Surplex UK Limited Achieves ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Certification

Surplex UK Limited has achieved ISO 14001:2015 certification for Environmental Management Systems, independently verifying the company’s long-standing commitment to environmentally responsible IT recycling and waste reduction.

The internationally recognised standard confirms Surplex UK Limited’s systematic approach to managing environmental impact, from collection logistics to final material recovery, ensuring every piece of IT equipment is processed with minimal environmental footprint.

A Team Effort

“This certification represents a year of dedicated work from everyone at Surplex UK Limited,” said Matheus dos Santos, Operations Director at Surplex UK Limited, who led the certification project. “We’ve always operated with environmental responsibility at our core, but ISO 14001 formalises that commitment with measurable targets, documented processes, and continuous improvement mechanisms.”

Matheus joined Surplex UK Limited specifically to drive operational excellence and environmental performance. Under his leadership, the company implemented comprehensive environmental management systems covering everything from vehicle fuel efficiency to material recovery rates.

Beyond Box-Ticking

ISO 14001 isn’t simply about compliance – it requires organisations to demonstrate genuine environmental improvement year-on-year.

“Anyone can claim they’re environmentally friendly,” Matheus explained. “ISO 14001 means independent auditors scrutinise our operations annually. We must prove we’re reducing environmental impact with measurable data, not just good intentions.”

The certification process examined:

• Carbon footprint – Vehicle routing, fuel consumption, facility energy use
• Waste hierarchy compliance – Prioritising reuse, then recycling, eliminating landfill
• Material recovery rates – Tracking percentages of materials successfully recycled
• Supplier environmental standards – Ensuring downstream processors meet environmental requirements
• Continuous improvement protocols – Setting and achieving year-on-year environmental targets

Zero to Landfill – Verified

Surplex UK Limited’s zero-to-landfill commitment is now backed by ISO 14001’s rigorous requirements.

“Every server, laptop, monitor, and cable we collect is either refurbished for reuse or broken down into constituent materials for recycling,” Matheus noted. “Nothing goes to landfill. ISO 14001 verification means clients can trust that claim.”

The certification particularly matters for clients with their own environmental targets. Many organisations now require suppliers to hold ISO 14001 as part of their procurement criteria.

What It Means for Clients

ISO 14001 certification provides clients with:

Verified Environmental Credentials
Independently audited proof that IT disposal meets highest environmental standards, supporting clients’ own sustainability reporting.

Supply Chain Assurance
Confidence that environmental claims are backed by certified management systems, not marketing promises.

Regulatory Compliance Support
Documented processes that help clients meet their own environmental obligations and regulatory requirements.

Transparent Reporting
Access to detailed environmental impact data through Surplex UK Limited’s online portal, perfect for ESG reporting and sustainability audits.

Beyond Certification

“ISO 14001 isn’t a destination – it’s a framework for continuous improvement,” Matheus emphasised. “We’ve set ambitious targets for the next 12 months: further reducing our carbon footprint, increasing refurbishment rates, and implementing advanced material tracking systems.”

The certification complements Surplex UK Limited’s existing accreditations including JOSCAR defence sector registration, ICO data protection registration, and Environment Agency licensing.

Managing Director Mark Willis added: “Matheus and the operations team have done exceptional work achieving this certification. It demonstrates what we’ve always believed – that secure data destruction and environmental responsibility aren’t competing priorities. Done properly, they’re completely aligned.”