RADNOR Hills of Knighton was delighted to take home the Sustainable / Ethical Manufacturer Award at this year’s Made in Wales Awards.

The accolade was given to the company that has demonstrated the greatest commitment, through its products and processes, to forging a sustainable future for itself and region.

“We have been working hard with all stakeholders to create a cleaner, greener future. We are absolutely delighted to receive this prestigious award, and very proud of what we have achieved,” said William Watkins, Radnor Hills managing director.

The firm was among a host of Wales’ most innovative, sustainable and forward-thinking manufacturers in the spotlight at the annual awards held at Cardiff City Hall on October 3.

Having been dedicated to producing quality spring waters and soft drinks for the last 30 years, Radnor Hills said it has always been mindful of the environment and the rural landscape in which it works.

It recently became ISO 14001 accredited which means it meets the international standards of requirements for its environmental management system, because of its efficient use of resources and reduction of plastic waste.

Radnor Hills has introduced a spring water bottle made from 51 per cent recycled plastic called RPET.

Mr Watkins added: “We are very aware of our environmental responsibilities, as we abstract our pure spring water from the land around us. This includes our commitment to ensure that we minimise our packaging requirements and work towards a system that recycles our bottles and packaging.”

Mr Watkins founded Radnor Hills with the help of a Welsh Government match-funding grant for farm diversification and a £20,000 family investment.

Early customers included McDonald’s and a number of airlines. Today the company employs 170 people and is a £47 million business.

Radnor Hills portfolio of products includes spring water, flavoured water, functional water, premium adult drinks, healthy children’s drinks and fruit juices.

All of its products are packed at source at Knighton and come in a variety of packaging formats including pet, rpet, glass, tetra pak, as well as recently introducing a range of canned waters and soft drinks. All of the products are fully recyclable.