Kirkby Tyres gains ISO 14001 certification following focus on sustainability practices
Kirkby Tyres has invested in solar panels to supply energy for its operations and to sell back into the grid (Photo: Kirkby Tyres)
Speke-based tyre wholesaler Kirkby Tyres has gained ISO 14001:2015 certification following its installation of new solar panels, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices. The company says it became the first UK truck and agricultural tyre specialist wholesaler to gain the certification when it was confirmed on 18 August 2023. The company adds that the latest certification is not the first time it has led the way in best practices; in 1993, Kirkby Tyres became the first truck & agricultural tyre wholesaler in the UK to achieve ISO 9001 accreditation. The company said: “we continue to pay consideration to the maintenance and renewal of our operating procedures, standards, and documentation.” Kirkby Tyres celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022.
The ISO 14001:2015 certification comes after Kirkby made a significant investment in increasing the sustainability of its operations in Speke. In 2022, Kirkby engaged a sustainable energy solutions provider to investigate the possibility of installing solar panels at its central warehouse facilities and move towards energy independence and a reduced carbon footprint. It decided to go ahead with substantial investment, with an estimated third of energy generated being exported back into the grid and a three-year payback horizon.
The installation was successfully completed in November 2022. Kirkby says this signified “a pivotal moment in our commitment to environmental responsibility. Since then, our solar panel system has not only met but exceeded our expectations, contributing significantly to our energy needs and environmental objectives.”
The panels installed on two of the company’s largest warehouses generate 332 kilowatts of Solar PV daily, equating to 310,000 kilowatts per annum. They also prevent 78 tons of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere annually. Since installation, distribution network operators Scottish Power has confirmed that the company can now feed back into the grid double the amount of power than first proposed, thus reducing the payback period and further increasing the amount of CO2 emissions saved.
Kirkby Tyres lauds supply chain’s commitment to sustainability
Kirkby added that its collaborative partners are also committed to promoting sustainability. The company states: “At Kirkby Tyres, we understand that true progress in environmental responsibility extends beyond our own operations. We are proud to collaborate with key partners within our supply chain who share our commitment to sustainability. These partners have also achieved ISO 14001:2015 accreditation, emphasising their dedication to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices.”
In addition to the accreditations, Kirkby adds that it has partnered with exclusive suppliers who are helping to improve the sustainability of their tyre products. It said: “In addition to accreditions, Kirkby Tyres’ exclusive TBR brands, Double Coin and Sailun both offer a multiple-life casing guarantee. By facilitating the regular retreading of their tyres through state-of-the-art-manufacturing, they not only extend the lifespan of their products but also reduce the need for the production of new tyres. This translates into fewer raw materials, less energy consumption, and decreased emissions associated with tyre manufacturing.
“We continue to work closely with our strategic partners throughout our value chain, including manufacturers and distribution partners. Together we strive to set new standards for the industry and inspire others to join the movement towards a greener and more sustainable future.”
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