data we are provided, meets the ever changing requirements.”
“We are looking forward to the future and will do all we can to ensure we offer all our customers a sustainable and environmentally produced component whilst maintaining a competitive price structure,” concludes Adrian. “With this new certification, Advance Spares is able to guarantee a responsible and forward thinking supplier that is constantly adapting to an ever changing world and market place.”
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
