Kent has partnered with sustainably-focused packaging suppliers Priory Direct to create a service which will empower the fashion industry to reduce packaging emissions and wasted material.
Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Forensic Science Dr Rob Barker and Kent alumna and Research Associate Dr Alix Overton will support Priory Direct over the next four months to produce a market leading Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCA) tailored to fashion and retail packaging supply-chains. This model will empower science-based-decision-making to reduce packaging emissions and wasted material within the sector. Kent will help create a richly-resourced calculation that minimises assumptions, thereby offering complete transparency, efficiency, and Green Claims Code compliance. Combining Kent’s expertise and Priory Directs industry knowledge and data-set, this framework will be useful in advising customers on the most environmentally friendly approach to their packaging and supply chain, but also has potential to be industry-wide.
Priory Direct’s Managing Director Josh Pitman first connected with Dr Barker at a net zero workshop organised by Kent in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce two years ago. The business has since started a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Kent Business School (KBS), through which they are working with academic experts to improve their sustainable packaging provision to the e-commerce sector.
Kent’s latest collaboration with Priory Direct is funded via Innovate UK’s Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) programme, designed to rapidly create capacity for businesses and knowledge bases, such as universities, to innovate together. Whilst inspired by the KTP model, AKTs are funded and delivered over a shorter period of time and are more targeted in their approach.
Priory Direct’s existing relationship with Kent’s Research and Innovation Support team meant that they were able to scope a project and successfully apply to the AKT call within the short application time window. The partnership has also created opportunities for Josh Pitman, to volunteer guest lecture in KBS and share his first-hand knowledge of sustainability in the e-commerce supply chain with the business leaders of tomorrow.
As a strong advocate for corporate social responsibility, Josh will be sharing the importance of establishing and integrating CSR strategies, highlighting Priory Direct’s volunteering initiatives, charity partnerships, and work with Kent. The event on 6th November aims to connect Kent-based businesses with charity partners and inspire them to develop or build on their own CSR strategies. Priory Direct will be showcasing its own approach to charity partnerships, offering advice and support on the subject.