Pictured: Options’ MD, Paul Ure
What is it that makes Options Management Britain’s Greenest Vending Operator?
Being ‘green’ is not merely a box to be ticked at Staffordshire based vending operator, Options Management. This month the company was awarded the Green Award 2012, one of the prestigious annual Auto Vending Innovation Awards.
This accolade is given to the company in the vending sector that has done more than any other to deliver environmental initiatives. Each year, a panel of independent industry experts assesses the entries and scores them across a number of criteria; including originality, commercial viability and their potential to make a difference to the vending industry.
Options were successful thanks to its unique recycling initiative
Options were successful thanks to its unique recycling initiative, designed to benefit both Options and its customers. Remarkably, over ninety-percent of materials used on Options’ sites are presented to re-processors for recycling, after being separated and baled by staff. In addition, Options advises and assists customers, particularly schools, to help them achieve their own environmental aspirations.
Over the past few years Options, has developed a drinks container-recycling unit that fits neatly alongside vending and coffee machines. Alternatively, machines may be placed near canteens or in recreation areas. Each machine accommodates recovered plastic bottles, cans; paper and plastic cups. Containers are counted and at random, consumers are rewarded for their conscientiousness in the form of a token, which may be exchanged for a drink; either over the counter or via a vending machine.
Recycling units can be installed at very low cost or even free on loan
Options’ recycling units can be installed at very low cost or even free on loan; providing a new and unique solution to ‘closing the loop’ in schools, offices, factories, and other workplace break-out areas.
The effect of this initiative in the education sector in particular has been emphatic, raising recycling levels, reducing litter (plastic bottles are a perennial problem in schools), improving carbon footprints and enhancing an institution’s environmental image. The AV Green Award recognises that Options is the first, and so far the only UK vending operator to ‘own’ responsibility for the products they introduce from cradle-to-grave.
Paul Ure
‘I predict that it will fast become the norm for vending machines everywhere to be accompanied by a recycling unit. It’s common sense.’ Paul Ure
Paul Ure, Options MD, said, ‘I’ve always been aware of concerns about litter and, in the public’s mind at least, its association with vending. In today’s environmentally aware world, that’s just not acceptable. We’ve taken a proactive role in addressing issues like this. We’re making a significant investment both to add value to and to improve the overall environmental profile, not only of our business but also our customers’ businesses. I predict that it will fast become the norm for vending machines everywhere to be accompanied by a recycling unit. It’s common sense.’
Not that Paul is resting on his laurels: ‘We’re at the forefront of environmental endeavour in the vending industry and we aim to remain there’, he said. ‘The presentation of this Award recognizes the huge contribution our staff has made in making Options Management the vending company that stands out, whenever environmental issues are on the agenda.
To find out more about Options Management’s recycling offer, please click here.