B Corp Rowlinson Knitwear partners with Kast to reduce carbon footprint

Employee owned Rowlinson Knitwear have partnered with fellow Stockport-based company Kast to reduce their CO2 footprint and future-proof any future expansion plans.

Rowlinson knitwear have long been championing the positives of reducing their own carbon footprint and ensuring its manufacturing partners in Bangladesh, Egypt and the Philippines share the same ethos. Planet Mark certification in 2019 confirmed their overall carbon footprint measurement, which the schoolwear supplier set aims to reduce by at least 5% annually. In August 2020, they became the highest scoring Certified B Corporation* in the North of England and Scotland, and they’ve reduced their overall carbon footprint by almost 50% in the past 3 years.

Based on the company’s mission to dramatically reduce its environmental impact, Kast’s energy source involved the installation of a photovoltaic solar panel, immediately reducing their carbon output while delivering long-term cost savings to the business, beyond the initial investment of £80,000.

Installed in August 2020 and commissioned in September 2020, Rowlinson is already on track to generate twice as much electricity as the business uses annually, with over-generation going back into the grid and, in the future, into batteries which will take them as close to off grid as they can get. 

The energy generated to date is equivalent to the carbon-saving impact of planting 186 trees, and almost 70t of C02 savings. Rowlinson is also future-proofed to allow for charging more electric vehicles off-grid, as it adds to its fleet.

Kes Scott, managing director of Kast said:

“Working with such an environmentally aware business and leadership team was a joy, reducing their Carbon footprint was at the heart of their plans. We provided a clear and concise CO2 reduction strategy based on their existing energy demand data in a such a way that caters for the demands of today, as well as the demands of the future”

Part of Rowlinson’s commitment as a B Corp is to show leadership and inspire others that there is a kinder way to be commercially successful.

Donald Moore, chair of Rowlinson Knitwear explains:

“There is a better way to run a business and it doesn’t mean compromising on how well you treat people and the planet, nor does it mean you can’t grow your profits either.”

Chris Rowlinson, Business Improvement Director, Rowlinson Knitwear commented:

“An important part of our journey is sharing what we learn along the way. We now have an energy solution that meets both our environmental and commercial goals, thanks to KAST. We hope other businesses will be inspired to make choices that care for the planet and make great business sense, too.”

*B Corps are a new type of business that meets the highest standards of independently verified social and environmental performance, by balancing profit with people and the planet.