127 INTERVIEW Sustaining style Mark Henderson tells Alex Smith how Magicman’s repair service can reduce the environmental impact of refit projects Passenger ships are regularly refreshed and maintained to ensure they can keep up with changing styles and the rigours of their time spent at sea. However, if refit projects are not planned carefully, they can generate significant waste and emissions, according to Mark Henderson, CEO of Magicman. “A major refit requires contractors from around the globe to travel to the ship along with the shipping of goods by rail, sea or air,” says Henderson. “The waste produced from removing fixtures, fittings and furniture has to be disposed of and, depending on the location, the method of disposal may vary. New items, fittings and furniture also then arrive by sea or air, along with materials. The carbon dioxide emissions from both sides of the equation are heavy.” Magicman offers a more environmentally friendly alternative – it repairs and restores damaged fixtures and furnishings so they appear like new instead of replacing them. “Magicman is all about sustainability, preservation and minimising emissions, costs and time,” says Henderson. “By not removing or replacing damaged items or areas, we save everything that would have gone to landfill or incineration. Repairing items also eliminates the time, effort and greenhouse gases associated with manufacturing and shipping a new item. In addition, it takes several personnel – and sometimes companies – to rip out and install new areas, whereas restoration requires just one person. Productivity per person is greatly increased and cost over replacement greatly reduced.” The company has also taken steps to calculate and minimise the emissions produced by its team travelling to vessels to carry out services. “Magicman accounts for every flight and is committed to matching the annual carbon dioxide tonnage emission through the Trees4Travel offsetting programme,” says Henderson. Henderson adds that Magicman also invests in continued research and development to help it find greener products and prepare for any new challenges that may arise during a project. “Magicman has its own research and development division, which is important as new substrates and finishes are constantly being developed and introduced,” says Henderson. “New designs and competition between brands mean that we are constantly faced with new and innovative surfaces and finishes. Continued exploration of sustainable products is required to keep at the forefront of repair technology.” “ Magicman is all about sustainability, preservation and minimising emissions, costs and time”
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