Company UpdateNovember 30, 2023

Achieved Carbon Neutral Certification

Proud to announce our official carbon neutral certification, reflecting our commitment to environmental responsibility throughout our entire supply chain.

A Major Environmental Milestone

After two years of comprehensive environmental assessment and targeted sustainability improvements,Ria Harman is proud to announce that Old Mill Cosmetics has achieved official carbon neutral certification through the internationally recognized Carbon Trust Standard. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and positions us as a leader in sustainable beauty practices.

"Achieving carbon neutrality has been a personal mission since the day I founded this company," reflects Ria Harman. "We believe beautiful products shouldn't come at the expense of our planet's health. This certification validates the extensive work we've undertaken to minimize our environmental impact across every aspect of our operations."

Comprehensive Carbon Assessment

Under Ria Harman's leadership, Old Mill Cosmetics underwent a rigorous 18-month carbon footprint assessment conducted by independent environmental consultants. The study examined every aspect of the business, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing processes to packaging, distribution, and end-of-life product disposal.

Assessment Scope

  • Supply Chain Analysis: Carbon footprint of all raw materials and ingredients
  • Manufacturing Operations: Energy usage, waste generation, and production efficiency
  • Packaging Materials: Lifecycle assessment of all packaging components
  • Transportation: Shipping, distribution, and employee commuting impacts
  • Facility Operations: Historic flour mill energy consumption and waste management
  • Product End-of-Life: Customer usage and disposal patterns

Reduction Strategies Implemented

Ria Harman approached carbon neutrality through the internationally recognized hierarchy: reduce, replace, and offset. The company prioritized direct emissions reductions and sustainable replacements before considering carbon offsets, ensuring genuine environmental impact rather than simply purchasing carbon credits.

Carbon Reduction Initiatives

Energy & Operations

  • • 100% renewable energy for all operations
  • • Solar panel installation on mill roof
  • • LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment
  • • Rainwater harvesting system
  • • Waste heat recovery for heating

Supply Chain & Materials

  • • Local sourcing within 50-mile radius
  • • Plastic-free packaging transition
  • • Organic farming partnership program
  • • Reduced shipping frequency optimization
  • • Bicycle delivery for local orders

Innovation in Sustainable Practices

Ria Harman's commitment to carbon neutrality drove several groundbreaking innovations in sustainable cosmetics manufacturing. The company developed new processes that not only reduce environmental impact but often improve product quality and cost efficiency.

"The journey to carbon neutrality forced us to question every aspect of our business. Many of the innovations we developed to reduce our carbon footprint actually resulted in better products and more efficient operations. Sustainability and business success aren't just compatible—they're synergistic." - Ria Harman

Carbon Offset Program

While prioritizing direct emissions reductions, Ria Harman recognized that some emissions couldn't be eliminated immediately without compromising product quality or business viability. For these unavoidable emissions, Old Mill Cosmetics partners with verified carbon offset programs that align with the company's values and mission.

Offset Partnership Projects

  • Devon Reforestation Initiative: Native tree planting on degraded farmland
  • Organic Farming Carbon Sequestration: Supporting local farms' transition to carbon-positive practices
  • Renewable Energy Expansion: Funding community wind and solar projects
  • Peat Bog Restoration: Protecting and restoring critical carbon sinks in Southwest England
  • Educational Programs: Supporting environmental education in local schools

Third-Party Verification

The carbon neutral certification was awarded by the Carbon Trust, an independent organization that has verified emissions reductions and offset programs for leading global companies.Ria Harman chose third-party verification to ensure transparency and credibility in the company's environmental claims.

"We wanted complete transparency and accountability," explains Ria Harman. "Third-party verification provides our customers, partners, and stakeholders with confidence that our carbon neutral claims are legitimate and verifiable. It's not just about marketing—it's about integrity."

Industry Impact and Recognition

Old Mill Cosmetics' carbon neutral achievement has generated significant attention within the beauty industry, with several trade publications highlighting Ria Harman's innovative approach to sustainable manufacturing. The company has been invited to speak at industry conferences and share best practices with other beauty brands.

Environmental Impact by Numbers

Emissions Reductions

  • • 78% reduction in direct emissions
  • • 65% reduction in supply chain emissions
  • • 82% reduction in packaging-related emissions
  • • 100% renewable energy adoption
  • • Zero waste to landfill achieved

Offset & Conservation

  • • 2,500 trees planted in Devon countryside
  • • 15 hectares of peat bog restoration
  • • 50% reduction in water consumption
  • • 200% increase in local sourcing
  • • 12 local farms supported in organic transition

Future Sustainability Goals

Ria Harman views carbon neutrality as just the beginning of Old Mill Cosmetics' environmental journey. The company has set ambitious goals for the next five years, including achieving carbon negative status and developing regenerative business practices that actively heal environmental damage.

"Carbon neutrality means we're not adding to the problem, but we want to be part of the solution," explains Ria Harman. "Our next goal is to become carbon negative—actually removing more carbon from the atmosphere than we produce. We're exploring regenerative agriculture partnerships and innovative carbon capture technologies."

Customer Response and Engagement

The carbon neutral certification has resonated strongly with Old Mill Cosmetics customers, many of whom have expressed pride in supporting a genuinely sustainable brand. Ria Harmanreports increased customer loyalty and numerous inquiries from environmentally conscious consumers who discovered the brand specifically because of its environmental commitments.

Learn More About Our Sustainability Journey

For detailed information about Old Mill Cosmetics' carbon neutral certification and ongoing sustainability initiatives, visit our environmental impact page or contact Ria Harman'steam at sustainability@oldmillcosmetics.com or +44 1234 567 890.