Runcorn-based Kenay manufactures tabletop disposables such as tissue napkins and paper table covers. Founded in 1999, the business specialises in printed napkins for the UK market and table skirts for the EU.
Overview
Investment: £40,000 business spend supported by £20,000 LCEI business grant
The Project: Investment into a new, more efficient napkin print machine
Carbon Savings: 1.73t CO2e per year | 34.6t CO2e over the 20-year lifespan of the equipment
In recent years Kenay had been missing out on contracts due to changing consumer demands and increasing international competition. As a small manufacturer aiming for growth, they knew they had to upgrade their machinery to remain competitive.
Kenay works with some of the biggest paper converters in the world, and sustainability is a large factor in their supply chain. Keeping in step with the industry, Kenay is focused on reducing carbon emissions and investing in more sustainable operations.
They identified a modern napkin print machine that could replace two of their oldest and slowest machines. The new machine would be faster, more efficient and produce less scrap, as well as enabling them to print in up to six colours and two sizes. Improved technology would allow for fast fault reporting and significant waste reduction.
They partnered with Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory (LCEI), and their researcher carried out a comprehensive waste carbon saving report, calculating that the new machine would be 70 per cent more efficient, reducing scrap paper by 1,122kg per year.
The new machine will save 1.73t CO2e per year compared to the two machines previously in use – the equivalent of driving an average-sized car 6,451 miles in the UK.
The LCEI team supported Kenay through the grant application process, and they were approved for a grant of £20,000, covering 50 per cent of their purchase costs. The machine has been installed and is delivering quicker turnarounds with less waste.
With LCEI’s support, Kenay has switched up its manufacturing processes, allowing them to offer a better service, more competitive prices and an improved product range, while opening up new opportunities.
Kenay Managing Director Jill Naylor said:
“This investment will be an enormous step forward for us as a small manufacturer and also takes us a step further toward our goal of clean and sustainable growth, with the environmental benefits of scrap reduction, less material imported, and reductions in our energy consumption and carbon emissions.”
Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory (LCEI) is funded via the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as the lead authority.
A partnership between LJMU and University of Liverpool, LCEI offers low carbon assistance alongside match-funded grants of up to 50% for low carbon installations and equipment that will help LCR businesses to decarbonise.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).