CRYSTAL Peaks shopping centre isn’t hanging around as it launches its latest green initiative.
One of the biggest headaches facing the fashion retail industry is the disposal of unwanted plastic coat hangers.
The big problem with coat hanger waste, and other single use plastics, is that recycling can be difficult and may result in items being sent to incineration, or even landfill abroad, after being rejected by processing facilities within the UK.
But in a major new initiative, the award-winning Sheffield shopping mall has teamed up with CTR Group, the Staffordshire based company that has a dedicated facility that shreds the component parts of discarded hangers, making them easier to process with minimal environmental impact.
“We have several major fashion retailers on site and the problem of how to properly dispose of unwanted plastic clothes hangers is one that we have been looking at for some time,” said Crystal Peaks Facilities Manager Steve Salisbury.
“CTR will actually remove unwanted hangers from the site and then dispose of them properly, which fits in exactly with our ongoing programme of environmental initiatives.
“It was fascinating to discover that CTR have a dedicated facility that process hangers with minimal environmental impact.”
Centre manager Lee Greenwood added: “Crystal Peaks is a champion of environmental issues, not only in its approach to on site waste management, energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction but also in its work with wildlife groups and South Yorkshire’s environment experts.
“We are delighted that Steve has once again come up with a practical and environmentally friendly solution to a common retail problem.”
Successful Crystal Peaks environmental initiatives include its collection of bee hives on the roof of the shopping centre, helping to combat the decline of the local bee population.
Other environmental projects swift boxes, bee-friendly planting and an on site nature reserve.
The centre has also hosted a range of events like Care4Air’s Fuelling Change campaign, aimed at increasing awareness among visitors of ultra-low emission cars.
