Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy – 24/05/24
Kewell Converters has a long history in the manufacturing of polyethylene cord foam products. For over 50 years, our passion for innovation has been driven by three core values: loyalty, integrity, and passion. As we continue to be at the forefront of creative engineering techniques while providing robust foams to businesses across all sectors, so too have we maintained our commitment to ethical business practices as outlined in this Corporate Social Responsibility policy.
Based in Kent with five decades’ worth of expertise, Kewell Converters continues leading from strong foundations built on our family heritage and dedication towards the foam industry.
Looking after our customers
For over half a century, we’ve provided exemplary customer service to thousands of customers. As a family-run business we work tirelessly to ensure all of our customers feel welcome and valued. Our customer promise demonstrates our core values of caring, innovation, precision, and excellence.
Customer satisfaction is paramount to us; we commission regular feedback surveys which help us deliver a high quality service to our customers. We proudly hold ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 certifications, ensuring quality standards at every production stage and are maintained through rigorous audits.
Our management team delivers innovative foam solutions, adhering to BS EN ISO 9001 standards. We comply with all relevant regulations and conduct In-Process Inspection at every manufacturing step and use ‘Maintain X’ software to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Quality control processes are frequently updated, and concerns are promptly addressed. Regular management meetings ensure we maintain and improve our high standards. We continually review our policies to meet customer needs and market demands.
Protecting the environment
At Kewell Converters, we’re dedicated to environmental protection, adhering to ISO 14001:2015 standards. We conduct regular internal audits and annual reviews, with the senior management team who are fully engaged in leading environmental issues.
We utilise renewable energy by installing 200 solar panels, generating 20% of our electricity and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 tonnes annually. Our sustainability initiatives include energy-efficient technologies, such as voltage optimisation, electric vehicles, auto-light sensors, and advanced heating and insulation systems.
We actively address single-use plastic waste through recycling programmes and refillable water bottles. And we recycle foam waste into new products and promote eco-friendly commuting with a cycle-to-work scheme.
Partnering with Zellar, we track our sustainability journey. Our commitment to the environment ensures we lead the way to a greener future while providing high-quality foam products that help reduce our customers’ carbon footprints.
1. Long-life products: At Kewell Converters, we engineer durable foam products to extend their lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lowering waste and emissions. This helps reduce our supply chain’s carbon footprint.
2. Sourcing locally: We source most of our raw materials locally, with the majority produced just 20 miles away in the UK. This minimises transportation emissions and supports local businesses, further reducing our carbon footprint.
- Recycled material: Our eco-friendly foam products incorporate 30% recycled material, saving energy and reducing landfill waste. These products are lighter and lower in density, decreasing their environmental impact.
4. Minimising waste: We implement lean manufacturing and the 5S approach to minimise waste, reducing both environmental impact and business costs.
- Commitment to the circular economy: We design products for durability, use recycled materials, and manage waste effectively. Post-industrial waste is sent to recycling partners like APETEK to be repurposed into new products, such as gym mats.
We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through long-life products, local sourcing, recycled materials, waste minimisation, and a circular economy, helping to reduce our carbon footprint.
Looking after the community
At Kewell Converters, community involvement is important to us. We support local and national charities, events, schools, and clubs, believing that active participation aids our business success.
Donating to charities and local clubs: We regularly donate to charities meaningful to our staff, such as the Edenbridge Bonfire Society. We also partake in fundraising events like Macmillan’s Coffee Morning and Red Nose Day. Additionally, we donate foam to local schools and the 1st Edenbridge Scouts for various projects. We also sponsor local sports clubs.
Community events: Participation in community events, from job fairs to motor shows, is crucial to us. We sponsor The Edenbridge Motor Show and are members of the Edenbridge Chamber of Commerce, fostering valuable local business connections.
Local employment: We create local job opportunities, with half our staff from the Edenbridge area. This supports the local economy and provides stability through quality employment.
Supporting local schools: We contribute to local education by donating foam for school projects, aiding young people’s development and benefiting the wider community.
Through consistent community investment, we aim to positively impact society, demonstrating our commitment beyond business operations.
Looking after our staff
At Kewell Converters, we value our 34 employees highly and work hard to create an environment where they can excel. By adapting our policies to meet their personal needs, we aim to foster loyalty and productivity.
We believe our staff are our greatest asset and their health and wellbeing our crucial to us. Our staff policy ensures fair treatment and equal opportunities for growth. We invest in their welfare and development, recognising this as critical to our company’s future.
Ensuring employee safety is paramount. New hires receive thorough training and regular guidance from our health and safety officer. Quarterly meetings and annual external checks by Agility help us maintain a proactive approach to health and safety.
We offer various initiatives, including extra holiday at Christmas, parties, free daily refreshments, and a bike-to-work scheme. Training opportunities, both formal and on-the-job, are available to all employees.
Our culture, built over 50 years, promotes innovation, loyalty, integrity, passion, and quality. We believe in open communication, holding regular one-to-one meetings and maintaining a staff WhatsApp group and newsletter.
We prioritise our employees’ well-being with an advice line for finance, legal, and mental health issues. Our HR Manager, a mental health advisor and counsellor, ensures comprehensive support.
Committed at every level
As a company, we remain committed to meeting the highest corporate social responsibility standards. Our approach is to continuously improve, seeking new ways to innovate and maintain our strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and customers alike.
Should you have any questions about our corporate social responsibility please email enquiries@kewell-converters.co.uk or connect with Nick Kewell, our Managing Director on LinkedIn.
