PARAGON MICROFIBRE LTD

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

Policy Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 3 November 2026
Policy Owner: Company Directors
Review Frequency: Annually
Approved By: Stephen Duffell

1. POLICY STATEMENT

Paragon Microfibre Ltd is committed to conducting its business operations in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.

We recognise the importance of protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, reducing waste and minimising the environmental impact associated with our products, services and business activities.

As a supplier of microfibre cleaning products and textiles, we acknowledge our responsibility to consider environmental impacts throughout our supply chain, including product sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, storage, transportation, customer use and end-of-life disposal.

We are committed to continually improving our environmental performance through responsible business practices, resource efficiency, waste reduction and compliance with applicable environmental legislation.

This policy outlines our environmental commitments and provides a framework for responsible environmental management across our operations.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Demonstrate our commitment to environmental protection and sustainability.

• Minimise the environmental impact of our business activities.

• Reduce waste and encourage responsible resource management.

• Promote efficient use of energy, water and materials.

• Encourage sustainable purchasing and supplier practices.

• Reduce unnecessary packaging and improve recyclability where practical.

• Support the responsible use and disposal of our products.

• Ensure compliance with applicable UK environmental legislation.

• Promote environmental awareness among employees, suppliers and business partners.

• Establish a framework for continuous environmental improvement.

3. SCOPE

This policy applies to all business operations undertaken by Paragon Microfibre Ltd, including:

• Product sourcing and procurement.

• Supplier and manufacturer relationships.

• Warehousing and storage.

• Packaging and order fulfilment.

• Transportation and distribution.

• Office and administrative activities.

• Waste management and recycling.

• Product information and customer communications.

All directors, employees, contractors and individuals acting on behalf of Paragon Microfibre Ltd are expected to support the principles of this policy.

We also encourage our suppliers, manufacturers, logistics partners and other business associates to adopt responsible environmental practices.

4. COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION

Paragon Microfibre Ltd is committed to complying with all applicable environmental legislation, regulations and relevant statutory requirements.

Depending on the nature and location of our operations, relevant legislation may include:

• Environmental Protection Act 1990.

• Environment Act 2021.

• Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, as amended.

• Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016, where applicable.

• Applicable packaging waste and extended producer responsibility regulations.

• Relevant waste duty of care requirements.

We will monitor changes to applicable environmental legislation and review our operating practices where necessary to maintain compliance.

The Company will seek appropriate professional guidance where specific environmental obligations require clarification.

5. WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING

Paragon Microfibre Ltd recognises that responsible waste management is an important part of reducing its environmental impact.

We are committed to minimising waste generated through our business activities wherever reasonably practicable.

Our approach includes:

• Reducing unnecessary packaging materials.

• Reusing suitable packaging materials where practical.

• Encouraging recycling of cardboard, paper, plastics and other recyclable materials.

• Separating waste streams where appropriate.

• Reducing avoidable product damage and unnecessary disposal of stock.

• Improving stock management to minimise waste.

• Working with authorised waste collection and disposal providers.

• Following applicable waste duty of care requirements.

We aim to follow the waste hierarchy by prioritising prevention, reuse and recycling ahead of disposal wherever appropriate.

6. RESPONSIBLE PRODUCT SOURCING

As a supplier of microfibre cleaning products and textiles, Paragon Microfibre Ltd recognises the importance of responsible sourcing.

We aim to work with manufacturers and suppliers who demonstrate appropriate standards of product quality, environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance.

Where commercially and operationally practical, we will consider:

• Product durability and expected service life.

• Material efficiency and responsible manufacturing processes.

• Opportunities to reduce unnecessary material consumption.

• Supplier environmental management practices.

• Packaging efficiency and recyclability.

• Product quality and performance.

• Compliance with relevant product and environmental regulations.

We recognise that durable, reusable cleaning textiles can provide an alternative to certain disposable cleaning products when used and maintained appropriately.

However, we also acknowledge that synthetic microfibre products can have environmental impacts, including the potential release of microplastic fibres during washing and use.

We will seek opportunities to improve product sustainability and provide customers with appropriate product care information.

7. PACKAGING AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Paragon Microfibre Ltd is committed to reviewing and improving its packaging practices to reduce unnecessary environmental impact.

Where practical, we aim to:

• Minimise excessive packaging.

• Select packaging materials that are recyclable where suitable.

• Reduce unnecessary single-use packaging.

• Use appropriately sized packaging to avoid wasted materials.

• Reuse suitable packaging materials where appropriate.

• Work with suppliers to explore more resource-efficient packaging options.

• Ensure packaging remains sufficient to protect products during storage and transportation.

We recognise the importance of balancing environmental considerations with product protection, hygiene, operational efficiency and customer requirements.

8. ENERGY EFFICIENCY

We recognise that energy consumption contributes to the environmental impact of business operations.

Paragon Microfibre Ltd aims to use energy efficiently throughout its offices, storage facilities and operational activities.

Where practical, we will:

• Encourage employees to switch off unnecessary lighting and equipment.

• Use energy-efficient lighting and electrical equipment.

• Maintain equipment to support efficient operation.

• Monitor energy consumption where appropriate.

• Reduce avoidable heating and electricity usage.

• Consider energy efficiency when purchasing or replacing equipment.

We will review opportunities to improve energy efficiency as our business develops.

9. TRANSPORTATION AND DISTRIBUTION

Paragon Microfibre Ltd recognises that transporting products from suppliers to our facilities and delivering orders to customers can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts.

We aim to minimise unnecessary transportation impacts where commercially practical.

Measures may include:

• Consolidating supplier shipments where appropriate.

• Planning stock replenishment to reduce avoidable deliveries.

• Working with established and reliable logistics providers.

• Using suitable packaging to reduce shipping volume.

• Minimising unnecessary returns and replacement shipments through effective quality control.

• Considering environmental performance when reviewing logistics arrangements.

We will continue to explore opportunities to improve distribution efficiency while maintaining reliable customer service.

10. WATER CONSERVATION

Paragon Microfibre Ltd recognises the importance of responsible water use.

Although our direct operations may have relatively limited water requirements, we acknowledge that water is used throughout the textile manufacturing and product lifecycle.

We aim to:

• Avoid unnecessary water consumption within our facilities.

• Encourage responsible water use among employees.

• Address water leaks or wastage promptly.

• Consider supplier water management practices where relevant.

• Provide appropriate product care guidance to help customers maintain products efficiently.

11. MICROFIBRE PRODUCTS AND MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION

Paragon Microfibre Ltd acknowledges that synthetic microfibre textiles may release small fibres during washing, use and disposal, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution.

We recognise the importance of addressing this environmental consideration responsibly.

Our approach includes:

• Promoting appropriate product care and washing instructions.

• Encouraging customers to avoid unnecessary washing.

• Supporting correct washing temperatures and maintenance methods in accordance with product care guidance.

• Encouraging responsible product use to maximise service life.

• Reviewing relevant developments in textile sustainability and microfibre shedding reduction.

• Considering opportunities to improve product design and sourcing where practical.

We will avoid making unsubstantiated environmental claims regarding the sustainability, biodegradability or environmental performance of our products.

12. POLLUTION PREVENTION

Paragon Microfibre Ltd is committed to preventing pollution arising from its business operations wherever reasonably practicable.

We will seek to:

• Manage waste responsibly.

• Prevent inappropriate disposal of materials.

• Store cleaning chemicals or other potentially harmful substances safely, where applicable.

• Follow appropriate handling and disposal procedures.

• Minimise unnecessary emissions and resource consumption.

• Respond appropriately to environmental incidents.

Any environmental incident or suspected breach of environmental legislation must be reported to Company management promptly.

13. SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT

Environmental considerations will be taken into account where appropriate when selecting products, materials, services and suppliers.

We aim to balance environmental responsibility with product quality, commercial viability, customer requirements and operational efficiency.

Where reasonably practicable, purchasing decisions may consider:

• Supplier environmental policies.

• Product durability.

• Material and packaging efficiency.

• Opportunities for recycling or reuse.

• Transportation requirements.

• Relevant environmental certifications or evidence of compliance.

• Responsible manufacturing practices.

We encourage our suppliers to identify opportunities for reducing environmental impacts throughout the supply chain.

14. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES AND AWARENESS

All employees are encouraged to contribute to the Company's environmental objectives.

Employees should:

• Follow relevant environmental procedures.

• Reduce unnecessary waste.

• Recycle materials appropriately.

• Avoid unnecessary energy and water consumption.

• Handle products and packaging responsibly.

• Report environmental concerns to management.

• Suggest practical improvements to environmental performance.

Company Directors are responsible for promoting environmental awareness and ensuring that suitable environmental management arrangements are implemented.

Environmental information or training will be provided where appropriate to employees' roles and responsibilities.

15. ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

Paragon Microfibre Ltd is committed to reviewing its environmental performance and identifying practical opportunities for improvement.

Our environmental objectives include:

Waste Reduction

Reducing unnecessary waste generated through packaging, storage, fulfilment and administrative activities.

Resource Efficiency

Improving the efficient use of electricity, water, packaging materials and other business resources.

Responsible Sourcing

Considering environmental performance when selecting and reviewing suppliers and manufacturers.

Product Longevity

Promoting appropriate product care and responsible use to support the service life of our microfibre products.

Packaging Improvements

Reviewing opportunities to reduce packaging consumption and improve the recyclability of packaging materials.

Supply Chain Awareness

Encouraging environmental responsibility throughout relevant supplier and logistics relationships.

Where practical, the Company will establish measurable improvement targets and monitor progress against them.

16. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND REPORTING

The Company will review relevant environmental aspects of its operations periodically.

Depending on business needs and available information, this may include:

• Packaging material usage.

• Waste generation and recycling arrangements.

• Energy consumption.

• Transport and distribution efficiency.

• Supplier environmental performance.

• Environmental incidents and corrective actions.

Where areas for improvement are identified, appropriate measures will be considered and implemented where reasonably practicable.

17. ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS

Paragon Microfibre Ltd is committed to communicating environmental information accurately and responsibly.

We will aim to ensure that statements regarding the environmental benefits or sustainability of our products are clear, accurate and supported by appropriate evidence.

We will avoid misleading or exaggerated environmental claims and seek to comply with applicable consumer protection requirements and relevant guidance, including the UK Competition and Markets Authority's Green Claims Code.

Where appropriate, this policy may be shared with customers, suppliers, contractors and other interested parties.

18. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

The Company Directors have overall responsibility for the implementation and review of this Environmental and Sustainability Policy.

Management responsibilities include:

• Promoting environmentally responsible business practices.

• Ensuring compliance with applicable environmental obligations.

• Reviewing relevant environmental risks.

• Encouraging employee participation.

• Considering environmental improvements in business planning.

• Reviewing this policy and updating it where necessary.

All employees and relevant representatives are expected to cooperate with the Company's environmental commitments.

19. POLICY REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed at least annually, or sooner where necessary due to:

• Changes in environmental legislation.

• Changes in business activities or operations.

• Developments in environmental best practice.

• New environmental risks or opportunities.

• Changes in supplier or customer requirements.

• Findings from environmental reviews or incidents.

Updates will be approved by the Company Directors and communicated to relevant employees where appropriate.

20. COMPANY COMMITMENT

Paragon Microfibre Ltd recognises that environmental responsibility is an ongoing process requiring continuous assessment and improvement.

We are committed to conducting our business responsibly, reducing avoidable environmental impacts and supporting more sustainable practices throughout our operations and supply chain.

Through responsible sourcing, efficient resource management, waste reduction and environmental awareness, we aim to make a positive contribution to environmental protection while continuing to provide high-quality products and reliable service to our customers.