The Sustainable Restaurant Association has recognised Steelite International’s commitment to sustainable business practices by certifying it as an ‘Approved Supplier’ for the hospitality industry. It is the first tableware manufacturer to be awarded this recognition.
Mark Linehan, Director of the SRA said: “We’re really impressed by Steelite’s dedication to sustainability, in particular its excellent recycling policy, and UK production in Stoke-on-Trent that uses locally sourced materials.”
“Traditionally in the restaurant world, restaurateurs, chefs and consumers associate sustainability with the food on the plate without thinking about the plate on which it is served. Tableware is a crucial part of the whole dining experience and should be given the same level of consideration.”
Steelite received a Green Apple award in 2010 for its Lamella system, which recovers clay solids from the factory’s waste water, enabling Steelite to manufacture 15,000 cups and saucers a week. It also holds a number of accreditations including Investors in People and the ISO 14001: 2004 Environmental Management Standard (EMS) and is a member of the The Green Organisation and Staffordshire Business and Environmental Network, which aims to help local businesses reduce environmental impact.
Kevin Oakes, CEO of Steelite International comments: “We’re really proud to be one of the remaining manufacturers at the heart of the potteries and, as the largest manufacturer in the UK, we take our environmental policy very seriously. We continually monitor and develop the way we do business to create minimum impact on the community and environment.”
Steelite International manufacturers 500,000 pieces of crockery a week. Each piece goes through 53 quality checks before it leaves the factory and has a lifetime chip guarantee as a mark of its quality and durability.
About Steelite International
Steelite International is a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of award-winning, inspirational tabletop ranges for the international hospitality industry, which was established in its current form in 1983. It is a privately owned company which employs more than 650 people in the UK as well as 89 employees overseas.
The company’s Mission Statement is: “To be the hospitality industry’s preferred choice for tabletop products, achieved through the combination of inspirational design, excellent quality and outstanding service whilst minimising our environmental impact.”
The company’s core chinaware products are manufactured at its factory in Stoke-on-Trent – one of the most modern and efficient production units in the world. Up to half a million pieces of ware are made every week.
Steelite trades with more than 130 countries across the globe and its products are the favoured brand of hotel chains such as Hilton and Four Seasons as well as food operations as diverse as the MOD, Whitbread and Little Chef.