A Leamington Spa-based lingerie firm specialising in larger bust sizes is aiming to save up to £100,000 by stepping up its energy efficiency and waste reduction programmes.

Bravissimo, which employs 670 people across the UK, has joined a ­Warwickshire County Council ­resource efficiency programme ­designed to help companies reduce their environmental costs.

Bravissimo reviewed the way it prints 5.5 million mail order magazines a year and now uses environmentally-friendlier water-based inks, saving £48,000 in costs. It has also changed to recyclable packaging for postal orders, which has resulted in ten per cent cost savings.

Two new balers have been installed that should pay for themselves in 22 months with ongoing savings of ­between £7,000 and £8,000 a year, based on current values of cardboard and plastic that previously the company recycled but at a cost to themselves.

Reducing costs following the energy price rises of the past three years was also a motivation and the company is hoping to reduce its annual £120,000 electricity bill by 20 per cent through the use of energy-efficient lighting across all sites.

Debbie Sutton, who is responsible for the firm’s ten-strong in-house environmental group, said: “Through working in close partnership with Warwickshire County Council we are identifying a set of practical actions that will help us to save cash and carbon.

“We are looking forward to reducing our energy bills, cutting our carbon footprint and therefore helping to combat climate change. It really makes a big difference to have employees representing every area of the company who split their time between their main job and promoting the environment.”

Stephen Lewington, from Warwickshire County Council, said: “Our resource efficiency programme strongly endorses proactive measures that reduce both costs and environmental impact.

“In these icy economic times Bravissimo’s example may well be one to be followed.”