Iron & Velvet, a forward-thinking brand located in Dudley, specialising in environmentally friendly cleaning products has committed to a sustainable business model that eliminates single-use plastics - prioritising eco-friendly ingredients that can be sustainably sourced.
A significant shift began five years ago when Iron & Velvet strategically decided to focus exclusively on producing eco-friendly products. This decision was driven by the alarming statistic that only 9% of plastics are recycled worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for industry changes to address plastic pollution.
Iron and Velvet - TV appearance
A commitment to environmental responsibility
Iron & Velvet has set clear and fundamental goals: all products must be plastic-free, vegan, low carbon, and zero waste. These targets are integral to their business ethos and were developed to align with their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Keeping it local
The most impactful sustainability enhancement has come from overhauling their supply chain. All packaging materials including boxes, labels, and inserts, are sourced locally from businesses from within Dudley and the West Midlands. This has not only allowed them to reduce carbon emissions but also develop great working relationships with their suppliers, whilst supporting local business.
Growth challenges
The most daunting challenge for the company at the beginning of this journey was the extensive research and development required to create sustainable products. After years of dedication and numerous trials, Iron & Velvet successfully launched products that are not only eco-friendly but also of high quality, meeting consumer expectations. Everything from the machinery they use, to the ingredients in their products, are as eco-friendly as possible.
The impact of sustainability
Iron & Velvet’s commitment to sustainability has dramatically transformed their environmental footprint and they have consistently chosen the most sustainable and eco-friendly options over cheap, non-local ingredients.
This dedication to quality has not only earned the trust of their customers but has also become the cornerstone of their economic success. Their loyal customer base deeply values these sustainable practices and has steadfastly supported the business for years, recognising the positive impact their choices have on the planet.
Support from BGWM in Dudley Programme
Participation in the Business Growth West Midlands (BGWM) in Dudley programme has significantly supported Iron & Velvet's sustainability efforts, providing valuable connections to like-minded businesses and access to regional sustainability resources like the West Midlands Combined Authority Decarbonisation Programme.
Donna Watkins, Business Growth Adviser – BGWM in Dudley Programme said:
"It was evident from first meeting Debra and the team that they wanted to do right by the environment and were committed to the local area, which is reflected in their values. It's wonderful to see how they've fully embraced the business support that is available to them to take them on the next step of their growth journey".
As a sustainable business, accurately measuring emissions can be challenging, but are also crucial, especially when engaging with potential investment opportunities. Now that they have participated in the decarbonisation and net zero segment of the programme, the business can now confidently report that their type two emissions amount to a saving of 7.4 tonnes of CO2 per year. Their net zero assessment showed that their annual manufacturing emissions output is less than that of an average adult in the UK.
Debra Glover, CEO - Iron & Velvet said:
“We wholeheartedly endorse this program—the support we've received has been exceptional! We plan to continue leveraging this invaluable resource for as long as possible.
“The lovely Donna is my advisor and has been just amazing helping us to access everything that we have. I've grabbed the support with both hands, and we've done pretty much everything. I tallied it up the other day and there's about £10,000 worth of business advice in there that we've accessed for free - so it's been fantastic.”
Planning for the future
CEO, Debra, recommends focusing on one goal at a time, foster shared responsibility, and secure leadership commitment. Even as an eco-conscious business, the company recognise there's more work ahead.
By investing in this foundational knowledge and aligning it with their financial goals, Iron & Velvet are well-positioned to achieve significant milestones in the coming months, further strengthening their market presence and product offerings.
As part of their strategic efforts to drive growth and expansion, the company has successfully completed the 5-week Founders Collective course. This program has been instrumental in underpinning their upcoming crowdfunding activity, set to launch in September. The funds raised through this initiative will play a crucial role in financing their EU expansion and the launch of their commercial cleaning range.
While sudden changes can be challenging and thoughtful, planned changes ensure steady progress towards their sustainability goals. In addition, Iron & Velvet are actively pursuing their B Corp certification and Carbon Net Zero goals with a vision to power their entire operation through solar energy by 2025 demonstrating their firm commitment to sustainable business practice.
Find out more www.ironandvelvet.co.uk