AN ETHICAL tea company based in Dorset is now using the power of the sun at its factory, cutting its energy bills and reducing the environmental impact.
The new solar scheme at Clipper Teas in Beaminster is designed and managed by Hive Energy.
The company is using the new panels to generate energy for the production line that processes and packages its range of fairtrade teas and infusions.
On the roof of the factory are 342 panels operating on an 89 kWp system, which generates enough energy to power 20 homes, saving approximately 37,025kg of harmful carbon emissions every year of its 25 year life span.
Hive Energy surveyed, designed and will maintain the solar photovoltaic system with at no cost to Clipper Teas.
Local company Engenius Renewables installed the system and had it up and running in just four weeks.
Clipper Teas production manager Tim Wallis said: “As a fairtrade company committed to offering customers a sustainably sourced product, it’s really important that we’re environmentally-conscious too. Hive Energy’s new solar panels are helping to power our production line, and mean we’re also making an excellent saving on energy from more traditional sources.
“Since Hive Energy installed the scheme, our overall energy costs have reduced significantly. This means that in addition to offsetting harmful carbon emissions, our production costs are more predictable and cost-effective.”
Hive Energy’s commercial director, Tim Purbrick, said that customers could enjoy their next cup of Clippers Tea knowing that it was produced with the help of the sun.
He added: that there was a real surge at the moment in environmentally aware companies like Clipper Teas wanting to use solar energy to power their business.
He said: “It not only makes them greener but is also a cheaper, more resilient source of energy. This has got to be good for the environment and for British businesses too”.
Clipper Teas has predicted they will pack one billion teabags this year at its Beaminster headquarters.
The company started its life in a Dorset kitchen in 1984. Boasting its ethical business manner from day one, Clipper Teas was involved with the Fairtrade Foundation in the earliest stages and policy developments.
It launched its very first fairtrade tea in 1994 and has since become one of Britain’s best-loved tea companies.
Establishing itself as the UK’s first Fairtrade tea company, Clipper Teas now produces a diverse range of products from ethically-sourced green teas and coffees to fruity infusions and hot chocolates.
CONTACT ME:
t: 01305 830984
e: tanita.matthews@dorsetecho.co.uk
twitter: @DorsetEchoTM
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