Dulux goes greener with world environmental best practice standard

Dulux NZ is the first decorative paint manufacturer in the southern hemisphere to achieve the notoriously stringent ISO 14001 environmental management standard. The ISO 14001 standard Dulux achieved in November now sits alongside its ISO 9001 certification for quality.

The ISO 14001 environmental management standard helps organisations minimise the way their processes negatively affect the environment, and is the benchmark for worldwide best practice in business. Dulux has gone through a long and involved process to make sure every aspect of its manufacturing process complies with these exacting standards.

ISO 14001 represents the culmination of nearly 10 years' work. In 2005, Dulux set five-year environmental goals that it is well on track to meet. The goals include reducing its water usage by 50 percent and CO₂ emissions by 15 percent. These goals were in turn based on aggressive targets the company had set in 2000. Dulux has appointed Sustainability Champions among staff, who gather and implement environmental ideas.

Dulux's environmental efforts have saved the business $250,000 and cut 65 tonnes off the waste it sends to the landfill. Dulux General Manager, Patrick Jones says there are many other benefits. "Our staff morale has risen as each staff member can see the differences the things they are doing are making to the environment," he says.

With the economic downturn, many companies are shifting their focus from environmentally friendly issues to financial concerns. Dulux is showing that its corporate responsibility transcends the tough economic situation. Its commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions is real and ongoing, as evidenced by the arduous nature of gaining ISO 14001 certification.

For more information on Dulux's environmental policies, contact Dulux Brand Manager Shontelle Crosswell at shontelle.crosswell@orica.com or on  09 368 2809 .