Perthshire-based potato distributor Taypack Potatoes Ltd was crowned winner in the medium company category (50-250 employees) at the VIBES 2006 awards, an accolade it is proud to have received for the second year in a row.

 The firm is owned by George Taylor and has an annual throughput of 135,000 tonnes. Taypack supplies potatoes to supermarkets and wholesale customers all over Europe and Scandinavia.

The company is committed to its environmental policy and has implemented a biodiversity action plan to achieve its environmental goals. Initiatives range from the introduction of owl boxes, bird boxes and bat boxes on site, to developing new polythene and cardboard recycling schemes which have reduced the cost of mixed waste removal and landfill charges.

One of its most significant investments was in its own transport fleet – Taypack purchase new vehicles every three years to reduce noise levels, road damage, servicing/part replacement costs and increase fuel economy. This has also helped with reducing exhaust emissions which is currently euro4.

Lorry size is selected to fit load requirements and empty running is minimized. The company invested in GPRS to ensure efficient routing and awareness. Cards were issued to drivers on fuel efficiency with feedback given to drivers.

Taypack has taken a similar approach to investment in its own fork lift fleet – from contract hire – which has improved tyre usage, reduced LPG use and decreased emissions by 95 per cent. Transport costs were also reduced through investment in a baler which reduces bulk of LDPE waste.

Taypack is also installing a combined heat and power (CHP) plant and bio-diesel production plant to reduce its carbon footprint and become more self-sustainable.

 Matt Dunmore, engineering development manager, from Taypack Potatoes said: “We were extremely pleased to win a VIBES award for the second year running. We are all proud of our efforts and it is an honour to be recognised for our environmentally-friendly initiatives.

 "Having won two VIBES awards we would certainly advise others to enter the scheme – it has certainly helped boost enthusiasm and encouraged us to maintain our commitment to the environment.”

 For more information on Taypack Potatoes Ltd please visit www.taypack.com.