At Ben Whistler, we know we are part of an industry that has existed for centuries, and we carry the legacy of these generations, and are part of continuing for future generations. A philosophy of Sustainability is central to this, and we look to deliver on this with a social conscience .

As a European furniture manufacturer we source materials locally and have ethically sourced materials, whilst ensuring we keep compliant with strict European manufacturing regulations.

Ben Whistler Ltd. is committed to the protection of the environment and to the prevention of pollution. These requirements are an integral part of every decision we make. We believe in a responsible approach to product development, manufacture and supply, through reduced energy consumption, alternative packaging and recycling. Our stated aims are:

1. Fully develop and implement an Environmental Management System with the target of certifying to ISO14001 in 2022,
2. Ensure full compliance with relevant UK and European environmental regulations.
3. Ensure compliance with FSC certification for timber products, and offer FSC Certified product.
4. Continuous reduction of requirement for plastic in the organisation.
5. Best practice operations for Air Quality management, Water management and Waste management.
6. Compliance with Hazardous Material Management.
7. Evaluate all processes with a view to “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”.

As part of Ben Whistler’s membership of the BCFA we participate in their sustainability undertakings. Further details can be found HERE

The Ben Whistler Environmental Statement and Environmental Policy can be provided on request. Certification to ISO14001 at Ben Whistler is currently in progress. We are preparing for an ISO14001 audit in 2024.

The UK has some of the most stringent environmental laws, and Ben Whistler has a series of policies, procedures and audits in place to ensure compliance, and continually improved performance against these laws. The laws below do not represent the entirety, but highlight some of the major environmental and social legislation.

Control of Pollution Act 1974 The Control of Pollution Act was passed to cover a number of environmental issues such as air, noise, water and atmospheric pollution as well as waste on land.

Environmental Protection Act Established in 1974, the Environment Protection Act is the environmental law in the UK that controls waste management and emissions into the environment

Climate Change Act 2008 Established in 2008, the Climate Change Act is an environmental law designed to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. Binding targets have been set that will reduce these emissions from levels recorded in 1990 by at least 80% by 2050.

European Timber Regulations (EUTR)  Introduced in 2010, Regulation 995/2010 governs the protection of forests and illegal import of timber from unsustainable sources, and is a significant part of the Forest Law enforcement, Governance and Trade action plan, know as FLEGT.

Packaging Waste Directive The Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC sets targets for the recovery and recycling of packaging waste and requires member states to set up collection, recycling and recovery schemes for such waste.

Modern Slavery Act 2015 Whilst only mandatory for large companies, Ben Whistler has committed to the auditing of supply chain partners to prevent the use of child labour or labour below a living wage. We are aware that these conditions are not restricted to third world countries and have an ongoing remit to evaluate our supply chain.