A FLOORING firm which exports globally has been fined £29,700 for failing to show it had recycled used packaging.
Karndean International Limited admitted nine charges relating to not recovering packaging waste and recycling the material in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The firm’s solicitors were before Worcester magistrates after the case was brought by the Environment Agency (EA) under the producer responsibility regulations aimed at cutting waste to landfill.
Karndean said it took its environmental concerns “seriously” and was now complying with the regulations. The firm based at Crab Apple Way in Vale Park, Evesham, describes itself as suppliers of luxury flooring to businesses and homes.
In court, Jill Crawford, acting for the EA, said certain firms had to register with the agency’s waste compliance scheme by April 7 each year and provide evidence of waste packaging recovery and recycling.
The agency contacted Karndean in May 2009 because they did not appear to be registered.
Information received from the company together with a subsequent interview under caution in November 2009 showed the business had been obligated between 2006 and 2008.
Louise Goatcher, agency investigating officer, said: “When companies such as Karndean don’t meet their obligations our environment suffers and this is not acceptable.
“Businesses have a responsibility for what happens to their waste.”
She said registering would have cost £9,000 in total rather than £36,000 for the court case saying “this demonstrates flouting the law does not pay”.
Karndean was ordered to pay £3,040 compensation for loss of registration fees, costs of £4,026 and a victim surcharge of £15, on top of the fine. Pat McDonald, UK managing director, said the firm fully accepted it was culpable and did not contest the case.
“The company has grown rapidly in recent years, placing an inevitable burden on its infrastructure which it relies on to support all aspects of the business,” he said.
“Importantly, we have put in place the necessary processes and procedures to ensure this does not happen again.”
Your Worcester News was the only member of the media to attend this hearing.
