GWP Group has invested £235K to install solar panels at our Cricklade manufacturing site.
Renewable energy experts Clean Earth supplied and managed the installation of the solar panels.
The 380kW solar PV system installation, completed in early July, is expected to generate 40% of our total electricity requirement.
Switching to renewable energy should also result in carbon savings of approximately 70 tonnes per year and 1,750 tonnes over the systems expected 25-year lifespan.
Ruth Cook, Managing Director at GWP, commented:
Although as part of the packaging industry, we have always been focused on how we can reduce the environmental impact of our customers’ packaging – through minimising material usage, efficient transport and innovative design – this project will be a real step forward for our own business.
She continued:
The carbon-free energy provided by installing these solar panels will have a significant impact on the sustainability of our operations.
Having become part of Macfarlane Packaging 3 years ago, GWP has renewed its focus on minimising the environmental impact of its operations to support the Group’s Environment, Social and Governance strategy.
David Patton, Head of Sustainability at Macfarlane Packaging, added:
A key area we are focused on across our business is to maximise the energy we use from renewable sources. One of the ways we are doing this is by installing solar panels across our Group operations. It made complete sense to undertake our next installation at GWP, where many customers are already receiving packaging delivered by our fully electric delivery vans.
