NARBERTH-based Princes Gate Spring Water Ltd has scooped two prestigious awards at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards 2013 in Bristol last month (November).

The south west environmental efficiency award recognises companies which have done the most to improve their own environmental performance and reduce their carbon footprint, while improving operational efficiency.

It was presented to Princes Gate for its significant investment, good use of external partnerships and learning support, and its ambitious environmental targets.

The firm was also presented with the sustainable manufacturing award. The judges felt that Princes Gate had demonstrated a clear commitment by investing in expertise and employing a sustainability manager, as well as moving towards achieving carbon positive status.

Princes Gate operations director Endaf Edwards said: “Following initial recommendations from Carbon Trust UK, we embarked on efficiency improvements to ensure the business could compete and grow its market share.

“The main focus was to move from third party supply to in-house bottle blowing. This has meant a reduction of full arctic loads from 1050 per annum to 50. Our new bottles also have 25% less PET.”

Awards sponsor Nick Linklater, head of corporate accounts for ENER-G, said: "Princes Gate Spring Water is setting a shining example of green business excellence for others to follow.

“They have reduced their carbon footprint and transport usage and demonstrated that good environmental performance makes excellent business sense."

EEF region director for south west Phil Brownsord said: “Princes Gate Spring Water is a true south west business success story that highlights the role the region plays in driving the UK economy forward.

“By taking bold steps and investing in its people, resources and technology, they have grown their business despite the challenging economic climate.

“Ambitious companies such as Princes Gate Spring Water are an asset to the south west and are very worthy of their success.”

The company will now go on to the national finals in London in January.

The annual awards are hosted by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, and recognise excellence in enterprise, innovation, exports, environmental performance, skills development, health and safety and apprenticeships among UK manufacturers.