Our journey to a greener future
As part of the Saint-Gobain group, we’re committed to becoming a net-zero carbon business by 2050. We’re leading several initiatives to reduce our environmental impact and increase the sustainability of our operations and the products we sell in line with our purpose of making the world a better home.
Hydrotreated vegetable oil lorries
We've transitioned our HGV fleet to run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). HVO is a biofuel that originates from vegetable oils and is set to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% compared to diesel. HVO also produces much cleaner emissions with fewer nitrous oxides, meaning improved air quality for our colleagues, customers and local community. Find out more in our video below.
Moving to more eco-friendly packaging solutions
We’re collaborating with our bag, film and tub manufacturers to reduce packaging wherever possible, switch to more recyclable solutions like paper and cardboard, and use at least 30% recycled plastic across primary, secondary and transport packaging.
We’re also improving the recycling and safe disposal information on our plastic packaging labels to make sure plastics that can be recycled are, and in a safe way. Clearer recycling information on pack informs users of how to dispose of product residues and recycle packaging safely, and our new eco stamp highlights where packaging has been made from recycled content.
Biomass heating system
2022 saw the installation of our biomass heating system which runs off wooden pellets to heat our warehouse, offices and hot water. The renewable heating system is set to reduce our carbon emissions by 150 tonnes per year through decommission and removal of our previous diesel heating system and gas boilers.
Sustainability Action Group
Our sustainability initiatives are driven directly by our colleagues through our Sustainability Action Group. So far the group have introduced Sustainability Action Days where colleagues can take a day of paid leave to volunteer on a sustainable project in their local community, they’ve organised the installation of animal nesting boxes in our biodiversity area, and have built strong partnerships with our local community.
Biodiversity area
3.2 acres of our distribution site in Ruddington is dedicated to biodiversity, providing a natural habitat for local wildlife. We’ve planted over 4100 bulbs, 190 shrubs and 445 trees and continue to plant each year to sustain the habitat. Not only is it great for wildlife, our colleagues can also access this area to take a walk along the footpaths, have outdoor meetings or enjoy lunch on the picnic benches.
Reduced plastic on site
As well as various recycling initiatives on site, we’ve replaced the plastic air packs in our Gyproc Express boxes with shredded cardboard produced from recycled cardboard on site. We’ve also rolled out sustainable PPE for our colleagues which is made from recycled plastic and are exploring ways to reduce plastic in our POS and merchandise.
Plasterboard Recycling Service
Our sister-brand British Gypsum offer a Plasterboard Recycling Service for the following products:
- Gyproc Habito
- British Gypsum plasterboard including, Rigidur H, Duplex grade board, and thermal laminates
- Gypsum based ceiling tiles
- Gyproc Driwall Adhesive
- Specialists board and products
- Artex Decorative Plaster Mouldings (DPM) and Cove
- All Thistle plaster, except Thistle DriCoat
