A Special Order That Didn’t Cost the Earth

Mitre Linen recently supplied the Bardsey Island Trust, a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest, with environmentally friendly duvets for the use of guests staying on the remote island, which is just off the coast of North Wales. The duvets, part of the company’s new Eco collection, are made from recycled plastic bottles and so are fully consistent with the island’s commitment to protecting the environment.

"Until now, visitors have been asked to bring their own duvets with them,” said Caroline Jones from the Bardsey Island Trust, “Mitre’s Eco collection duvets mean we can provide them with truly green duvets made from waste plastic. This struck a chord with us as despite our tireless efforts to keep Bardsey clear of damaging waste, plastics like water bottles travel to us on the oceans from France and Spain, littering our pristine shoreline and creating a hazard for wildlife.”

"Mitre Linen is doing something positive by taking bottles, just like those that cause such harm on the island, and turning them into something useful. By choosing to use the Eco duvets we are being consistent with our message to protect not only our special environment here at Bardsey, but to contribute in a small way to reducing the impact of single use plastics everywhere."

Bardsey Island is one of 10 places taking part in a pilot project aimed at tackling marine plastic pollution on Cold Water islands by implementing innovative, community-based solutions. The initiative is part of the ‘Cold Water Islands Project’, a collaboration between Surfers Against Sewage and Parley for the Oceans.

Only four people permanently live on Bardsey island however, a range of holiday accommodation is available for rent during the summer months. These have compost toilets, no electricity and cold water that is supplied from a mountain spring. All rubbish is taken away by visitors at the end of their stay.

“The island is such a special place and an internationally important haven for wildlife so we do all we can to keep it clean and as free as possible from any pollutants or artificial products,” said Caroline. “We are working hard to reduce any plastic use and hope to eradicate single-use plastics usage completely.”

The Mitre Eco collection of bedding and towelling for the hospitality trade has been made to Mitre Linen’s exacting standards. Mitre Eco duvets and pillows have fillings made from recycled plastic bottles which are extruded into soft, non-allergenic fibres. This process produces around 70% fewer carbon dioxide emissions, uses 70% less water and 40% less energy compared to standard fibre production, but is as soft and warm as traditionally manufactured alternatives.

“We are absolutely delighted to be able to supply our Eco duvets for the accommodation on Bardsey Island,” said Mitre Linen General Manager Kate Gough.