HETAS hosts its first manufacturer roundtable 

Calvin May, HETAS Head of Technical and Certification, hosted the first HETAS Manufacturer Roundtable this month, speaking with industry partners on a range of topics. From standards and governance to upcoming legislation and future projects, such open-minded discussions are essential for like-minded individuals in our industry to affect meaningful change. 

This first roundtable was a great opportunity for the HETAS Technical Team to understand the challenges these manufacturers face on a daily basis, and for our stakeholders to see our work behind the scenes. 

In attendance were representatives from several companies which have Cleaner Choice certified appliances – including wood burners, multifuel stoves, cooking stoves, and biomass boilers.  

Passion for our industry 

Windhager UK, Chesneys, Percy Doughty, Chilli Penguin Stoves, and Ironwood Stoves took part in the talks, communicating the best practices they follow and providing their unique perspectives on the state of the industry. 

A clear passion for continued change, continued support, and continued innovation was evident across all manufacturers. Recent developments and consumer want for reduced emissions and increased sustainability has influenced a range of manufacturing processes, from solid fuel appliance innovations to recyclable packaging.  

But it isn’t just consumer demand that has fueled these innovations – a genuine want to promote the best is the primary driver behind each manufacturer: the best products, the best fuels, and the best practices combine to create sustainable, independent home-heating solutions that are fit for the future. 

Continued collaboration 

After the success of last year’s Cleaner Safer Group conference, the importance of industry leaders and stakeholders working together was once again agreed to be a priority. All manufacturers in attendance at the roundtable produce appliances independently certified on the Cleaner Choice scheme, verifying their low emissions and minimal PM2.5 emissions, and the importance of minimising emissions for the future of our industry was collectively agreed to be an important shared goal. 

Calvin May commented following the meeting: 

This roundtable sets an excellent precedent for how we envision the future of our work in industry. Collaboration is key across any industry – it is vital that we can come together like today so we can agree on our shared goals, understand the unique challenges each of us face, and look towards a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future. 

“Having a group of likeminded, technically knowledgeable individuals in the same room is such a great opportunity to highlight our aspirations and hopes for the future of our industry. I’ll be taking all the comments and discussions from today on-board, helping shape not only the work I undertake here at HETAS, but also my wider work in shaping Standards and policy for the solid fuel industry.

Sean Keller, HETAS Technical Services Manager, spoke on the feedback he got following discussions regarding the Cleaner Choice scheme: 

The value of Cleaner Choice and other initiatives across our industry to help consumers burn better was really clear today. Each manufacturer I spoke with made it clear how important minimising emissions is to them, and how consumer knowledge has only been increasing in recent years. 

Our industry’s future is bright, and I look forward to continuing to work with such dedicated and committed teams.