Sustainability
An innovative and evolving approach to sustainability working with partners who share our values
Driving sustainability across our operation
To make a greater commitment to a greener tomorrow we know we have to evaluate and develop all aspects of our operation.
Reducing our energy consumption and deploying renewable energy solutions helps us to increase efficiency, and we have also reduced emissions through various initiatives.
So, while we do everything we can to reduce the environmental impact of how we manufacture and distribute our products we also pay meticulous attention to the materials we use, and how we handle the waste. This includes pre-consumer waste from the manufacturing process as well as post-consumer waste, the end-of-life products generated by a replacement or refurbishment programme.
Closed loop recycling
We are proud to have introduced the first UK-based closed loop recycling scheme for end-of-life windows and doors working with installers to collect, recover, recycle and remanufacture post-consumer windows.
Our pioneering closed loop recycling scheme avoids waste, reduces landfill and includes an end-of-life window collection service for installers.
Through responsible sourcing and collaborating with partners who share our values, the amount of recyclable materials in a typical window installation is increasing.
Renewable energy
We have committed to lower our carbon footprint and are currently developing a robust process for measurement with a strong focus on lowering our Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
A planned expansion of our solar power infrastructure will generate an additional 183,000KwH of clean energy annually – a major switch away from fossil fuels lowering our CO2 emissions by up to 106,500kg per annum.
Reducing manufacturing waste
We’re committed to reducing our manufacturing waste while we recycle 100% of PVC-U manufacturing waste materials.
In 2023/24 (to date) we have recycled:
- 1213.35 tonnes of PVC-U
- 23.9 tonnes of metal
- 169.75 tonnes of glass
- 99.7 tonnes of timber
- 56 tonnes of packaging
Lowering energy consumption
- Low energy LED lighting throughout our manufacturing facility.
- Factory climate control delivering a 40% energy reduction in one year.
- 80% reduction in computer energy consumption by switching to Raspberry Pi consoles on the factory floor.
- A new air leak programme to reduce energy used by compressors.
Reducing fleet emissions
We do everything we can via procurement and planning to reduce the emissions generated when delivering our products.
- Increased capacity and lower emissions with a delivery fleet powered by low emission Euro 6 engines.
- A potential reduction in emissions of 10-20% through the introduction of new route planning software.
- Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation. FORS helps businesses to improve operator safety, fuel efficiency and to lower fleet emissions.
Working with partners who share our values
Epwin Group
Epwin Group, our PVC-U systems partner is independently accredited and certified to the requirements of BES 6001: Issue 3.0.
This ensures, and then proves, that our products have been made with constituent materials that have been responsibly sourced.
This independent, third-party assessment and certification demonstrates that an effective system for ensuring responsible sourcing is embedded in our supply chain.
UK recycling capability
This includes an ISO 14001 accredited zero to landfill strategy, segregating all waste from site before sending it to specialist waste carriers for recycling.
Recycled Composite Material (RCM) thermal inserts
Emplas also uses Eprin Group’s recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcements in our Profile 22 window ranges. Manufactured from post-consumer and post-industrial waste PVC-U, they further enhance the thermal performance of our energy efficient window and door ranges.
Saint-Gobain Glass
Saint-Gobain Glass, our glass partner, has made the commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
As part of this journey by 2030 it will:
- Cut scope 1 and 2 emissions by 33% and Scope 3 emissions by 16%
- Lower its use of virgin materials by 30%
- Move to 100% recyclable packaging
It’s doing this through the increased use of pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled glass cullet and through alternative energy sourcing.
Currently it recycles 100% of cullet inhouse but also more than 60kT/year of post-industrial waste from its suppliers but will grow this going forward.
