Lack of investment cash grounding green plans, WM survey finds

Nearly a third of firms said limited access to funding was the biggest barrier to going green. Manufacturers urged more green incentives to help drive engagement with low carbon technologies. Half of respondents said financial perks or investment aid would inspire them to do more. Just 19% said penalties for non-compliance or statutory green legislation as the best driver for low carbon manufacturing. The survey showed overwhelming ideological backing for the green agenda with 99% of respondents pledging support. Yet, enthusiasm was being curbed by limited resources and poor availability of finance particularly among SMEs, the survey showed. One respondent said: "Small companies don't have the resource and as with many things can't make the savings to cover the cost of technical help and set up costs." Another added: "We need a carrot not a stick for us to change further." The comments follow government plans to introduce a £16 per tonne floor price on Carbon emissions announced in the budget. Over a third of respondents expected a rise in costs of over £50,000 a year once the surcharge is launched. Many slammed punitive UK green policy and claimed legislation was damaging their international competitiveness. One respondent said: "We are put at a significant disadvantage against our fellow manufacturers in Europe. If the aim is to drive production out of the UK to reduce emissions, then the policy is well on track." Several respondents urged the government to "level the playing field" through taxing imports that fell short of UK environmental standards. Despite the frustrations, the majority of UK manufacturers appear to be pioneering green friendly practice. Over 90% recycle paper or card and 54% have a nominated on site green champion. Here more views on green manufacturing in this month's WM Green issue special.