BUSINESS + TECH
Beyond technology, Zehnder is known for fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement. Employees are offered upskilling programmes, mental health support and flexible working policies, creating a workplace that is as future-fit socially as it is environmentally.
The company’ s ethos combines climate responsibility with community investment, offering skilled local jobs and a culture that values wellness and low-impact living. It’ s more than a factory; it’ s a blueprint for how industry can respect both people and the planet.
PACKAGING THE FUTURE: PRIORY DIRECT, AYLESFORD
In an age of e-commerce, packaging has become a hidden yet major contributor to global emissions, but Aylesford-based Priory Direct is helping to reverse that trend. In partnership with the University of Kent, they offer tailored Lifecycle Assessments( LCAs) that help businesses calculate the full environmental impact of their packaging.
This data-driven approach enables fashion brands and retailers to make more informed decisions and has seen an increase in businesses switching to biodegradable or fully recyclable materials and streamlining logistics.
Clearly not one for resting on its laurels, the company also runs awareness campaigns, offers carbon-offsetting options and helps customers communicate their sustainability wins with transparently to consumers.
FIELDS OF THE FUTURE: THANET EARTH
Quietly minding its own business on the Isle of Thanet, Thanet Earth- the UK’ s largest greenhouse complex- is estimated to produce around 400 million tomatoes, 33 million cucumbers and 20 million peppers each year, all year-round, with minimal environmental cost. Spanning over 220 acres and using cutting-edge technology including robotic pollination, LED lighting, water recycling and combined heat-andpower( CHP) systems, the consortium’ s ability to produce fresh produce 365 days a year means fewer food miles, less reliance on import and more stability for UK food supply chains. What’ s more, plans are underway to build a seventh structure, adding a further 16 acres of growing space for 150 million extra tomatoes a year.
In a time of rising costs and climate uncertainty, Thanet Earth is proving that sustainable high-yield farming is not just possible- it’ s essential. With education partnerships, community outreach and a drive to reduce plastic use, this inspiring complex exemplifies how agri-tech can serve people, profit and the planet in equal measure. inDEPENDENT BUSINESSES
AS WE HEAD TO KENT’ S ENCHANTING COAST TO SOAK UP A DELIGHTFUL SUMMER SEASON, WE DISCOVER THE INSPIRED ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE BRINGING THEIR GROWING SEASIDE TREASURES TO LIFE.
SEA SCRUB SAUNA seascrubsauna. co. uk seascrubsauna
With a vision to blend the soothing warmth of Scandinavian sauna culture and the timeless charm of the British seaside, cousins Robin Bartlett and Luke Sinclair began the blossoming journey of Sea Scrub Sauna to create inclusive, high-quality sauna experiences in stunning coastal locations across Kent and beyond.“ The business was really a meeting of passions between me- after I got thoroughly hooked on sea swimming through the year- and Luke’ s newfound passion for saunas in Oslo where he lives,” says Robin.“ When you bring together the heat of a sauna and the cold of the sea, you can experience something truly magical.” Now stretching across three sites- the beaches of Margate and Whitstable as well as on the grounds of Faversham’ s Macknade- the dynamic pair are constantly looking for opportunities to evolve and grow, including plans for new sites in more beautiful outdoor locations so watch this space!
HUT 55 hut55. co. uk hut55deal
With a keen passion for hospitality, Kate Forman opened a takeaway coffee shop in Deal train station in 2016, before she had the wonderful idea of pitching up on the beach to also offer bike hire and seaside yoga. In 2018, that idea became a reality and Hut 55- a cafe set on Deal beach in a wooden fisherman’ s hut- was born.“ The menu was originally inspired by the nostalgic Famous Five beach picnics, all washed down with lashings of ginger beer,” says Kate.“ We proudly serve up classic British picnic fodder: sausage rolls, offensively large Scotch eggs and homemade cakes, all to be enjoyed on the pebbles taking in the sea views.” Now that summer has arrived, the cafe and bike hire are open every day of the week, and this month the hut’ s Sunday Sundowner evenings will also offer delicious seafood, natural wines and great music with the last of the day’ s sunshine.
HARBOUR & TIDE harbourandtide. com harbourandtide
Based in Margate opposite the Turner Contemporary gallery and bringing joyful, functional and sustainable goods to seaside life, Harbour & Tide was founded by the uber-creative Katy Lassen, who swapped a London career in fashion for a new Margate life with blissful sea views. Stocking a range of modern essentials for land and sea, Harbour & Tide’ s range includes everything from sustainable swimwear and wearable blankets to beach bags, buckets and spades alongside an in-house range of branded organic cotton t-shirts and tote bags featuring their signature slogans: Resting Beach Face and Buoys, Buoys, Buoys.“ Last summer, we expanded to showcase original works and limited edition prints by local artists as inspired by the sea as us,” says Katy.“ We are the exclusive retailer of Margo in Margate’ s Swimmer paintings on paper, host work by Jane Horgan and Dottie & Cloud, and have collaborated with Margate artist Heidillustrates on exclusive designs for t-shirts, tea towels and prints.”
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