• Swindon & Wiltshire Eco
• Monday July 22 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

GWP instals solar panels at Cricklade factory

Packaging manufacturer GWP Group has invested £235,000 to install solar panels at its Cricklade site.

The business, which was established in 1990 and became part of Macfarlane Packaging in 2021, expects the installation of the 380kW solar PV system to generate 40 per cent of its total electricity requirements moving forward.

“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,” said managing director Ruth Cook.

“The carbon-free energy provided by installing these solar panels will have a significant impact on the sustainability of our operations.”

GWP, which both designs and manufactures a range of protective packaging, commissioned renewable energy experts Clean Earth to supply and manage the installation of the solar panels.

The installation, completed in early July, should result in carbon savings of approximately 70 tonnes per year and 1,750 tonnes over the systems expected 25-year lifespan.

Having become part of Macfarlane Packaging three 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 that is from renewable sources. One of the ways we are doing this is through the installation of 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.”

GWP Group currently employs around 100 people across its two sites at Cricklade, near Swindon, and Salisbury, designing and manufacturing a wide range of bespoke protective packaging products.

The wider Macfarlane Group comprises more than 1,000 employees, with sales of more than £280 million in 2023 across the UK and Europe.

Latest: GWP invests in new equipment as demand from online retailers continues to grow