Sustainability helping GB Lubricants to win new customers across the UK

GB Lubricants’ mission to be recognised as a global industry leader for sustainability and minimising environmental impact is securing new customers and retaining existing ones across the UK.

The company based in Gateshead, which has been blending and supplying high-quality oils, lubricants and greases since 1877, has recently retained the highest EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating for the second year in a row.

Having achieved the highest level of award for the first time in 2023, GB Lubricants is delighted to maintain its place in the elite top one per cent of companies that are evaluated from the industry worldwide.

The company was independently audited on our Environment Social Governance (ESG) credentials by EcoVadis, which included assessments of our policies, procedures, actions and reporting on the environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement.

Aiming to achieve net carbon-zero manufacturing by 2030, the company’s long-term goal is to be as sustainable as possible in its purchasing of raw materials, manufacture of products and delivery of finished goods.

GB Lubricants has revealed that its sustainability mission is paying dividends, as the company continues to win new business and retain existing customers all over the UK. The company is keen to continue to grow its already stellar reputation as more customers focus on sustainability in their supply chain, minimising environmental impact and ultimately helping to save the planet.

“Our sustainability credentials are really important to our customers,” explains Amanda Byrne (pictured), GB Lubricants’ Sales and Marketing Manager. “Achieving this Platinum award puts GB Lubricants in the top one per cent of companies evaluated from the industry worldwide. Our customers are increasingly interested in and focused on sustainability. They like to know they are doing business with a company that truly cares about sustainability and the environment.” company has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable electricity and heat to power the business.

GB Lubricants’ highly experienced team of technical experts ensures that customers receive professional, knowledgeable and efficient support making sure they are selecting the correct oils, lubricants and greases for their vehicles, machinery and equipment. Operating in a wide variety of industries including plant, commercial vehicle, industrial, construction, agricultural and forestry. It is crucial that the right products are utilised to keep business around the country running smoothly.

Amanda keenly stressed that every employee at GB Lubricants in Gateshead has a critical role to play and contributes to the overall success of the business.

“Because of GB Lubricants' efficient manufacturing and blending process, we have the flexibility to bring new products to the market really quickly to meet and exceed customer expectations,” she said. “This and our industry knowledge and experience are two of our major strengths.”

In addition to the EcoVadis Platinum award, the company maintains ISO-accredited management systems for health & safety, the environment, quality assurance and energy consumption. These ISO standards help contribute to achieving GB Lubricants’ challenging operational and sustainability goals.

A series of projects implemented last year contributed to GB Lubricants achieving the platinum award for the first time. They included minimising waste, investing in a new filling line and becoming the first private company to connect to green electricity and mine water heat provided by an award-winning Gateshead District Energy Scheme.

Before connecting, GB Lubricants had to make major investments in groundworks, large-scale pipework, electrical infrastructure, monitoring systems and additional capital expenditure.

By signing up for 20 years, the company has demonstrated its commitment to sustainable electricity and heat to power the business.

GB Lubricants’ Managing Director Paul Booth is delighted that the company’s sustainability credentials are helping to win new business across the UK.

“Sustainability is an integral part of our long-term strategic plan,” he said. “Our aim is to be at the forefront of low carbon, sustainable manufacturing for lubricants worldwide.

“With momentum growing around ESG reporting and Product Carbon Footprint, retaining the EcoVadis Platinum award further cements our position as the supply partner of choice for customers and potential customers who wish to improve the sustainability of their own supply chain.”

Paul’s mission is to ensure a positive, prosperous and sustainable future not only for the company, its workforce and the local community, but also the industry and the planet.

“We have a responsibility to our local community, our environment and to securing a sound future for the business and our diverse customer base” he said. “Our customers rely on us for oil and lubrication products that ultimately help improve the efficiencies of a wide variety of vehicles, equipment and specialist machines.

“We all have a part to play. Businesses need to be flexible and forward-thinking when discussing aspects of sustainability and future strategy.”

GB Lubricants’ success over its long history has been built on a solid foundation of quality manufacturing processes, continual product innovation and excellent customer service.

The company’s long-term goal is to reduce its carbon footprint and improve the sustainability of all its operations and across its supply chain. This flows from raw material supply, product manufacturing, through to transportation and customer service, all underpinned by the EcoVadis rating.

For more information on GB Lubricants products, please call 0191 490 4312.