When it comes to commitment to protecting the environment, Milliken has got it covered. The carpet manufacturer has had measures in place since 1995 and calculates the environmental footprint of everything from the production of raw materials to the making of its carpets to what happens to them once they are no longer of use.

The Wigan-based company has developed products to make itself greener. Recent innovations include a new cushion backing for modular carpets, containing 85% recycled content that is locally sourced, which extends their life. The firm's random-lay carpet eliminates the need for pattern-matching cutting wastage at installation, and its new high-friction coating keeps carpets securely in place without the need for wet adhesives, floor sealers or primers.

Staff say the company, which trades as Milliken Contract, always does what is best for the environment (81%), that such commitments are at the heart of how it operates (83%), and that its impact on the environment is improving (86%). Since monitoring began in the mid-1990s, total water consumption has been reduced by 60% with the help of the company's own technology. Conventional yarn dyeing techniques use large volumes of water compared with Milliken's own dye injection process. Total waste produced has also plummeted, falling by 70% since 1995, and the business works in partnership with its suppliers to reuse materials such as carts for yarn.

Staff don't think these environmental initiatives are driven by a desire for favourable publicity (71%, a score bettered by only nine other firms) and the schemes don't stop employees getting on with their job (83%).

From investment in more efficient equipment and lighting upgrades to timers on heating, Switch It Off poster campaigns to employing a full-time environmental specialist on the manufacturing site, the firm is committed to being green and these initiatives help Milliken meet its environmental targets year on year (82%).

The company was a founder partner of an initiative to recycle carpets by donating them to charity, and, alongside other bosses, Enrique Reyes, the managing director, continues this green way of thinking by leading by example on green issues (76%).

The environment is an everyday consideration at work (82%), employees say. They tend not to use air conditioning to keep cool in the summer (79%) and they believe teams think green (84%).