It is clear that there are significant challenges ahead on the journey to achieving a sustainable future. However, by working together as a team, both within our communities and as part of the international effort, then we are all capable of building a better world.
Managing Director
John White
Editor
Phil Nicholls
Feature Writers
Imogen Ward
Hannah Barnett
Antonia Cole
Finance Director
Filomena Nardi-Smith
Accounts
Chloe Frosdick
Angel Esherwood
Business
Development Manager
Darren Foiret
Senior Research Editor
Ginelle Lorenzo
Research Editors
Mark Simmonds
Judi Wheaton-Mars
Kristel Hitter
Natalie Martin
Becky Scrivens
Tarjinder Kaur
Matt Spalding
Sales Director
Richard Brightmore
Head of Projects
Helen Leisi
Project Managers
Kym Hamilton
Chris Renicar
David Earl
Dennis Morales
Greg Churchill
Josh Hyland
Taylor Green
Tony Ingrouille
Studio Manager
Philip White
Webmaster
Michael Stamp
Designers
Sarah Jones
Sam Moyse
Operations Manager
Gavin Bellward
Marketing Manager
Adam White
Events Partnership Manager
Joanna Wartacz
EDITOR’S Comment
– Phil Nicholls Editor –
Green dream teams
Editor Phil Nicholls thanks all the teams involved in the creation of this issue of Inside Sustainability.
Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of Inside Sustainability. As with so many great projects, this magazine is the product of so many different teams.
To paraphrase Aristotle’s Metaphysics, ‘the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.’ While my part is the editing and a small amount of writing, we have a dedicated writing team who conduct interviews and write up our insightful company profiles.
Our words are then passed to the studio team, who produce such stunning layouts. If the first bite is with our eyes, to quote another ancient writer, then full credit must go to studio for the feast of visual layouts that make Inside Sustainability so easy on the eyes. Truly, the studio team are the stars of the production team.
Yet, the departments in the company are legion, for we are many. From the project managers and the admin team to finance and marketing, there are so many steps along the road from initial idea to the finished magazine.
Of course, Proactive is not unique in being a collection of teams working together for a common goal. Each and every one of the company profiles in the magazine features a network composed of mutually-supporting teams. It is the sum of all these skills that makes the business work.
Just as an individual company is more than the sum of its employees, so too is an industry more than simply a collection of businesses. This issue includes coverage of four different events across different sectors, with each event helping to improve the sector.
Finally, we report on those companies dedicated to teamwork in business – from EcoVadis and B Lab to Arcadis. Each one is teaming up with other companies to help build a better world together.
So, as you move onwards to read the legion of company profiles gathered into this issue, spare a thought for all the many teams present throughout this vibrant sector. n
Latest developments from the UK’s industry
UNITED
Greenbox Darlington reaches completion KINGDOM
Greenbox Darlington has officially reached completion, delivering over 400,000sqft of top-tier sustainable, Grade A logistics and industrial space in the Northeast of the UK.
This completion represents a significant milestone for Greenbox, an innovative joint venture platform built by Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients, in conjunction with Citivale, a specialist logistics Developer and Asset Manager. Greenbox delivers best-in-class infrastructure with outstanding ESG credentials.
Greenbox Darlington comprises three prime industrial units, ranging from 84,950sqft to 215,360sqft. The units were designed to achieve Net Zero Carbon in Construction and Operation, setting a standard for how the commercial real estate sector can tackle the climate crisis and improve the sector’s environmental credentials.
As a result, Greenbox Darlington stands as a model for the delivery of energy-efficient, future-proof buildings thanks to its implementation of new innovative technologies and sustainable construction methods. Greenbox has pioneered the use of LPG at its Darlington site, achieving a 44tCO2e reduction over 22 weeks onsite.
Strategically positioned within close proximity to both the A66 and the key arterial A1 route, Greenbox Darlington provides excellent road access for both national and local occupiers. Stockton-On-Tees, Middlesbrough and Durham are all within a 30-minute drive, while the nearby Teesside International Airport, as well as the ports of Hartlepool and Sunderland, along with the Freeport of Teesside, allow occupiers of the site easy access to global markets via low-carbon locations, helping to build better, more sustainable futures for the UK supply chain.
“Darlington is quickly establishing itself as a great place to live, work or do business,” said Councillor Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Council. “The state-of-the-art facilities available at Greenbox are setting new benchmarks for sustainability in the logistics industry, which will help to attract further investment to the town and will create more high-quality jobs for local people –strengthening our local economy as well as supporting our ambition to be carbon neutral by 2040.”
Latest developments from the Italian industry
ITALY
Megamark partners with Tosca in Italy
Megamark, a leading distribution group in Southern Italy, has partnered with Tosca, global leader in reusable plastic packaging and performance pooling solutions, to achieve more ambitious goals than ever before.
With over 600 points of sale across Puglia, Campania, Molise, Basilicata and Calabria, Megamark ranks as the eighth-largest retailer in Italy, with a turnover of more than three billion Euros. Tosca has ensured both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility by providing durable, reusable packaging solutions tailored to the demands of large-scale operations.
To support its operations, Megamark is now using Tosca’s reusable crates for the transportation, distribution and display of fresh products at the point of sale. This exciting downstream partnership includes Tosca’s unique wood-look crates for fresh fruit and red meat, which facilitate the handling of 9.6 million crates of fruit and vegetables per year and one million crates of red meat per year.
By integrating Tosca’s reusable packaging into its supply chain, Megamark has achieved a significant reduction in costs for handling, storage and reverse logistics of packaging.
The adoption of these durable and highquality solutions has also led to improved logistics and storage processes, ensuring smooth operations throughout the supply chain. The long-term benefits of reusable goods that offer durability and longevity translate into continuous savings over time.
Sustainability is an integral part of Megamark’s mission. Thanks to Tosca’s reusable solutions, Megamark has minimised its dependence on one-way packaging, helping to reduce its environmental impact and achieve specific sustainability goals. Tosca’s eco-friendly packaging is in line with Megamark’s commitment to create a greener supply chain, benefiting both the company and the planet.
As Megamark looks ahead, sustainability, cost efficiency and logistics remain key challenges for the retail industry. The partnership with Tosca will play a crucial role in facing these challenges, with innovative and reusable packaging solutions continuing to support Megamark’s evolving needs. n
Latest developments from the Indonesian industry
The first IFC sustainability loan secured in Indonesia INDONESIA
To support sustainable development and advance Indonesia’s journey to a low-carbon future, the IFC has announced its first sustainability-linked loan, which will be used to expand green building certification of the portfolio of PT Nirvana Wastu Pratama (NWP), a leading retail and logistics property platform.
ASa member of the World Bank Group and the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets, IFC has invested equally alongside PT Bank OCBC NISP in a $53 million sustainability-linked loan with an 11-year tenure to NWP. Proceeds will support the company in decarbonising its property portfolio by improving energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving green-building certification through IFC’s internationally acclaimed EDGE programme.
IFC’s partnership with NWP will deliver clear technical guidance on establishing and meeting sustainability performance targets, refining its sustainability-linked finance framework to align with IFC’s green building and investment standards.
The loan is tied to two specific sustainability performance targets. Assets that have been in operation for more than three years need to achieve an absolute
emissions reduction target of 42% by 2030, as compared to the 2019 benchmark. New building projects or projects undergoing major retrofitting need to achieve EDGE Advanced certification.
“Working with IFC is a significant milestone which exemplifies our commitment to sustainability,” said Kevin Kow, Chief Executive Officer & President Director of NWP. “IFC’s support will not only help us to adopt greener building practices but also to set a new benchmark for the industry in Indonesia. We are confident that this joint effort will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions in our projects and benefit the economic development of local communities.”
The building and construction sector plays a key role in Indonesia’s economic and sustainable development. However, it is also a significant source of GHG emissions, accounting for 23% of Indonesia’s energy use in 2021. This figure is expected to increase to 40% by 2030. companies. n
Latest developments from the Kenyan industry
KENYA
British Red Cross and WWF announce Kenyan partnership
WWF-UK and the British Red Cross have announced a groundbreaking partnership which will see two leading UK charities working with communities in Kenya to combat the effects of climate change using the power of nature.
The collaboration will see the organisations combine efforts on projects supporting communities in coastal Lamu County at risk from droughts, floods and water shortages. By working alongside local people to restore natural ecosystems, the partnership aims to build resilience and reduce the impact of future climate and weather-related emergencies.
The delivery of the projects will be led at a local level by WWF-Kenya and the Kenya Red Cross, supported by WWF-UK and the British Red Cross. The partnership will benefit from £1m in funds raised thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Planet Trust.
Kenya faces severe threats as a result of climate change – a situation which experts say is set to worsen in coming years. Around 6.5m people in the country are currently affected by drought each year, a number forecast to rise in the future to over 18.7m Kenyans.
Meanwhile, floods affect an average of 75,000 people each year, with rising sea levels expected to threaten thousands more by the end of the decade. In a country where 60% of the population works in agriculture, climate change is making it increasingly difficult to keep livestock and grow staple crops like cassava, wheat and sweet potatoes, posing threats to both livelihoods and food supplies.
“Working with nature can be one of the most effective ways to help communities build resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges,” said Béatrice Butsana-Sita, Chief Executive Officer of the British Red Cross. “By combining the Red Cross’ longstanding experience supporting people to prepare for and respond to climate-related emergencies with WWF-UK’s expertise in protecting our environment, we will be able to make a real difference to people facing some of the greatest risks as a result of climate change.” n
Sustainability achievements and certification news
Here at Inside Sustainability, we shine the spotlight on the certification tools and achievements of those companies going the extra mile to be green.
Report by Phil Nicholls.
With every edition of this report, we are able to share with you fresh options and updates available to support companies on their journey towards sustainability. Today is no exception, with updates from B Corp and EcoVadis.
B Corp celebrates ‘Gen B’
In March, B Lab launched its annual B Corp Month campaign celebrating ‘Gen B’ –a movement of nearly 10,000 Certified B Corporations™ that use business as a force for good.
B Corp Month is an annual global campaign designed to increase awareness about B Corps and how they differ from other businesses. Every March, B Lab and Sistema B (the nonprofit network that certifies companies as B Corps) join together with a global community across 102 countries to celebrate this united commitment and collective impact. This year’s campaign highlights #GenB – a new generation of thought leaders who are creating a better future today.
“B Corps aren’t just companies talking about impact – they’re taking measurable action and proving that purpose and profit can
work hand-in-hand,” said Sarah Schwimmer, Co-Lead Executive of B Lab Global. “This B Corp Month marks a milestone year, where we’re seeing this global movement transform from a pioneering concept to a mainstream business approach that consumers, investors and employees increasingly expect.”
Joining the B Corps in time to participate was St. Ewe Free Range Eggs, the UK’s fastest growing egg business. St. Ewe has been awarded the highly-acclaimed B Corp certification, making it the UK’s first egg packer to achieve B Corp status in Europe.
As the UK’s first egg packer to receive the certification, St. Ewe cements its position as the brand leading the way as a force for good in the UK egg category. To be awarded the B Corp certification, businesses must meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
EcoVadis updates
Meanwhile, EcoVadis unveiled its Carbon Data Network (CDN) at the Sustain 2025 conference. CDN represents a giant leap-forward in Scope 3 decarbonisation, providing businesses with unparalleled access to insights on primary carbon data reliability
from their suppliers. Built on a network of more than 150,000 organizations, this streamlined collection and transparency of primary emissions data empowers companies to drive and measure their Scope 3 decarbonisation progress.
Only 16% of the world’s largest companies are currently on track to meet their 2050 Net Zero goals, underscoring the need for more robust GHG emissions reduction strategies and actions to meet commitments. Yet, businesses struggle with imprecise and inconsistent data, making it difficult to establish an accurate baseline and nearly impossible to demonstrate actual emissions reductions over time.
The CDN is powered by the EcoVadis Carbon Action Manager, which enables companies to engage suppliers on a decarbonisation journey based on their maturity level, helping to drive action and emissions reductions across value chains. Companies in the network have access to tools and resources – such as Corrective Action Plans, a Carbon Estimator and the EcoVadis Academy – to build carbon capabilities and accelerate their decarbonisation journey.
EcoVadis has also announced the winners of its ninth annual Sustainability Achievement Awards (formerly Sustainable Procurement Awards). Winners were announced at the EcoVadis Sustain 2025 conference.
The EcoVadis Sustainability Achievement Awards recognise companies with strong sustainable procurement programmes and individuals going above and beyond to drive sustainability efforts within their organisations. Winning companies included Hitachi Energy and Premier Foods PLC, plus notable individuals from BOBST Group and Concept 4 Limited. n
ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING
one planet – one chance – one voice
EVENT
PARTNERSHIPS
A selection of future events, followed by a preview of the Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit and reviews of WindEurope and Hannover Messe.
24-26 June 2025 InstallerSHOW
InstallerSHOW 2025, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, features 800 exhibitors and 30,000 installers, specifiers and decision-makers from the heat, water, air and energy sectors. This is the top spot in the UK for finding new products, networking, connecting with manufacturers and learning from live sessions.
click here for weblink
23-25 June 2025
Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit
The Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit is the only event dedicated exclusively to sustainability in the manufacturing sector. With 60+ industry leaders in attendance, it is a chance for visitors to develop strategies, navigate new regulations and position their business as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
Battery Cells
Battery Cells automotive system integrators, facturing supply chain. from around the world their technology to click here
20-22 May 2025
World Hydrogen Summit
click here for weblink 09-10
The landmark event in the industry’s Hydrogen 2025 Summit and Exhibition and most senior global hydrogen event and Rotterdam. The event features the C-Level hydrogen-focused exhibition in the world
click here for weblink
Cells & Systems Expo brings together automotive manufacturers, electric utilities, battery integrators, cell manufacturers and the entire manuchain. A truly unique showcase, companies world will launch products and demonstrate to an audience of professionals.
for weblink
FACHPACK
FACHPACK is one of the main events in Europe for companies that produce and use packaging. The fair provides a comprehensive insight into all relevant topics from the packaging industry, including packaging production, packaging technology, logistics and packaging systems or printing.
click here for weblink
industry’s calendar, World Exhibition is the largest and is returning to C-Level Summit, the largest world and much more.
Why not give your event exclusive coverage to thousands of readers and connections globally? Contact us: events@insidepublication.com
An overview of WindEurope.
WindEurope 2025
WindEurope united with the city of Copenhagen and its Danish partners to deliver another wide-ranging industry gathering, from 8th to 10th April 2025. The 2030 targets are looming – and Europe is looking to transform its energy system.
Denmark is the birthplace of wind energy, and the Danes are still breaking new wind power records right across the board. This is the only country in Europe to source more than half of its electricity from wind – up to 55%.
With the 2030 targets approaching, Europe needs big decisions and a determined push to reach these goals. WindEurope was the chance to come together as a sector – to set the industry on the road to success. The 2025 event attracted over 15,000 participants to see more than 500 exhibitors.
A busy exhibition hall
The WindEurope exhibition had been sold out for months. Visitors found an exhibition floor bursting with the latest products and full of companies ready to do business.
The event hosted a selection of startup companies, as the wind industry needs fresh voices and new ideas to fulfil its
potential. The Startup Pavilion, located in Hall C1, was where visitors could meet the newest names and faces driving innovation and leading breakthroughs right across the sector.
The Pavilion was organised to allow visitors to network with the start-up community. This was the perfect opportunity for everyone to find out about exciting developments in a number of cross-industry areas.
A welcoming conference
WindEurope organised an active programme of more than 70 sessions and events to run alongside the exhibition hall. This varied programme featured more than 350 speakers, covering all aspects of onshore and offshore wind technology, from designing turbines and planning wind farms to operations, all the way to decommissioning and recycling. However, this extensive programme maintained a focus on how wind can
support and drive the electrification of the wider economy. Of particular interest were contributions on how to accelerate the scale-up, automate both manufacturing and operations, plus how the industry could better understand fatigue and faults in larger turbines, in order to prevent them.
Topics under discussion included concrete examples of already-implemented operational solutions, experience and feedback from the field, including real-world data, as
well as innovative research, concepts and ideas that could bring the sector forward.
Additionally, WindEurope believes that women can break the glass-ceiling in the wind energy industry. The event therefore encouraged as many women as possible to submit work for presentation. Thus, WindEurope heard from a wide range of voices working on interesting wind-related projects and issues, in academia, the wind industry or other sectors interacting with wind. n
A review of HANNOVER MESSE.
HANNOVER MESSE
Running from 31st March to 4th April, HANNOVER MESSE 2025 shaped the future of industrial energy supply. With more than 4,000 exhibitors from all over the world, HANNOVER MESSE was the central platform for future-oriented solutions in industrial production. Drive technology and fluid power played a special role this year.
The world’s leading trade fair for industrial technology opened its doors under the label of ‘Motion & Drives’, as industry segments once again showcased their strength and importance as the largest supplier branches in the international engineering business. HANNOVER MESSE was the ideal platform to push global business forward thanks to its highly international character.
Facing challenges
The entire engineering business is under sustained cost and competitive pressure, while generally reluctant to invest due to global uncertainties and challenging political conditions. It was therefore even more important that HANNOVER MESSE 2025 served as a platform to demonstrate the performance and innovative power of drive technology and fluid power to the world.
Digitalisation was a key topic at HANNOVER MESSE. The publicly-funded research project
www.hannovermesse
Fluid 4.0, which focuses primarily on the Asset Administration Shell concept, opened up new perspectives for the industry. OPC UA specifications are being developed in the area of Power Transmission Engineering to optimise data exchange in Power Transmission Engineering. Interfaces to the overarching topic of Manufacturing-X were also addressed in order to design future data spaces for the industry, and to gear up the sector for the future.
Another important topic for this year was industrial AI. Artificial intelligence is the driver of the smart factory of tomorrow. At HANNOVER MESSE, visitors were able to experience pioneering technologies live from autonomous robots to generative AI. Attendees were inspired by informative presentations, interactive tours and hands-on demos. This was the ideal opportunity to discover how AI is transforming the industry and setting new standards. HANNOVER MESSE captured the pulse of the future!
Innovation meets sustainability
The special Fluid Power 4.0 Show in Hall 5, D44, was at the heart of the ‘Motion & Drives’ exhibition focus. This show proved to be the central meeting point for casting light on the future of fluid power and exchanging ideas and insights with experts. Exhibits and research activities on system control, energy monitoring, recycling management, carbon footprints and IoT integration were presented. The exhibition showed what the path to even more efficient and productive fluid power could look like, and what added value digitalisation can bring for manufacturers and customers alike.
Elsewhere at the event, the Conference Stage in Hall 5, D32, was the centre for transferring expertise and networking in the fields
of Power Transmission Engineering and Fluid Power. In the immediate vicinity of the special Fluid Power 4.0 Show, sessions were offered throughout the week dealing with specific topics on the latest developments in smart Fluid Power and Power Transmission Engineering. The programme was also supplemented with topics focusing on Europe, India and Italy.
Finally, HANNOVER MESSE also featured a programme of special displays. This included a focus on international trade and investment, key factors in the development and growth of economies around the world. This covered the interactions between countries, the transfer of resources and technologies, and the shaping of the global economic order.
A preview of the Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit.
Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit
www.sustainability-in-manufacturing
Running from 23rd to 25th June, in Nashville, Tennessee, the Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit is the only event dedicated exclusively to sustainability in the manufacturing sector. With 60+ industry leaders in attendance, it is a chance for visitors to develop strategies, navigate new regulations and position their business as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
The manufacturing sector is at a critical point in 2025. With regulations like the CSRD and growing pressure to meet sustainability expectations, manufacturers must move quickly to stay ahead.
At the same time, embracing sustainability can open up valuable opportunities. This approach can boost efficiency, attract top talent, enhance brand reputation and unlock new partnerships and funding. The Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit is the ideal event to explore the issues surrounding sustainability in the manufacturing sector.
Reasons to attend
Attending the Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit will be over 60 leaders from top companies like Implus, Alkegen, NOCO, EnerSys, Brady Corporation, Reynolds American Inc and Pretium Packaging. Visitors will gather to tackle the manufacturing sector’s
most urgent sustainability challenges and discover how to stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing landscape.
This event is the chance to collaborate with sustainability leaders and strategise about overcoming the critical challenges facing manufacturers in 2025. With increasing regulatory pressure and growing consumer demand for sustainable practices, tackling issues like Scope 3 emissions, energy efficiency and supply chain transparency is more urgent than ever.
At the Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit will be leaders from top companies, all focused on driving innovation and achieving measurable sustainability goals. This is the opportunity to build valuable connections, learn from experts and gain actionable insights.
The event programme is designed to help organisations lead in sustainable
manufacturing and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. Visitors will be equipped with actionable takeaways.
A full summit
Event organiser Hanson Wade believes that the traditional conference format is no longer fit-for purpose, so it has created the ‘Discover, Develop, Action’ format. The Sustainability in Manufacturing Summit will implement this format.
Each session will begin with 20-minute case studies from peers, sharing their most impactful sustainability strategies. Afterwards, there will be the chance to ask questions and dive deeper into the topic. Attendees will then spend focused time at their table creating an action plan
to implement the insights into their own sustainability strategy.
Applying this format will be over 17 expert speakers, delivering three days of 100% case study focused content. Visitors can experience interactive roundtables, two deep dive workshops and more than eight hours of networking.
The result is a packed agenda, starting with a pre-conference bootcamp workshop to dive into strategies for compliance, data integration and business value. Highlights for Day One include decarbonisation strategies and embedding sustainability into compliance. Day Two explores driving decarbonisation and energy efficiency, plus creating a transparent framework for sustainable and natural products. n
one planet – one chance – one voice
CONSTRUCTION
An introduction to the construction sector, with a review of bauma, plus a special report on sustainability in the supply chain, followed by company profiles.
bauma 2025
www.bauma.de/en/trade-fair/
The world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery was once more held at the Messe München centre in Munich, from the 7th to the 13th of April 2025. From the digital construction site to alternative drives and tomorrow’s construction methods, the most important topics were discussed, and innovative solutions were presented.
The bauma event is the world’s most important meeting point for the construction machinery, building material machining and mining machine industry. The famous exhibition is where key players, innovations, target groups and trends can all meet in one place. As the world’s leading trade fair, bauma reflects the entire industry in all its variety and detail.
Alongside the 3,000+ exhibitors booked for bauma 2025, there was a supporting programme as diverse as the main event itself. This included live demonstrations, the bauma FORUM, the innovation hall, the bauma LAB and lots of experience areas.
Key event topics
Every bauma event is centred around five key topics. The topics for bauma 2025 were climate neutrality, alternative drive concepts, networked construction, sustainable construction and mining challenges. Approaches to achieving climate-neutral construction in the future included greater
machine efficiency, more intelligent design of construction processes, optimised machine operations and the use of alternative energy sources.
Process optimisation in the use of construction machinery promises particularly good results with regard to climate neutrality. At bauma, the emission-related possibilities offered by digitisation and automation became particularly clear.
Another contribution to decarbonising the construction site can come from alternative drive concepts. Construction machinery worldwide emits several hundred million tons of CO2 every year, while more and more countries and municipalities are committing to a carbon-free future. In light of this, the industry is increasingly switching from traditional diesel engines to more environmentally friendly drives.
Electric motors have been a mainstay among alternative drives for construction vehicles and machines for several years now. Whether it was excavators, wheel
To learn more:
www.bauma.de/en/trade-fair/
loaders, rollers, dumpers or vibratory plates, many manufacturers have already presented new solutions from their ever-growing e-portfolio at bauma.
Making construction green
A key element of future-oriented construction is that the machinery used is becoming increasingly digitised. As a result, users gain a growing amount of data, which not only shows them the condition of the machines, but also provides valuable information on their performance and work quality.
Attachments are also playing an increasingly important role on construction sites. They are becoming smarter, providing more and more digital process data, and communicating with the respective carrier devices.
Construction consumes significant amounts of resources and is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gases. For these reasons alone, social development aimed at sustainability is inconceivable without the essential contributions of the construction industry. bauma presented the diverse approaches in the construction machinery world for sustainable construction.
Finally, the global mining industry faces the challenge of securing the economic supply of raw materials while minimising
negative impacts on the environment, climate and people. At bauma, exhibitors showcased the latest technology solutions to overcome the challenges mining faces.
In conclusion, the global stage is set for transformative discussions and groundbreaking innovations that will define the future of construction and mining. With a spotlight on climate neutrality, alternative drive concepts, networked construction, sustainable building practices and solutions to evolving mining challenges, the event inspired a new era of resilience and sustainability in the construction industry.
bauma 2025 was not just a trade show; it was a catalyst for change, uniting thought leaders and innovators to pave the way for a smarter, greener and more connected future. n
A partnership between construction and conservation
How the RSPB is Making mining more sustainable
To create a sustainable construction industry requires action at every step of the supply chain. For example, sustainable mining means not only minimising environmental impact during extraction but also ensuring that former mining sites are rehabilitated for future use. One effective approach is the re-use of quarries, transforming them into wildlife habitats. Inside Sustainability investigates how the RSPB is making this idea a reality.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a UK charity for the conservation of birds and nature. The charity brings people together who love birds and other wildlife. The RSPB also carries out conservation on a large scale, protects and restores habitats, and saves species from extinction.
Former quarries can provide a lifeline for wildlife. Huge swathes of habitat have disappeared under development in the 20th century, squeezing nature into ever-smaller spaces. In response, the RSPB has played a crucial role in repurposing disused quarries for conservation.
Ouse-life
A prime example of the RSPB’s sustainable mining initiative in action can be found at the Ouse Fen Reserve in Cambridgeshire, at the site of a former sand and gravel quarry. Through initial collaboration with German building materials company Heidelberg Materials, followed by work with concrete suppliers Brice Aggregates, the site is being
converted, creating a haven for bitterns, marsh harriers and other wildlife. The project has been designed to construct high value habitats for target species and incorporate significant public access.
With a 30-year lifespan, this carefully planned project is now more than half complete with more than 16 million tonnes of aggregates quarried from the site so far, as the restored wetland is gradually handed over to the RSPB to manage in perpetuity.
After this phased restoration, the reserve will include one of the largest reedbeds in the UK, along with open water, scrub and rough grassland within a 700-hectare nature reserve next to the river Great Ouse.
Mineral value
By integrating sustainable mining practices with long-term conservation efforts, organisations like the RSPB ensure that the land continues to benefit both people and nature after mining operations have ceased.
Back in 2006, a RSPB report showed local authorities were missing opportunities to
encourage nature restoration on a massive scale by transforming quarries into nature reserves at the end of their working life. It was found that mineral sites alone could make a valuable contribution to supporting nature’s recovery.
Consequently, Minerals Local Plans (MLPs) were formed as a system to ensure quarries deliver for nature. This is an organisation which creates policies that determine the amount of minerals that can be extracted over a given timeframe, where and when mineral quarries are allowed and how they should be restored when mining is complete. Plans for mineral quarries must comply with its MLP. The RSPB responds to consultations on MLPs as a voice for nature.
The RSPB is committed to providing safe and nature-rich places for people to enjoy in restored quarries. As a result, the charity also works directly with quarry companies and planning authorities, as well as local communities and conservation organisations, to boost wildlife numbers. For example, led by the RSPB, Nature After Minerals is a partnership programme, supported by Natural England, the Minerals Products Association and the British Aggregates Association.
Rescuing Wallasea
Another great example of reusing quarry materials for conservation is the Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project,
a groundbreaking initiative once more guided by the RSPB. This project transformed a former industrial site into a thriving coastal habitat, again demonstrating how sustainable mining and habitat restoration can go together.
Wallasea Island in Essex was created using 3 million tonnes of material from the Crossrail project, which excavated earth from tunnels beneath London. Instead of sending this material to landfill, it was repurposed to help restore natural marshland, creating an extensive wetland habitat. This has provided a sanctuary for wading birds, waterfowl and other wildlife, while also helping to combat coastal erosion and improve flood resilience.
By giving quarry and excavation waste a second life in conservation, projects like Wallasea Island highlight how industry and environmental organisations can work together to create sustainable solutions that benefit both nature and people.
It is clear that the creation of a sustainable construction supply chain requires balancing resource extraction with environmental and social responsibility. By adopting innovative practices such as restoring quarries, repurposing excavation materials and protecting vital ecosystems, organisations like the RSPB demonstrate how industry and conservation can work together.
NOOR AL SAHARA I
Noor Al Sahara (NAS) stands as a leading civil, road and infrastructure contractor, dedicated to shaping the future of the Middle East’s urban connectivity. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, NAS has delivered landmark projects that enhance connectivity, promote economic growth, and contribute to sustainable development. Managing Director Eng Ali Albasyouni shared insights into the company’s journey and achievements, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Founded in 2007, Noor Al Sahara (NAS) has built a solid reputation for delivering high-quality projects that enhance connectivity between communities and elevate the region’s infrastructure. Offering innovative construction solutions for roads, civil works and infrastructure, the company is focusing
on creating sustainable environments for generations to come.
With a workforce exceeding 5,200 and a fleet of approximately 1,900 pieces of state-of-the-art equipment, NAS is wellequipped to undertake large-scale projects. Noor Al Sahara Contracting serves as the
group’s flagship entity, supported by subsidiaries Noor Al Sahara International and Noor Al Sahara Transport.
The company operates three advanced asphalt plants – two fully-operational and one under construction – along with an in-house concrete batching plant. Each asphalt plant produces up to 2,000 tonnes of product daily, ensuring the highest quality standards and self-sufficiency in project delivery.
NAS offers a wide range of services including road, infrastructure and utility construction, foundation and soil stabilisation, paving and surfacing, road signalisation, demolitions, excavations, utility networks contracting, and more. The company has developed its portfolio to provide full solutions that meet the demands of clients, as well as being a supplier of quarry products.
“We have a mission to drive the UAE’s development by creating infrastructure that connects people, supports economic growth, and fosters sustainable progress,” said Managing Director Eng Ali Albasyouni. “Every project we undertake is a testament to our dedication to excellence, innovation, and environmental responsibility.”
Setting the tracks
As a company, NAS is committed to sustainability and received the Green Industries Eco Label award. With its diverse portfolio of services, the company adopts a proactive approach to minimising its carbon footprint while maximising operational efficiency.
To support these sustainable goals, Noor Al Sahara implemented an advanced fleet
management system that optimises fuel consumption and monitors carbon emissions. NAS has also started to utilise innovative transportation methods to move resources, such as using Etihad Rail. This minimises emissions and reduces the risk of accidents on the road.
“From paperless office systems to energy-efficient machinery, we continuously seek innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact and enhance efficiency.” explained Mr Albasyouni. “This not only limits our environmental impact, but it also streamlines our operations to create a better and more responsive service for our customers. We are always trying to minimise our carbon footprint because we care about the future and leaving a positive legacy for generations to come.”
NOOR AL SAHARA I
“WE HAVE A MISSION TO DRIVE THE UAE’S DEVELOPMENT BY CREATING INFRASTRUCTURE THAT CONNECTS PEOPLE, SUPPORTS ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND FOSTERS SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS.”
Managing Director, Eng Ali Albasyouni
NAS strives to complete all projects on time and to the highest quality, but employee wellbeing is also a priority. The company focuses on creating a positive workplace atmosphere and a sense of belonging for employees. Every member of staff is valued for their contributions and made to feel supported at work.
“Health and safety is really important to us,” added Mr Albasyouni. “Protecting our employees, contractors, visitors and the environment is our priority. We implement strict HSE and quality control measures across operations, in addition to providing comprehensive training to all employees on these issues.
“Integrating safety into our corporate culture has improved the quality and reliability of our services. We are ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certified, highlighting our commitment to upholding best practices.”
Delivering quality
Having completed several major projects, NAS has demonstrated its ability to meet a diverse array of client demands to a high standard. Among its most notable achievements is Al Faya Seih Shuhaib Road. This project involved completing 77km of road dualisation in a limited time frame. Worth AED 720 million, Al Faya aims to enhance national connectivity and road safety.
in the community or impacting the public life.
NAS completed asphalt work, backfilling and earthworks, as well as using advanced materials and technologies to create a smooth and durable road. The road has been designed to withstand heavy traffic and harsh weather conditions, optimising the project’s longevity.
“On this project, we had to carry out construction whilst still keeping the original road operational,” commented Mr Albasyouni. “We had to manage congestion and ensure the reliable delivery of our materials, which
clients to understand their demands. In every task, NAS is committed to delivering quality, encouraging teamwork and upholding its environmental and social responsibilities.
Investing in emerging technologies and digitalisation has allowed the company to implement these aspects into its operations.
Building connections
To encourage continuous development and excellence in project execution, NAS places a strong emphasis on building collaborative
relationships with its suppliers and subcontractors. Through consistent and transparent communication, the company creates an environment of mutual trust and accountability. NAS takes a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential challenges early in the process, ensuring that all parties remain aligned and informed throughout the project lifecycle. This collaborative culture not only enhances operational efficiency but also reinforces NAS’s commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes on schedule, while fostering long-term strategic partnerships within its supply chain.
Additionally, the company has an opendoor policy, where partners are able to make contact any time. This means that any problem can be investigated instantly, guaranteeing no issues are overlooked.
NAS also promotes an open and supportive atmosphere for its employees. Holding regular in-house events for birthdays, holidays or work anniversaries, the company makes
sure that employees feel valued. Significant achievements are recognised with awards, fostering an environment where everyone knows their work is important.
“Our vision is to be a leader of infrastructure development and conscious construction in the UAE,” said Mr Albasyouni. “We hope to be recognised in our pursuit of excellence and for our unwavering commitment to integrity. Personally, I love seeing our projects come to life. Transforming spaces and connecting communities through road networks creates significant value for the region. It is great to pass through an area and see the work we’ve done actively improving people’s lives.
“We have a great team here, who are all committed to delivering high-quality results. Despite any challenges, they are always ready to get to work and make the region a better place to live. Our passion for community and sustainability drives us to create effective solutions, building a better tomorrow.” n
Supporting construction in the KSA
Chairman
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan
The Saudi Contractors Authority is an organ of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce, concerned with the country’s construction sector. Established in 2015 through a resolution of the Council of Ministers, the authority aims to create a secure environment for national and foreign business contractors in Saudi Arabia. Hannah Barnett spoke to Chairman Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan to learn more.
The building and construction sector is the second largest non-oil sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is no surprise, then, that the contracting industry represents an integral part of this ever expanding and evolving market. The Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) therefore aims to organise and develop the contracting sector, building distinctive productive competencies and creating a safe environment of international quality.
Membership enhances a contractor’s credibility in the market and allows them to benefit from the SCA’s various services, as well as getting access to any necessary support and advice.
“We always work to find an appropriate solution to the problems and crises facing contractors in general,” said Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajlan, Chairman. “We do this by encouraging innovation and enhancing communication among all relevant parties in the sector.”
Ten years of work
SCA was established a decade ago, in 2015, through Council of Ministries resolution No 510. The resolution in question pledged to organise and evolve the contracting sector by contributing to driving development across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The authority seeks to achieve its objectives through developing related aspects of the working environment to reach the highest levels of productivity and quality. Key milestones include hosting the International Contracting Conference, which takes place in February each year and brings together global industry leaders. The company has also put large amounts of investment into training programmes, digital platforms and sustainability initiatives.
In March 2024, SCA also launched the newest version of its respected Contractors Classification System. The classification is based on a meritocratic evaluation process that considers a contractor’s qualifications. This includes financial capacity, technical expertise, project experience and adherence to quality standards. The classification certificate enhances a company’s market reputation and opens doors to business opportunities. It is also intended to improve the quality of services provided, reduce
commercial cover-ups and increase a contractor’s competitiveness.
SCA now serves over 20,000 contractors across Saudi Arabia, where it provides industry insights, training and regulatory support. The authority collaborates with public and private stakeholders to enhance efficiency, sustainability and safety. SCA’s digital platforms facilitate licensing, certification and compliance for industry professionals. This is done with the aim of driving the digital revolution.
Vision
Building future with confidence Mission
Organizing contracting industry through setting and executing high quality organizational standards, encouraging innovation, developing skills, improving communication in the industry and achieving economic sustainability
“Our commitment to digital transformation, workforce development and thorough sustainability initiatives truly sets us apart,” said Mr Al-Ajlan. “We provide an extensive knowledge base and best practices to help contractors meet international standards and improve business efficiency.”
Sustainable solutions
Complementing the substantial work of the Saudi Contractors Authority to usher in nationwide improvements and developments is the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).
The SGI is an ambitious national initiative focused on combating climate change, improving quality of life and protecting the environment for future generations.
The initiative was launched in 2021 by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, as a whole-of-society initiative. This means it is focused on uniting all sustainability efforts in the country to rapidly scale up climate action across the whole Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
SGI supports Saudi Arabia’s ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2060 through the Circular Carbon Economy approach and is also accelerating the country’s transition to a green economy. Three overarching targets guide SGI’s work: emissions reduction, afforestation and the protection of land and sea environments.
“We in SCA actively promote sustainable construction practices through initiatives like green programmes and modern construction technologies,” added Mr Al-Ajlan. “Our role is to educate, develop and support contractors, by adopting sustainability-driven approaches that align with national objectives.”
The construction industry is also undergoing a digital revolution, thanks to innovations
like Building Information Modelling, AI and automation. SCA supports this transformation and now uses digital platforms for licensing, contractor classification and regulatory compliance. “These advancements enhance efficiency, reduce project delays and improve quality control across the sector,”
Mr Al-Ajlan explained.
The SCA has made further significant steps by promoting model contracts which are designed to enhance transparency and efficiency in the construction sector. Recent initiatives include launching standardised contract templates, designed to reduce disputes, improve legal clarity and align with Vision 2030 construction goals.
A suitable role
Mr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Ajan has served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at SAC since 2024. In this short time, he has leveraged his expertise to guide strategic decision-making and organisational growth. Mr Al-Ajan is personally dedicated to advancing the industry through regulatory
enhancements, modern construction technologies and the empowerment of small and medium enterprises.
A quick look at his experience reveals that Mr Al-Ajan is undeniably already an experienced and distinguished figure in Saudi Arabia’s construction sector. As the founder and CEO of Sif Al-Imara Contracting Company, he has already made a name for himself driving excellence in project execution and innovation. Between 2021 and 2024 Mr Al-Ajan also held key roles as a Board Member and Executive Committee Chairman of the Saudi Contractors Authority, where he shaped policies and strategies to elevate the sector’s efficiency and alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
His extensive leadership experience also includes roles as a Board Member of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry between 2012–2016 and Chairman of the Commercial Committee, where he contributed to trade and investment growth.
Mr Al-Ajan graduated with an MBA from Cardiff University in 2001. Before that, he
studied for his bachelor’s degree in finance at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia. With a strong focus on collaboration, sustainability, and SME development, he continues to drive transformative change in Saudi’s construction landscape
“The ability to shape the future of the Saudi Arabian construction industry is incredibly rewarding,” Mr Al-Ajan said, in conclusion. “Each day presents new opportunities for innovation, collaboration and driving impactful changes. Seeing the country’s infrastructure evolve, and knowing our work contributes to national progress, truly keeps me motivated.” n
The company driving in Nigeria
Rosettee Construction integrates its sustainable vision into every project, ensuring that environmental responsibility remains at the core of its operations. Originally established as a steel structure provider, the company has evolved to offer top-tier civil engineering and turnkey building solutions. Executive Director Charbel Dib discussed the journey, during an in-depth interview with Imogen Ward.
Astory 37 years in the making, Rosettee Construction’s success is one of dedication, resilience and innovation. Founded in a small workshop in Nigeria, the company has since grown into a powerhouse within the construction industry, transforming the country’s skyline with innovative and out-of-this world projects.
“Whether commercial, residential or industrial, we are not afraid to put our mark on new and exciting projects,” said Executive Director Charbel Dib.
“We implement a forward thinking, innovative approach to everything we do and happily collaborate with a diverse client base.”
A longstanding reputation
Rosettee Construction has expanded considerably over its run of almost four decades – growing from a small enterprise
Executive Director, Charbel Dib
into a prominent contender in Nigeria’s competitive construction space that places safety and quality as paramount to its success.
According to Mr Dib, this is partially thanks to the company’s tried-and-tested customer-first approach.
“We nurture strong client relationships, have a proven track record for delivering projects – all of which are on time and in budget – and remain consistent in our commitment to using
sustainable building practices,” explained Mr Dib. “The construction industry continues to evolve, with new technologies surfacing on a regular basis, which we are always quick to implement to make our projects as efficient as possible.
“In an ever-changing world, however, one thing that will never change is our ability to provide a top-quality service to all our customers.”
Collaboration is key
The company has fostered longstanding relationships with partners and suppliers to guarantee that quality.
“There is a saying in life that is ‘one hand doesn’t clap’, and it perfectly reflects our journey,” explained Mr Dib. “We would not be where we are today without our partners. They are integral to our success, and we trust them to consistently deliver the highest quality supplies.”
These key partners include the likes of Mantrac Nigeria, which is the authorised seller of Caterpillar equipment within Africa; and Schneider Electric, which regularly supplies Rosettee Construction with innovative building technologies. Kirby Building Systems which has Rosettee Construction as an authorised builder for over 20 years for all its PEB structures sold to Nigeria. Alaro City and Rendeavour which also partnered with Rosettee Construction in building one of the biggest cities in Africa in Lekki Free Zone, Lagos State. Plus, Delta Industrial Equipment Limited which is the authorised distributor for Perkins engines in Nigeria.
Rosettee Construction has already constructed more than 16 power plants across the nation with the aid of these and other companies.
An electric partnership Interestingly, the company also recently evolved its relationship with Schneider Electric, when the supplier found itself in need of a reliable company to renovate its Nigerian offices.
“Being able to design and renovate Schneider Electric’s West Africa Hub has been a true honour,” commented Mr Dib. “The project involved redesigning the entire four-storey building, incorporating a stacking area, canteen, reception, open and private offices, and a social media section. It was a really fun project, which ended with a visit from top Schneider Electric Management and the French Consulate in Nigeria for the inauguration.”
Completed in 2024, this project saw Rosettee Construction successfully design and execute the renovation in just four months, adding it to a long list of previously successful projects for multinational clients.
Similar to all of Rosettee Construction’s other contracts, this building was designed with sustainability in mind. The new office was redeveloped using sustainable practices and now also comes complete with its own electric car charging station.
“Each project is handled with care and importance, and we execute them as if we are doing so for Rosettee itself,” explained Mr Dib. “It is one of the reasons we have managed to retain such an abundance of repeat custom throughout the years.”
Green to the core
Another great project, based in Kaduna, saw the construction expert build an entire farm in collaboration with Arla Foods. This project took just over a year to complete and enabled Rosettee Construction to flex its diverse capabilities once more with the installation of a heifer house, cow house, calf pen, holding yard, residential, dormitories and a helipad. Due to the farm’s remote location
solar panels were also installed to ensure it could generate enough power to provide 24/7 operations and animal care.
Rosettee Construction is certainly no stranger when it comes to sustainable solutions. As environmental concerns continue to grow globally, the construction company is implementing as many sustainable practices as it can to lay the way forward for eco-friendly construction.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do,” shared Mr Dib. “We prioritise energy efficiency, sustainable materials and waste reduction across all our processes and construction sites. We also aim to incorporate solar panels in all of our builds alongside HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.”
Rosettee Construction is quick to implement new technological advancements, utilising rainwater harvesting systems and low flow plumbing fixtures to avoid overconsumption wherever possible. In addition, the company relies on
Exceptional records:
Modular BIM to optimise all its designs, ensuring that every aspect of construction is accounted for.
Beyond materials and design, the company is also working towards obtaining its ISO 14001 certification. Once achieved, this recognition will be a great step forward for the company in its determination to identify and manage its own environmental impact.
“Having already worked on a number of projects which require an EDGE certification, we feel confident in our ability to obtain our ISO 14001 certificate,” said Mr Dib. “In fact, we are on track to accomplish this goal by the third quarter of this year.”
Once achieved, this will be an important step forward in the company’s plans for the future, which are heavily focused on sustainable growth.
“Looking ahead, Rosettee Construction intends to continue driving sustainable growth and fostering innovation, to solidify our position as a key player within Nigeria’s construction industry,” continued Mr Dib, in conclusion. “Of course, we are also looking to expand our footprint into the rest of West Africa, but we cannot lose sight of our green values and how they can continue to aid our customers as well as the construction industry more broadly.” n
With safety being a top priority at Rosettee Construction, the company is incredibly proud to have gone almost eight years without any serious accidents on site.
Rapidrop is a British manufacturer and supplier of fire sprinklers and suppression equipment. The company offers tailored solutions from its worldwide sales and distribution network. UK & Ireland Sales Manager Afolabi Akinsanya, Director Martyn Curran and Director Martyn Willimer discussed sustainability initiatives and investments for the future. Report by Antonia Cole.
(left to right) UK & Ireland Sales Manager Afolabi Akinsanya, IFI Sales Director Martyn Curran & Director Martyn Willimer
Since its establishment in 2003, Rapidrop has significantly grown its presence around the world, Director Martyn Willimer said: “In our first four years, we were only exporting to 22 countries. We expanded very quickly and now export to over 80 countries. With distributions centres located in the UK, Poland, Denmark, Netherlands, Dubai and India, we have an extensive global network. We have over 130 members of staff working around the world to deliver fire safety products and protect lives.”
Headquartered in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, Rapidrop’s origins date back to 1983 with the incorporation of IFI, an industrial fastener, fixing, sealant and adhesive company. In 1998, IFI introduced flexible sprinkler pipe connections, which led to the creation of Rapidrop. IFI Group became Rapidrop Global in 2010, focusing on the production of fire sprinkler heads for commercial applications and serving the needs of the fire detection and suppression industries worldwide.
Rapidrop was the first company to gain LPCB approval for flexible sprinkler
connections. This passion for fire safety has continued and the company is an active member in relevant industry groups including BAFSA and EFSN. Through this, Rapidrop is able to stay engaged with market developments and thereby have an impact of the sector’s future.
“Rapidrop has the right products and the right attitude,” added UK & Ireland Sales Manager Afolabi Akinsanya. “There are constantly new changes and challen-ges, but we are focused on innovation and are always ready to adapt to evolving circumstances. We deliver on quality, service and safety. It’s great to know we’re making a difference.”
Product innovation
The first product created by the Rapidrop fire division was the flexible sprinkler hose connection. This product is an alternative solution to the traditional hard pipe method which reduces installation time and costs. It is an adjustable corrugated stainless steel connection, removing the need for cutting, threading and precise measurements.
“Since the introduction of the flexible sprinkler connection, we have expanded our product range to offer full-package solutions,” explained Mr Willimer. “We attract clients because we offer something different, but it is important that we are meeting all of their demands. Therefore, we heavily invested in R&D and manufacturing and took the big step to manufacture fire sprinklers with internationally recognised approvals at our facility based in the UK. Offering these products to the market has taken us from strength to strength all around the world.”
Rapidrop’s ability to manufacture products in the UK has given the company an increased agility and control over its portfolio. The company can bring new products to market quickly and can efficiently customise equipment features to suit client requirements.
As Rapidrop operates in many different countries, the company adapts its structure to suit the demands of each market. With teams based around the world, Rapidrop is able to identify what adjustments are necessary to drive the company’s growth forward in specific locations.
“We are quick to react to the market,” continued Mr Akinsanya. “Having the right industry knowledge and facilities means that we can continuously innovate and lead the sector. We make sure to work really closely with people, whether that be our clients, partners or suppliers. Engaging in
those conversations, understanding their needs and delivering individual solutions has built strong trust in our relationships.
“The fact that we are both manufacturers and distributors is also a significant benefit for us.
We understand the entire process, from the initial design to the product reaching the end-user. Our expertise offers the right support to our clients, setting them up for success.”
Minimising impacts
As Rapidrop provides full solutions to its clients, the number of deliveries required is reduced. The company is able to deliver everything the client needs in one trip, minimising transportation time and emissions. Rapidrop has also worked to become zero waste to landfill, implementing recycling initiatives and minimising packaging materials. The company has reduced its internal manufacturing waste by more than half.
“Recently, we acquired ISO 14001 accreditation,” commented Director Martyn Curran. “It was quite a straightforward process, as we already had the necessary practices in place. What we saw as normal practice, was already up to the required standards for certification approval. This was really good for us and has set us on the way to improving our environmental impact even further.
Over the past year, Rapidrop has upgraded its fleet of delivery vans to be more environmentally-friendly. This investment has increased the company’s efficiency by approximately 15% and provides a better service to clients. Additionally, Rapidrop has limited its water use in operations by 25% in the last year.
The company regularly invests in new machinery to optimise production. By implementing semi-automated production lines, Rapidrop has reduced energy consumption and improved manufacturing accuracy. As the company completes the majority of its own manufacturing and assembly processes, it is essential that its machinery is modern and efficient.
“We also collaborate with our suppliers in an ongoing process to improve sustainability,” added Mr Curran. “This involves reducing plastics in packaging and paying attention to the impact of the entire supply chain. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor for our clients.
Inspiring people
It is essential that we are improving the impact of our supply chain so that we can meet these client demands. Environmental management is something that has been driving us forward and we intend to continue our progress on this journey.”
Rapidrop has worked on many prestigious projects, both in the UK and abroad. From the Shard in London to Galeria Korona in Poland, the company has installed a range of its products in large, high-rise buildings. With such a diverse portfolio, Rapidrop is able to meet these clients’ needs and guarantee safety.
“We relied on our supplier relationships to make these projects a success,” said Mr Willimer. “Partnerships have been a key part of our business over the years. We have maintained some of these relationships for over 30 years. We are loyal, consistent and honest, which makes it really easy to establish these long-term partnerships.
Our clients trust that we know what we’re doing and will deliver the best results. This keeps them coming back, which then benefits our suppliers too.”
To build trust with clients, Rapidrop created a training and development centre that showcases its products. Clients, technicians and installers can receive hands-on training for the products, giving them an understanding of how these products work and an insight into the wider industry. The company is encouraging more young people to engage with the sector through these workshops. Offering educational opportunities aims to inspire younger generations to enter the sprinkler market.
“It is great to see young people starting to enter the industry,” continued Mr Akinsanya. “New ideas and innovations are what drives the sector forward. We are constantly evolving and plan to keep growing in this direction.” n
NORDIC HOMES I
Nordic Homes is committed to delivering tailor-made, timber-focused prefabricated solutions that blend efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge design.
CEO Kaspars Šenvalds and COO Jānis Goloveckis recently shared how the company continues to elevate the prefabrication industry.
Founded in 2010 as a private home manufacturer in Latvia, Nordic Homes initially had a limited export footprint. Today, with a team of 125 skilled professionals, the company delivers over 12,000 square metres of timber-frame modular buildings annually. With a strong presence across Europe, Nordic Homes has grown its revenue to €11 million per year. However, its success has been shaped by overcoming significant challenges.
“Our defining moments have always come from adversity,” explained CEO Kaspars Šenvalds. “When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, we had to rethink our entire approach – exploring new markets, new ideas and new opportunities. This adaptability led us to establish a foothold in Iceland and Germany, allowing us to remain one of the few companies in our sector to navigate that period successfully.”
Flexible modular construction
Nordic Homes’ success is built on a foundation of flexibility and adaptability. Following its acquisition by an investment fund in 2011, the company initially expanded into
the UK, where it completed approximately 15 high-profile projects. However, after the Brexit vote in 2016, the company strategically pivoted to the Scandinavian market.
“Scandinavia was a natural choice for us,” said Šenvalds. “Not only is it geographically convenient, but timber construction is widely embraced in the region. Modular and prefabricated solutions align perfectly with the market’s needs.”
To accommodate the varying requirements of different regions, Nordic Homes
ised modules. “We tailor our production to meet specific local regulations,” explained Šenvalds. “Whether for the UK, Sweden or another market, we ensure that our solutions are fully compliant and optimised for that location. Many larger companies struggle with such flexibility, which ultimately limits their growth.”
Prefabricated projects typically start at around 1,000 square metres, equivalent to 20-30 apartments. The company’s largest project to date was a 12,000-square-metre student accommodation block in Liverpool, completed in August 2015.
“That project consisted of approximately 300 modules,” Šenvalds recalled. “By September, students had already moved
in, and shortly after, BlackRock acquired the development in a swift and highly successful transaction.”
Unlike mass-production modular firms that manufacture up to 100 modules per month with limited customisation, Nordic Homes focuses on high-end, bespoke solutions.
“We prioritise architectural design and adaptability,” said Šenvalds. “The largest module we’ve delivered to date features 75 square metres of fully-furnished living space, including a kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms and a living room.”
Delivering Icelandic luxury
One of Nordic Homes’ most prestigious and technically demanding projects was a fivestar hotel in Iceland. Located in a seismic zone and overlooking a fjord, this project required an innovative hybrid approach using concrete, steel and timber. The company supplied 54 prefabricated timber-frame hotel rooms and over 6,500 square metres of prefabricated timber and mass timber elements to integrate with the steel and concrete structure.
“This was an exceptionally complex project,” noted Šenvalds. “Many modular manufacturers declined due to the high-end specifications and logistic challenges of the remote location. However, our team was able to deliver a solution that met the project’s exacting standards.”
Given the luxury nature of the hotel, high-quality materials were essential. “The flooring alone cost over €200 per square metre,” Šenvalds added.
To ensure seamless execution, Nordic Homes sourced and pre-assembled much of the interior in Latvia before shipping.
“We collaborated with seven Latvian suppliers to equip the modules with everything from custom furniture and lighting to TVs, audio systems and even a glass staircase,” explained COO Jānis Goloveckis. “By pre-installing these elements, we minimised on-site work, ensuring that upon delivery, all that was needed was unpacking, a final clean and a quality check.”
Strong & trusted partnerships
Executing complex projects like the Icelandic hotel requires a robust and reliable supply chain. Nordic Homes places great emphasis on selecting suppliers who consistently deliver on time and to specification.
“Reliable suppliers reduce operational headaches and allow us to focus on innovation and problem-solving,” said Šenvalds. “If we compare similar offers, we prioritise the partner with a proven track record of dependability over the cheapest option.”
Goloveckis echoed this sentiment: “Choosing the lowest price isn’t always the best decision. In logistics, for example, working with an inexperienced provider may lead to costly delays or rework, even if there are no direct financial penalties. Time is a valuable resource, and inefficiencies impact our ability to deliver high-quality results.”
Customer-centric solutions
Nordic Homes prides itself on open, transparent, and solution-oriented collaboration with clients. Rather than imposing rigid prefabrication constraints, the company works with clients to bring their architectural visions to life.
“We don’t tell clients, ‘this is all we can do,’” said Šenvalds. “Instead, we take the approach of: ‘You have a vision, and this is how we can help make it a reality.’”
With this customer-first mindset, Nordic Homes is actively exploring opportunities to expand beyond its current markets in Germany and Iceland, with a renewed focus on the UK.
“There is a saying among architects: ‘Your tombstone is paid for by others, but it remains your legacy,” Šenvalds reflected. “The same applies to buildings. We design and construct spaces that will stand for generations. If we can contribute to creating lasting, well-designed and efficient buildings, then we have achieved our goal.” n
CEO, Kaspars Šenvalds
COO, Jānis Goloveckis
When it comes to the construction of multi-purpose city centre builds, Hungarian-based TriGranit has mastered the art. Having developed many major greenfield projects that are now certified BREEAM Excellent, the company is now re-developing its first building owned by another company. CEO Tomasz Lisiecki, Leasing Director, Hungary, Károly Dömötör Makk and Board Member & Real Estate Development Director of DRFG Jan Pelíšek divulged on the journey, during an in-depth interview with Imogen Ward.
Ever since it was established back in 1997, premier real estate development platform TriGranit has gone on to implement many major projects across Central and Eastern Europe. Maintaining a strong focus on
Leasing Director, Hungary, Károly Dömötör Makk
creating out-of-this-world, sustainable spaces, the company has developed over 50 projects across seven countries, which incorporate office buildings, retail centres and even residential lots.
CEO, Tomasz Lisiecki
Board Member, TriGranit, Jan Pelíšek
“Although TriGranit was originally established to build modern shopping centres in Central and Eastern Europe, the company quickly evolved, taking on a number of major urban regeneration developments and turning them into multi-purpose spaces,” explained CEO Tomasz Lisiecki.
Going green in Budapest
One of the most prominent and high-profile projects taken on by TriGranit is the Millennium Gardens. Situated on the bank of the Danube in Budapest, this 37,200-square-metre office building features 11 floors of certified BREEAM excellence.
“We built Millennium Gardens from the ground up, integrating a diverse range of sustainable and energy-efficient solutions to meet the strictest of green standards,” said Leasing Director, Hungary, Károly Dömötör Makk. “The results have earned us BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and Access4You ‘Gold’ certifications, along with several awards that we are incredibly proud of.”
Having dedicated almost 30 years to this impressive example of craftmanship, TriGranit was incredibly grateful for the recognition of Best Office Development of the Year at the 2024 CIJ Awards, which highlighted both the company’s stellar construction and the
Millennium Gardens, Budapest, and the investor of the building: Revetas Capital.
incredible work of the internationally recognised architecture firm that it partnered with to make this build a possibility.
“Whenever an international body recognises development within Hungary, it’s a big deal,” continued Mr Dömötör Makk. “And of course, there is always fierce competition to contend with in the Hungarian market, which makes this recognition all the more special. It is also recognition of the unique design of the
building too, which features huge terraces that create natural shading, exceptional glass fenestration, water irrigation systems and spacious green spaces that promote a healthy work-life balance.”
The building also incorporates energy-efficient climate control, which is monitored and optimised by its own advanced Building Management System – making it a true marvel of modern energy efficiency. Although astounding, this build is just one of many constructed by TriGranit, and with a running total of more than two million square metres of developed space (equating to a value of €2.5 billion), there is a lot of ground to cover.
Sustainable success in Kraków
One of TriGranit’s more recent accomplishments comes in the form of B4B business park in Kraków. Labelled a landmark office development, and sitting at a whopping 100,000 square metres, this project is currently the largest of its kind in the city.
This development, which was designed for mixed use, consists of eight different buildings that were successfully converted from an industrial brownfield site to retail, office and community spaces. Just like Millennium Gardens, this business park’s design was also driven by sustainability and underwent €2 million in environmental works to ensure it met BREEAM standards and successfully convert it into a Polish paradise.
The build also features almost 6,000 square metres of green area known as B4B Oasis, which provides open space where business and leisure can align.
“The development of B4B began back in 2003, when we purchased a former chemical plant,” revealed Mr Lisiecki. “This was a huge undertaking for us, and at one point it became the largest environmental reclamation project in Central Eastern Europe. Initial development
was focused on Bonarka City Center, a major shopping mall situated adjacent to the B4B park, before we moved on to constructing eight office buildings over the course of 15 years.”
Featuring around 270 stores, 20 restaurants and a 20-screen cinema, Bonarka City Center is a crucial element of the B4B complex, which neatly ties the park’s business and leisure elements together.
“In line with the BREEAM certification, we only utilised legally harvested and traded timber, we also completed due diligence when it came to selecting subcontractors, relying solely on BREEAM certified companies to see the project through,” explained Mr Dömötör Makk. “Overall, it is a significantly lengthy process to be able to meet all the environmental needs; one that we take very seriously.”
Collaborating in Warsaw
After many years of solo development, TriGranit began exploring new opportunities thanks to a significant shift in corporate structure.
Over the years, TriGranit has been owned by several different groups, from TPG Real Estate in 2015, to the more recent Revetas Capital which acquired the real estate development platform back in 2018. It was not until 2024, however, that the company would be taken over by an investment group with a big vision.
“DRFG acquired TriGranit in 2024 for several reasons: the company’s excellent references, its long-standing history, and its amazing team,” revealed Board Member & Real Estate Development of DRFG Jan Pelíšek. “
As an investment company which had previously focused on buying and managing assets, and is now moving into development, having a reliable partner like TriGranit was very important to us. So, we joined hands with
TriGranit and intend for the company to take over development of all our future projects.”
With the transition running smoothly, the two companies have already begun working together on their first project: the redevelopment of an office building owned by DRFG.
Excitingly, this is actually the first-of-its-kind for TriGranit, who has never before redeveloped a building owned by another company.
The building, known as as Signum, is located in Warsaw, near the Chopin Airport. Already a modern masterpiece, this building features ten floors of state-of-the-art offices and is certified BREEAM ‘Excellent’. As part of the development, TriGranit will be involved in installing fit outs for both existing and new occupiers, upgrading technology (including the building’s BMS system), alongside managing and improving the overall standard of the building.
Although this is the first building to be redeveloped by the two partners, it is expected to be the first of many successful
endeavours as the businesses continue through 2025 as one.
“Together, we intend to grow within the European development sector, before branching out into other non-European countries,” shared Mr Pelíšek, in conclusion.
“This is a very exciting prospect for us, and it’s one we foresee being very successful. We also intend to continue on the sustainable path laid out by TriGranit, by favouring the refurbishment of old buildings over new construction. This method has a lot of advantages and will be useful as we continue to tackle the huge potential of the real estate market.” n
Bin Moosa & Daly is a leading provider of European and Australian branded MEP products. With a comprehensive product range, the company offers full and effective solutions to customers. Commercial Director Luke Daly discussed Bin Moosa & Daly’s commitment to high-quality products and customer service. Report by Antonia Cole.
ASa company, Bin Moosa & Daly is committed to growth, Commercial Director Luke Daly said: “We are well positioned to expand further within the coming years. We have recently opened new showrooms in Dubai and Sharjah, which we are really excited about. These will set us on the right path to achieving our future goals.”
Established in 1967 by Michael F Daly, the company began importing construction materials to the emerging Abu Dhabi market. Joined by his partner, Sayyah M Moosa Al Qubeisi, BMD was formed. The company has grown significantly, generating a record turnover for the past two years of more than 150 million DHS. BMD was one of the first Abu Dhabi-based trading companies and now employs over 180 people.
With a team of skilled and experienced engineering, service and logistics professionals, the company quickly delivers tailored solutions for a variety of needs. As well as specialising in water flow and pressure products, BMD serves the offshore development sector with corrosion prevention, sealing technologies and hazardous area lighting.
The company has a diverse portfolio of products with more than 30 brands sourced from over 14 countries and is the leading local assembler of high-quality packaged pump sets. BMD has active sales outlets in Abu Dhabi, Musaffah, Dubai, Sharjah and Al Ain.
A growing portfolio
With showrooms being an important source of revenue across all of BMD’s branches, the company’s recent expansion will drive it
forward within the market. One of BMD’s previous showrooms was moved to Sharjah, to a location offering more appropriate infrastructure and better access to local clientele.
An additional showroom was established in Dubai, as the company has not had one in the area for over 15 years. This absence was due to difficulties finding a good-quality and well-situated location.
“I am very optimistic about the prospects of our new showroom in Nad Al Hammar,” explained Mr Daly. “It fits all our criteria and will bring our premium water products to a very accessible location for a large population of local customers. This includes clients who live in nearby locations such as Al Warqa, Mirdif, Muhaisnah and Al Khawaneej.”
BMD offers a wide range of products, but water pumps have been at the core of its business for more than 50 years. One of the
innovations, the brand drives sales for BMD. Additionally, the company offers products such as water metering, anti-corrosion systems, water heating systems, watersaving taps and water pressure equipment. All of these products come from reputable European manufacturers, creating a product offering to meet a wide range of demands.
company’s oldest suppliers is Davey Pumps, a leading pump brand for residential and commercial applications. Offering high-quality and reliable products, alongside attentive and informed after-sales support, BMD is able to meet the specific needs of each customer.
The company is also known for PVC drainage, having sold the famous Terrain brand for over 50 years. Known for drainage
“We have an exceptional facility for producing pump sets and RO systems, which is managed to ISO 9001 standards,” added Mr Daly. “Our pump sets have become the gold standard for local villa owners in this country because of our consistent good quality. We now produce 5,500 pump sets a year, which are quality checked in-house.
“As well as this, we can design and build variable frequency drive control panels that reduce the energy consumption of a pump set by varying output depending on demand.”
Optimising systems
Alongside delivering products that improve efficiencies and reduce waste for customers, BMD is taking action to minimise its own environmental impact. The company has removed all plastic bags and bottles from its showrooms. These have been replaced with reusable jute bags and water dispensers for clients to refill personal water bottles.
“We have many goals for the future of BMD, but one of the central areas we are looking to improve further is our offering of environmentally sustainable products for the construction sector,” commented Mr Daly. “This falls in line with the UAE government’s lofty ambitions to reduce carbon footprint by using the latest technologies. We are in the process of introducing suppliers whose products are solely aimed at water- or electricity-saving.”
Partnering with sustainable suppliers, such as German drainage company KESSEL and Danish company BROEN Valve Technologies, BMD is able to promote environmentallyfriendly solutions and reduce its own impact. These companies are taking sustainable action including powering their factories through solar power and introducing electric vehicle fleets. BMD is also partnering with a grey-water recycling company that offers affordable systems for both villas and commercial applications. The machines optimise water usage within a building.
“Our service teams visit sites before we deliver and advise contractors on the most efficient and effective way to arrange the plumbing,” continued Mr Daly. “This achieves the best and most sustainable results. We also complete the installation ourselves
when requested. However, our emphasis on after-sales support is one of the key areas where we set ourselves apart from the competition. We have close to 40 fullytrained service technicians across the UAE who are always on hand to rectify any issues that come up on site, making sure problems are resolved promptly.
“Our team also has to follow strict ISO 9001 standards for resolving issues within a certain time period and ensuring everything is reported on our CRM for future reference and follow-up with customers.”
Collaborative efforts
Last year, BMD entered a new partnership with SAPAG Valves. This company has a production facility in France that manufactures high-quality valves and has built a strong reputation by servicing high-end clients
including the French military, Shell and Total. This partnership fills a gap for butterfly and gate valves in BMD’s portfolio, enabling the company to offer a full selection of solutions.
“Teaming up with reliable suppliers is one of the main reasons for our success today,” said Mr Daly. “We need suppliers that we can trust to deliver exceptional products on time, but that also work with us to train our staff and provide excellent after-sales support. As with any mechanical product, it is essential that customers feel they will be helped with any technical difficulties they may have further down the line.”
Working with partners and suppliers who share the same commitment to quality allows BMD to build its reputation in the market, whilst also growing the supplier’s brand name. These mutually beneficial relationships have driven the company’s success and development over the years.
“The best part of my job is seeing our team working together to complete prestigious projects,” added Mr Daly, in conclusion. “This requires great coordination between our divisions, but the satisfaction of building our reputation through happy customers makes it worth it.”
CARBON REWIND I
Hertfordshire-based Carbon Rewind is on a mission to improve the nation’s energy bills, by providing the very best energy-efficiency solutions. Co-Owners & Directors Mike Pidgeon and Andrew Clifford discussed the latest company developments, during an in-depth interview with Inside Sustainability. Report by Imogen Ward.
Since entering the market in 2019, Carbon Rewind has dedicated its time to improving the UK’s existing building stock and reducing customers’ energy bills. In a time when electricity prices are reaching astronomical highs, this service is more crucial than ever.
“Andrew and I felt that the UK’s existing building stock was the most important factor to consider when reducing the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, and companies weren’t doing enough to spotlight that,” said Co-Owner & Director Mike Pidgeon. “That’s why we decided to fill the gap by establishing Carbon Rewind, and it was a resounding success.”
After tapping into a largely ignored area of the market, Carbon Rewind was able
to quadruple its turnover in just one year, offering broken boiler replacements under the Hertfordshire Warmer Homes scheme.
From there the company branched out into insulating – providing customers with underflooring and cavity wall insulation –and continued to expand quickly, adding more services to its remit along the way.
Growth unlocked
In 2022, Carbon Rewind’s capabilities grew once more with the addition of solar panel installation, a hugely popular service that led to some unexpected but incredibly exciting opportunities.
“In 2023, we were recognised as the Solar PV Installer of the Year, and it happened not long after we began offering the service,”
explained Co-Owner & Director Andrew Clifford. “At the time, we were involved with some very large schemes that meant we were installing around 70 solar systems a week, and that really enabled us to get our name out there and become a big player within the segment.”
“Solar panels are now one of our two fastest-growing installation categories,” added Mr Pidgeon. “Alongside heat pumps, they rank among our most frequently requested systems. In fact, many clients ask us to install both, as they complement each other exceptionally well.”
With so much success on the cards, it is no wonder that the company felt the need to expand its physical presence. In 2023, Carbon Rewind leased a brandnew warehouse in Wokingham and opened a further location up in Cornwall in 2024. These developments have been essential to ensuringa top-quality service spread nationwide.
“The new office in Cornwall was an incredibly exciting development, because it enabled us to expand our capacity,” explained Mr Clifford. “Not only did it give us the opportunity to construct a brand-new
sustainable and energy efficient building, but it also allowed us to provide new full-time jobs within the local area. We are really proud of how this project turned out, and we could not be happier with the team of people we have working with us.”
Every move taken by Carbon Rewind is done with its customers and its environmental impact in mind. Given the company’s strong focus on helping customers improve efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint, it was only natural for Carbon Rewind to extend that commitment to its own internal operations.
It quickly became clear, however, that without knowing its own emissions, the company would not have any solid foundations to actively improve upon. In light of this, Carbon Rewind began measuring its emissions in 2024 and expects to have a broader understanding of its carbon footprint later this year.
“We are using a third-party measuring tool called FutureTracker to better understand the impacts of our activities,” said Mr Clifford. “In 2024, we also began our journey to becoming B Corp certified and are looking into gaining ISO 14001 as well.
“These are all necessary steps we need to take to better align ourselves with our commitment to sustainability.”
A caring attitude
Carbon Rewind takes its commitments to its customers seriously, making sure to offer as much support to its customers as possible. The company guides them through every step of the process and clearly explains how to correctly use the systems.
“A large portion of our customers are in the older, more vulnerable demographic,” explained Mr Pidgeon. “So, ensuring the appropriate aftercare is in place is essential.”
The company also partners with a variety of schemes to help make the process more accessible and affordable for everyone. Having started the business with the support of the Hertfordshire Warmer Homes scheme, government funding has become a cornerstone of Carbon Rewind’s offering.
“We do a lot of work through the Government’s Energy Company Obligations (ECO) scheme,” said Mr Pidgeon. “That has always been a key scheme for us to get involved with, and we are finding that as time goes on, the amount of government funding being injected into domestic retrofit is increasing. Because of this, we have been able to get involved with a lot of different schemes, including the Home Upgrade Grant, the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund, and we are very excited about the Warm Homes Grant which is being implemented this year.”
The incoming scheme will be available to households with an income of £36,000 or less that live in houses with an EPC rating between D and G. Those eligible will be entitled to receive up to £30,000 split across various energy efficiency upgrades.
This grant has the potential to help thousands of households across the UK, the only problem is, people are often unaware of what is available to them.
“These grants are great, but they aren’t advertised enough, and they just aren’t very well known to the public,” revealed Mr Pidgeon. “We’d love to see a stronger
focus placed on these initiatives, to really ensure the message is getting out there to everyone that needs the support.
“Carbon Rewind regularly engages with the local business community in order to try and push for a greater use of these schemes, and when we are working within people’s properties, we always encourage them to utilise the grants and tell their friends and family about them too.”
A
future filled with potential
The company intends to keep spreading the word on government grants as it makes its way through 2025, all while increasing its capabilities and growing its business.
“No matter what, the government will continue to invest in the housing stock, and from that point of view, we are very well positioned within an industry that’s unlikely to stop growing,” said Mr Pidgeon. “Carbon Rewind intends to expand its operations geographically and focus in on major projects now that we have proven we can deliver them successfully.
“Following that, our next step will be to follow the natural progression into commercial buildings, because everything we do in a domestic setting can be scaled up easily to meet the needs of much larger infrastructures, such as schools.”
“We look forward to being able to put our expertise to work in order to help more people across the UK,” concluded Mr Clifford. “We have met countless people in need over the years, and our improvements have really had a positive impact on their lives. That is something we will continue to prioritise going forward.”
Woodstock Homes is a family-owned developer building high-quality homes across Southwest England and Wales. As part of the Woodstock Group, with Woodstock Strategic and Woodstock Partnerships, the company strives to build energy-efficient, sustainable homes offering the best in contemporary living. Managing Director James Hutchinson discussed sustainability strategy, in conversation with Antonia Cole.
Constructing high-quality properties with thoughtful design, Woodstock Homes continues to grow year on year, Managing Director James Hutchinson said: “In 2021, our annual turnover was around £8 million. In just two years, we grew that number to £21 million, and we are forecasting to achieve our goal of £50 million turnover by the end of 2027, which will be an extraordinary achievement.”
Located in Bristol, Woodstock Homes was established in 1996. The company’s founder and owner, Martin Newman, created the business to build homes that people can feel proud to own. Focused on high-quality and functional designs, Woodstock has been transforming spaces for almost 30 years.
Over the past four years, the company has been dedicated to expanding its capabilities. Previously, Woodstock concentrated on small, private, open-market developments in the local market. With the development of Woodstock Partnerships and Woodstock Strategic, the company has diversified its offering to be able to take advantage
of new opportunities. Woodstock Partnerships delivers affordable housing schemes on behalf of housing associations while Woodstock Strategic focuses on promoting land through the planning system for residential development.
“These divisions complement Woodstock Homes’ growth,” added Mr Hutchinson. “It has been very busy and there has been a lot of change in the company, but we have a great group of staff who are able to adapt for success. The way each division works together has positioned us really well as a business. We just completed our first partnership project for 29 homes in Bristol and we have another three partnership projects in the pipeline, alongside three open market developments.”
Building green
As one of just a few SMEs in Southwest England providing strategic land management, as well as affordable and private housing, Woodstock stands out for its commitment to professional and tailored customer service. No matter the type of project, the company believes that everyone deserves to live in a beautiful and functional home.
“Our customers always come first,” explained Mr Hutchinson. “As a business, we prioritise doing what is right rather than purely being focused on the numbers. Our reputation is important to us, so we are always keen to resolve any issues. We want to leave a lasting positive impact, regarding both the communities we work in and the environment. By integrating sustainability into our practices, we can build a better future.”
Woodstock is working towards becoming net zero. The company partnered with a sustainability consultancy, Wanderlands, to measure and minimise its carbon impact. This involved transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting work from home practices to limit commuting, along with electric company vehicles. Additionally, Woodstock has begun recycling 100% of waste on its most recent sites.
All new homes built by Woodstock are designed to be energy efficient. This includes implementing features such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging. These additions will help homeowners reduce their energy bills and their carbon footprint, creating more environmentally conscious communities. Going forward, Woodstock is targeting to build only EPC A-rated homes where possible. By building homes that set the standard in terms of energy efficiency, the company hopes to future-proof each project.
“We embrace nature in our sustainability efforts,” continued Mr Hutchinson. “We are
careful to prioritise biodiversity in our developments, protecting habitats and making sure not to disturb wildlife. We deliver the 10 per cent biodiversity net gain requirement on or near our development sites and have recently installed bird and bat boxes alongside hedgehog runs across our developments, protecting these habitats.”
Innovative design
Currently, Woodstock has a range of exciting upcoming projects. Working with Curo Homes under the Woodstock Partnership branding, the company is developing 50 affordable apartments in Bradley Stoke, Bristol. The site will cover 0.58 hectares and consist of two four-storey apartment blocks. With a high-quality design, the project will address the need for housing while fitting in with the existing landscape.
In Henbury, Bristol, Woodstock is working with LiveWest to redevelop a former social club site. The project includes the construction of eight semi-detached houses alongside
15 modern apartments. Offering a community -focused design, the development aims to enhance the lives of people in the area.
“There are so many projects we are working on right now,” commented Mr Hutchinson. “It is a really exciting time for Woodstock. We have recently received resolution to grant planning for a scheme in St George, which will be for 68 apartments. In addition, we have some open-market projects starting this
year including 68 homes in Winscombe, 27 homes in Churchill and 26 homes in Brentry.” Last year, the company won the Boutique Development of the Year award for its project in Paddock Rise, Nailsea. This 14-plot development featured two-, three- and four-bedroom houses, as well as three bungalows. Additionally, Woodstock was a finalist for Housebuilder of the Year, Small Residential Development of the Year and Affordable Housing Development of The Year. Other achievements include the work the company has done for charity. Over the past couple of years, Woodstock has been supporting The Brightwell, a multiple sclerosis therapy centre in Bradley Stoke. Additionally, the company has begun supporting a homeless charity called Caring in Bristol to help people in the local community.
Trusted quality
As a family business, it is important to Woodstock to support the local community. These values extend into the company’s
partner and supplier relationships. Woodstock treats all stakeholders with respect, engaging in open communication and always delivering on time.
“This way of working has allowed us to maintain relationships with many great suppliers and subcontractors,” said Mr Hutchinson. “We prioritise exceptional results for our customers, and we rely on our suppliers to make that happen. By establishing these strong partnerships, then we can guarantee a reliable supply chain.”
Woodstock is in the midst of an exciting period of growth. The company is looking to increase its strategic land pipeline through Woodstock Strategic, which will then enable further development in its other divisions. Currently, Woodstock has an immediate project pipeline of over 400 homes, as well as a strategic land bank of around 450 homes.
Last year, the company focused on restructuring the business preparing for future growth and the delivery of many more high-quality projects. The company has already planned multiple new projects for this year and is expecting sustained growth moving forward.
“I am really looking forward to the future of Woodstock,” continued Mr Hutchinson, in conclusion. “We have a highly-skilled team who are passionate and dedicated to the work we do. Everyone is proactive and it makes for a great working environment. We won’t achieve our growth strategy without our fantastic team and incredible
customers. They are what drives Woodstock forward. Every member of Woodstock takes pride in what we do, and I hope to continue that into the future.” n
Managing Director
James Hutchinson
one planet – one chance – one voice
ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING
An introduction to the engineering and manufacturing sectors, with innovations and a special report about Arcadis, followed by company profiles.
An overview of Arcadis.
Founding the future of engineering and manufacturing
The race to decarbonise industrial manufacturing is an urgent challenge. While many manufacturing processes may be emission-intensive, decarbonising them is entirely achievable – with the right strategies. Arcadis delivers world-leading intelligence-driven sustainable design, engineering and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. Inside Sustainability investigates further.
Arcadis offers consulting services that integrate environmentally responsible practices into engineering and manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact and promote resource efficiency. As a global transformation partner, Arcadis will harness its deep, sector-specific expertise and global network to decarbonise every phase of a client’s operations with precision and efficiency. Arcadis will tailor roadmaps and implement solutions to drive operational efficiency, sustainable value and long-term profitability, all while meeting current and future regulatory and market demands. The company has a stated mission to improve quality of life by designing and delivering future-proof infrastructure and manufacturing systems that are sustainable, efficient and technologically advanced. In this way, Arcadis is leading the sustainability agenda and is ranked number one in its sector by Sustainalytics for ESG performance. It is also in the top 1% of firms that have successfully integrated sustainable practices
into their business and management systems, according to EcoVadis.
With a history spanning over 135 years, the company now operates more than 100 offices in over 30 countries, where it delivers on 40,000 projects each year. All are focused on sustainable design, engineering and consultancy. The Arcadis business strategy, rooted in driving impactful growth, generated gross revenues of €5bn for the company in 2023.
Smart work
With more than 36,000 architects, data analysts, designers, engineers, project planners and sustainability experts, all at
Arcadis are seemingly driven by a passion for improving quality of life. The company website promises to ‘create and manage sustainable places where people can live, work and thrive.’ But how?
Arcadis uses advanced digital tools like parametric and computational design to optimise project outcomes for clients. Endto-end programme management is provided, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key projects include transforming a former military barracks in the Netherlands into one of the ‘healthiest’ university buildings in Europe, being the first university to meet the WELL Building Standard, focusing on health and well-being in the design and construction. The company has also been at the forefront of enhancing the resilience of cities, for example designing and managing the construction of storm and flood defences in New York City.
Arcadis integrates green solutions into these engineering and manufacturing processes, to improve energy efficiency and support the transition to a circular economy.
The company also provides consulting services on sustainable supply chains, carbon footprint reduction and renewable energy integration, helping businesses meet their global sustainability targets. Arcadis specialises in smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, assisting companies in
modernising production processes through automation, data analytics and digital twins. By leveraging real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, the company helps manufacturers improve productivity, reduce costs and enhance overall operational resilience.
Decarbonisation solutions
When working with a client, Arcadis develops strategies to identify key areas of energy savings – optimising energy use across facilities and integrating renewable sources into manufacturing operations. The implementation of industry-specific technologies will enhance efficiency and reduce emissions, keeping manufacturers competitive.
The Arcadis experts harness insights and create tailored decarbonisation solutions. This provides comprehensive advice to guide informed investment decisions toward net-zero operations that meet both business needs and regulatory demands. Beyond planning, Arcadis implements and delivers solutions, harnessing its in-house core process expertise.
Arcadis clearly plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable engineering and manufacturing. The company is succeeding in integrating innovative technology, sustainable practices and expert project management around the world.
latest innovations from around the engineering and manufacturing industry
Pulpex announced £62m in Series D funding
Pulpex Limited, the sustainable packaging technology company, has announced a £62m Series D investment round led by the National Wealth Fund (NWF) and the Scottish National Investment Bank.
The NWF will cornerstone the round committing £43.5m in direct equity, with a £10m co-investment from the Scottish National Investment Bank and the balance from existing investors. The fundraise will finance the construction of Pulpex’s first commercial-scale manufacturing facility near Glasgow, marking the NWF’s first investment in Scotland since its transformation.
Pulpex has developed a unique, fibre-based bottle solution free from hidden plastic, manufactured from sustainably-sourced wood pulp designed to be recycled in the same way as paper or card in normal household recycling streams. Its patented and scalable technology results in a recyclable and biodegradable end-product with a lower carbon impact versus current glass or plastic packaging formats.
“This investment will drive the decarbonisation of the packaging sector,” said Scott Winston, Pulpex CEO, “using leading edge Material Bioscience to ensure this much-needed alternative to glass and plastic will deliver its ambition. Accelerated by the incredible
business ecosystem that flourishes within Glasgow, this will be a visible shining star demonstrating the scalability of Pulpex technology for partners to adopt globally.”
“We need to recycle more and unlock the growth potential of the circular economy,” added John Flint, National Wealth Fund CEO. “That requires sophisticated, long-term investment, both in infrastructure and packaging innovation.
“Exciting technological advancements like Pulpex are a great example of that potential. But they need catalytic investment to scale and commercialise.” n
SNOAP wins the hearts of Dragons
SNOAP, an innovative solid soap dispenser, successfully secured a £50,000 investment on a recent episode of popular BBC show Dragons’ Den, gaining offers from all five Dragons before choosing Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones as partners in the business.
Welsh businesswoman Lisa Hicks is the founder of SNOAP – the eco-friendly solution to excess plastic waste from hand, hair and body washing. Her pitch grabbed the attention of Dragons Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones, who won out against the other Dragons, landing the business a double-dragon investment for a joint 7.5% stake in the business.
SNOAP offers a unique hand soap dispensing system designed with sustainability at its core. The product, which replaces 20 plastic soap bottles with two bar soaps, was created after Lisa realised how much single-use plastic her family used during the Covid lockdown.
Identifying a market gap for a product that combines the environmental benefits of solid soap with the convenience of liquid dispensers, Lisa created the SNOAP Dispenser, which offers hygienic and mess-free dispensing of solid soap, while reducing plastic waste and saving on costs. To accelerate the growth of SNOAP, Lisa joined the NatWest Accelerator
programme 18-months ago and the bank’s support has helped her business become Den-ready.
Captivating the Dragons’ attention during her appearance on the show, Lisa gave a live demonstration of the product in action and allowed the Dragons to inspect the innovative product firsthand. With all five Dragons showing a keen interest in the product and offering their pitch, Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden came out on top. Lisa chose the pair of investors, saying she could see the benefit Deborah’s expertise with other sustainable businesses would bring to SNOAP. n
Clean energy experts
The Clean Energy Systems Partner Alliance (CESPA) is a collaboration between six companies, harnessing its collective expertise to keep the manufacture of clean technology onshore. Focusing on the clean energy market, the alliance strives to create the infrastructure for a more sustainable future. Marketing Manager of PP Control & Automation Richard Spears outlined CESPA’s mission.
ATthe beginning of this year, CESPA was officially launched, Market ing Manager of PP Control & Automation Richard Spears said: “Throughout the alliance, there is a truly comprehensive spread of capabilities, providing a unique single-source solution to developers of clean energy systems. The market is abundant with opportunities. You only have to look at growth drivers such as grid modernisation, renewa bles integration and network expansion, not to mention the accelerating development of clean technologies in hydrogen, geothermal
solutions, to full system build, energy assets and infrastructure, CESPA can deliver projects from conception to completion.
CESPA strives to support the growing UK renewable energy market, which is set to double in value by 2034.
The initial alliance was brought together by PP C&A CEO, Tony Hague, keen to leverage the company’s many key technical partners and industry contacts to first map out the opportunity. As the UK’s leading partner for module or assembly-based, part of full machine build outsourcing, PP C&A already had experience in delivering systems within the energy market, but Tony felt there was a more significant role to play in the global transition to sustainable energy.
es on this momentum,” explained Mr Hague. “The market will create high-skilled jobs, stimulate investment in cutting-edge technologies, and enhance our energy security. Capturing the window of opportunity is key and will future-proof UK manufacturing, boost the economy and position the UK as a global leader in sustainable energy solutions.”
Pioneering collaboration
Each member of CESPA holds a unique set of capabilities, which when combined creates a one-of-a-kind approach to delivering systems and machinery to market.
Danfoss has an extensive range of products and solutions across three key business segments: climate, drives, and power solutions. Its sustainable innovations
increase energy efficiency, enhance machine productivity, reduce emissions, and enable electrification. Its engineering solutions are created to enable smarter use of the world’s resources, driving sustainable transformation for the future.
Emerson is equally rich in its offering, from wind and solar, hydrogen and carbon capture, to standalone energy storage and hybrid systems, it provides renewable energy software and automation to optimise renewable portfolio operations. It boasts an unparalleled portfolio of measurement and analytical instrumentation, software, integrated systems, and services.
“At Emerson, we have a proud culture of collaboration to deliver the best solutions to OEMs,” explained Field Sales Consultant Brendan Mackey. “As we look to continue our bold approach supporting sustainability, renewables and decarbonisation, we are very pleased to be part of this journey with our fellow CESPA members.”
Glacier Energy has vast experience with advanced engineering capabilities, supporting the development and maintenance of renewable energy assets and infrastructure. Specifically, Glacier can design and manufacture the pressure vessel equipment needed to support the development
of sustainable energy solutions and initiatives, along with specialist thermal and mechanical engineering capabilities needed to build pioneering shell and tube heat exchangers.
Phoenix Contact is a solutions provider for all aspects of connection technology, electronics and automation. Specialist applications include battery storage systems, power generation, DC power grids, transmission and distribution, solar and wind power, and power-to-X solutions. A vast product range includes energy monitoring systems, surge protection devices and uninterruptible power supplies.
PP C&A’s full-service engineering and production capabilities for outsourced machine build integrates electrical control
& automation and electronics assembly, including expertise in all aspects of protection panel manufacture, along with pneumatics, hydraulics & fluid systems, mechanical design & assembly, vacuum chambers & gas management systems, and cabling and interconnectivity solutions.
Lastly, Voltserve is an ICP and EPC designer with experience in BESS, PV farms, wind farms and grid connections. Its NERS approved design services cover LV to EHV. For developers, services include grid applications for new distribution or transmission connections, grid approved planning designs, long lead item equipment specifications for early ordering and complete designs for construction tendering. ICPs can benefit from full or partial designs to complement their existing services.
EPCs can obtain designs for their compounds and equipment, and in addition, the services encompass studies, surveys and on-site support with installation sign-off during the construction phase.
“This is an exciting venture to be part of and we’re confident it will grow to be seen both nationally and internationally as a viable delivery route for clean energy projects,” said Colin Fletcher, Head of Design at Voltserve.
“There are lots of large critical projects that should be awarded to domestic companies first, creating wealth in the economy as we aim to help the country achieve its net zero goals.”
Clearly, the collaboration is positioning a turnkey solution to the market, which directly addresses some of the biggest constraints faced by clean energy system manufacturers – whether they produce solar panels,
wind turbines, energy storage systems or other related tech.
Supply chain disruptions, manufacturing capacity and access to skilled labour are amongst the biggest challenges.
“Limited production facilities, high capex requirements and long lead times are all straining energy industry machine builders and OEMs as demand for their technologies ramp up,” explained Mr Hague. “Furthermore, labour and talent shortages are no quick internal fix, but by leveraging the CESPA collaboration, clients can benefit from a talent pool across six industry-leading businesses with internal training schools and the ability to adapt to peaks and troughs in demand.”
like CESPA is for those at the centre of these projects. They’re all calling for a single reliable design, supply chain management and build source to streamline their projects.”
Capturing market potential
Since its establishment, CESPA has assisted on several projects. The alliance has worked across many segments of the market including hydrogen systems, grid upgrades and generators. Depending on the client’s specific requirements, CESPA members can work together to create optimum solutions.
“On grid upgrade projects, for example, we’ve demonstrated our ability to collaborate effectively,” commented Mr Spears. “We’re in the midst of the largest overhaul of the UK’s electricity grid in generations, and that comes with a whole host of new challenges. We’ve seen first-hand how welcome a collaboration
Central to the collaboration is a clear mission to keep the manufacture of clean energy systems onshore. “What’s most exciting about this alliance for me is the market potential,” said Mr Spears. “There is this window of opportunity for the UK manufacturing community to step up and prove its capabilities can satisfy the demands of clean, green, and climate technology sectors. That’s something I’m very excited to play a part in.
“We can’t look back and bemoan the fact that we weren’t quick enough to react and build the capability needed to maximise the opportunity.”
The demand for energy has risen due to urbanisation and population growth. Therefore, the development of sustainable energy
infrastructure has become more essential than ever before.
“Many companies within the energy sector are choosing outsourcing as part of an overall production and supply chain strategy,” added Mr Hague. “Partnering with a trusted outsourcing arm gives clients more time to focus on R&D, innovation and sales, whilst we manage their non-core competencies.
Tony Hague, PP C&
hard Spears, PP C
“A collaboration like CESPA creates an even more unique outsourcing offer, whether there are issues with resources, capacity or timelines, this is the most effective way to overcome constraints.”
Expanding capabilities
Although already offering a comprehensive portfolio of services, the alliance is open to connecting with other like-minded and non-competing companies to bring even more value to the market. One of the major benefits of an effective collaboration is the ability to adapt and expand with market needs.
As such, the alliance is already engaging with training providers to get ahead of the skills needed to future-proof UK manufacturing’s capability. Areas such as hydrogen, where technologies are beginning to accelerate quickly to market will require the upskilling of existing workforces in many disciplines. CESPA will work with training providers to offer development opportunities that will help to build the UK’s ‘green workforce’.
Brendan Mackey, Emerson
This kind of expansion will enable CESPA to consider the entire process from bridging skill gaps to bringing technology to market.
“Going forward, we’re attending several energy-focused events as an alliance,” commented Mr Spears. “Not only will this strengthen our partnerships, but it will also demonstrate our collaborative approach to the industry. We’re running facility tours, engineering days and many more initiatives to promote our work in the sector.
“It is important to us that these emerging projects from the clean energy sector are captured by UK companies. The UK has many brilliant innovators, universities and research institutions – we’re not short of innovative ideas – but we still see situations where production and commercialisation of these ideas is outsourced overseas.
We want to reverse this trend and fast. CESPA aims to show clients that everything they need is available right here.”
With the collective skills and experience of its members, CESPA is prepared to shape the future of the energy sector in the UK. n
Colin Fletcher, Voltserve
When it comes to engineering solid-liquid separation technology, Flottweg holds the crown. Global Mining Manager Stephen Benyo, Mining Field Sales Engineer Robert Klug and Division Manager Florian Gabriel Schedlbauer explained how Flottweg is aiding the mining sector and its surrounding communities. Report by Imogen Ward.
Flottweg has dedicated the last 75 years to developing a strong portfolio of centrifuges that have been crucial to the evolution of a diverse range of industries, including mining.
“We produce around 800 centrifuges a year, with recovery and process optimisation our main goal,” said Mining Field Sales Engineer Robert Klug. “Demand from the mining sector has grown significantly over the last decade, driven by the increasing emphasis on environmental protection. Our technology is the perfect solution to support customers on this journey.”
Water problems
Flottweg has been selling to the global mining sector for 35 years and has successfully installed more than 350 mining-focused machines. The most popular of which, the solid bowl centrifuges with Flottweg’s mining-ready package, the Z-Series, are a reliable and efficient solution for solid-liquid separation in mining applications.
“In a mine operation, ore is processed through a series of ball mills, grinders and crushing apparatuses, referred to as comminution,” explained Global Mining Manager Stephen Benyo. “When it reaches this point in
the process, the most efficient way of transporting the finely-ground material is via water pipelines. The amount of water needed, and the cost of it, can be a major burden on the local water tables. Our technology enables a more efficient use of water and decreases the mine’s consumption drastically.”
Given the harsh mining environment, Flottweg’s centrifuge has specialised wear protection.
“Providing our machines with a standardised mining spec package was a must,” said Division Manager Florian Gabriel Schedlbauer. “Flottweg is a technology leader for good reason, and this perfectly exemplifies why. We always use our experience to learn and improve.”
This dedication to improvement is incredibly important as Flottweg’s technology must withstand an indefinite variation of abrasiveness over several decades, with every scoop of earth to be processed by a mine being different from the last.
A new solution
Having already mastered the development of two-phase and three-phase centrifuges for mining operations, Flottweg developed a nozzle separator to perform a liquid-solid separation without additional aid of costly chemicals (polymer or flocculants), to further enhance water recovery and reduce production costs.
When it comes to mineral and ore extraction, the declining ore grade available in the world has meant that mining companies must dig deeper and more frequently to amass enough ore to process. To achieve this, they rely on advanced processes, which result in a more
finely-ground material, known as ‘fines’ and ‘ultra-fines.’
“Because the water is contaminated with fines and ultra fines, it cannot be redistributed back into the local water table or reused at the plant,” explained Mr. Benyo. “This leaves the mining companies with an excess of dirty water that they need to dispose of. The historic solution? A tailings dam, which holds incredible amounts of wasted water. The dam is a huge risk to surrounding communities.
“Together, our two-phase centrifuge and nozzle separator can be installed in front of a tailings dam to conduct solid-liquid separation. This means valuable resources can be successfully recovered or recycled and the water can be recirculated back into the operation or discharged safely into the local water table.”
The combination of the two solutions is incredibly cost-efficient, with the additional installation of nozzle separator often paying for itself in less than a year.
As the mining industry prepares to increase production rates twentyfold in the coming decades – leading to a corresponding surge in waste – efficient separation solutions are critical.
Flottweg is actively advocating for this waste to be recycled into sustainable building materials, to support an eco-friendlier and resource-efficient industry. With initial development starting two years ago, Flottweg has worked tirelessly to trial its nozzle separator, ensuring it is up to par.
“The initial results are very promising,” said Mr. Klug. “All going well, we will roll this product out over the next few months, before taking it global in 2026.”
As the industry continues to seek solutions to improve its environmental footprint, Flottweg remains at the forefront, providing advanced technology that promises to be effective.
Flottweg’s solutions have been involved in several signficant projects, including a sand and gravel installation in France. This location, which was inclusive of a quarry and wash plant, had received a prefectural decree, which required it to reduce annu-
al water consumption from 150,000m3 to 100,000m3.
Primed to tackle the challenge, Flottweg employed its largest centrifuge, Z92. This system successfully meets the 33% reduction request, with the support of other water recovery technologies, then maintained this performance while operating at peak efficiency for the past six years.
Likewise, Flottweg helped save significant amounts of water for a customer based in
Argentina. Located in Patagonia, a very dry area with little annual rain, this location was importing water from 200km away (a very costly and time-consuming process).
“With our technology, the company could successfully recover 100m3 of water every hour,” shared Mr. Klug. “This accounted for a quarter of its total hourly water consumption – a significant achievement that led to substantial cost savings.”
Flottweg has also been actively seeking a solution for acid mine drainage (AMD). A common challenge for both active and former mining communities, AMD is highly acidic water that drains from mines. Due to its contact with the ground, this water often contaminates nearby groundwater and surface water, which is harmful for humans, flora and fauna.
Active treatment plants are a strong solution to this serious global crisis. However, they are costly and time-consuming to implement. To overcome this dilemma, Flottweg become the first company to market a mobile treatment system, in addition to its leading role in active plant installations.
“Treatment plants work to neutralise the water and then rely on our centrifuges to de-water any solids that are present,” said Mr. Benyo. “We installed a treatment plant in Peru around a year ago, which has been
busy de-watering an AMD stream from a large mine site. Flottweg learned a great deal from this project and understands there is huge demand for these plants.
Due to the demand for better solutions, Flottweg developed a trailer-mounted system, so it can be easily moved from one location to another where smaller amounts of AMD can be treated locally. This is a truly groundbreaking manoeuvre, to deal with small projects especially when you consider that most existing AMD legacy sites have been unable to implement a long-term solution, due to the lack of technology and funding that only became available in the last decade.
Flottweg intends to continue collaborating on important projects that seek to improve the industry’s environmental impact, as well as standing ready to keep growing.
“We see an opportunity to pair our equipment alongside a significant improvement in surface water around the world, and we will continue to be leaders in this regard,” said Mr. Schedlbauer, in conclusion. “The demand is present and growing, as awareness of the challenges facing AMD becomes clear. We have the technology that has proven to improve our world, and we see it as our responsibility to be a part of the solution.” n
uality PAPER
uality
A paper mill based in Sweden, Hylte Paper is dedicated to producing high-quality and sustainable paper. The company is equipped with modern technologies and has a production capacity of 245,000 tonnes. Sales Director Martin Gercke and Development Manager Elisabet Tullander discussed the company’s progress and environmental commitment. Report by Antonia Cole.
IN2023, Hylte Mill was bought by Sweden Timber from Stora Enso, Sales Director Martin Gercke said: “This transition has really propelled us on our journey. Sweden Timber produces and sells wood products worldwide. Using its sustainably sourced wood from local forests has enabled us to diversify our product portfolio while remaining focused on the environment.”
Hylte Paper was founded in 1907. With its long history, the company has become one of the world’s leading newsprint mills. At Hylte Paper’s facility, there is one operating paper machine and 270 employees, making it one of the largest private employers in the municipality.
Originally, the company mainly produced newsprint paper qualities. However, over the last two years, Hylte Paper has invested in modern equipment and diversified its product portfolio. Now, the company offers paper for books, copy paper, flyers and flexible packaging.
“We have transformed our mill to improve productivity and efficiency,” added Mr Gercke. “Not only is it important for us to provide a wide range of paper with different characteristics, but to achieve this sustainably is essential. Our main goal is to offer environmentally-friendly paper solutions to the industry. Using innovative production processes and sustainable sourcing, we are able to minimise our impact in a typically carbon-intensive market.”
Responsible forestry
The company produces its paper from TMP pulp, which is made from processed sawmill and pulpwood chips. The pulp is dewatered, pressed and dried to create paper, before it is packaged onto rolls for distribution. Hylte Paper creates its products with 100% wood from responsibly-managed forests. Certified according to ISO 14001, the company places sustainable production at the forefront of operations.
“It is really important to us to protect the environment,” explained Development Manager Elisabet Tullander. “We only use fibres from spruce trees, which are harvested within an average distance of 60km from the mill. The forests are all FSC- or PEFC-controlled and their close location allows us to minimise transportation emissions. We follow strict regulations on what trees and where we are allowed to harvest, promoting biodiversity in the forest.”
Hylte Paper’s products are produced mechanically, meaning almost all the
wood is used to make paper and waste is minimised. Then, the company bleaches its paper with peroxide instead of chlorine dioxide, limiting environmental impacts. Using certain pigments gives the book paper qualities a cream shade, which has been shown to improve readability. As well as offering a lower carbon footprint, this paper is ideal for products such as schoolbooks or for people with dyslexia.
Sales Director Martin Gercke
In terms of consumption, the company has implemented various initiatives to reduce water and resource use. Water is reused several times within the production process to limit waste. The mill is also 97% fossil free and relies on recovered wood and sludge from the WWT plant to fuel its operations.
“Our carbon footprint is very low for a paper manufacturer,” continued Ms Tullander. “Per tonne of paper, we only produce 70kg of carbon. We aim to lead the sector in sustainability, implementing innovative processes and efficient equipment to minimise our environmental impact.”
Encouraging growth
Recently, Hylte Paper has made a significant investment in its environmental management with a large energy storage battery. The battery is being built at the factory to store excess energy, which can be used during peak times. This project is expected to be completed early this year and will be the largest battery in Sweden for energy storage.
Sales Director Martin Gercke
“Our commitment to sustainability really sets us apart from our competitors in the market,” commented Mr Gercke. “Our low carbon footprint attracts clients who are looking to reduce their impact. It can be difficult for companies to manage the carbon footprint of their supply chain, but by working with us, clients can be confident in the paper they’re using.”
The company has also made investments into its facilities and equipment. Hylte Paper now has the machinery to produce smaller reels of paper. Many companies are utilising digital printing to improve efficiency and quality. Digital printing requires narrow reels of paper, so this investment will enable Hylte Paper to meet the specific needs of its clients.
“We constantly strive to exceed the expectations of our clients,” added Mr Gercke. “The company is very flexible when it comes to customer requests and we will always go the extra mile to meet specific demands. Our experience, knowledge and commitment to innovation gives us the tools we need to provide expert customer service. As a smaller company, we are able to create personal relationships and react quickly to changing circumstances.”
Hylte Paper recently took the opportunity to meet many existing and potential clients at the London Book Fair. Here, the company was able to build upon relationships and share its sustainability story throughout the print industry. Highlighting the importance and benefits of sustainably produced paper, the company was able to connect with like-minded people from around the world.
Sharing the message
The company has many long-term relationships with suppliers and partners. There are a limited number of paper machinery suppliers in the world, making these partnerships very important to maintain. In terms of raw materials, it is important for Hylte Paper to create collaborative relationships with suppliers who share the same values of sustainability.
As the paper mill requires a large amount of raw materials, the company relies on strong and reliable partnerships. Where possible, Hylte Paper also uses local suppliers. This supports the local economy and minimises emissions.
Currently, the company is working to become a leading supplier of paper for books. This includes both fictional and educational books, with a focus on the school sector. Hylte Paper will continue to promote sustainability and make people aware of its environmentally-friendly paper. By entering new markets around the world, the company hopes to set a new standard for paper.
“Interacting with our customers and making them aware of our story is really rewarding,” said Mr Gercke. “I enjoy helping our customers to optimise their own processes with our products, contributing to a better future.”
Ms Tullander continued: “I feel lucky to have such great colleagues who are always ready to problem-solve and create solutions. Like Hylte Paper, I am passionate about sustainability, so it is exciting to work with a commitment to the environment.” n
MORELO REISEMOBILE I PROFILE
From a MORELO Palace – a motorhome that promises both form and function – to the eye-catching design of a MORELO Grand Empire, the company has created a first-class portfolio of luxury motorhomes that seamlessly blends innovative engineering with high-end comfort, redefining the standard for premium travel experiences.
In response to the growing demand for its motorhomes, the company invested in a second production line in 2024 with the
potential of boosting MORELO’s annual production capacity from 500 to 800 units.
Keen to keep its homes moving with the times, MORELO has been busy incorporating some exciting new technological developments in parallel to its year 2025 model revamp.
Introducing MORELO Connect
As part of its portfolio-wide refresh, MORELO began exploring new ways to boost its mobile homes. Keen to make the entire experience of owning a motorhome as user -friendly as possible, the company began developing its own digital living space and energy management system that would later become known as MORELO Connect.
Designed to control the heating, cooling and lighting within the vehicle from within a 50-metre radius, MORELO Connect can be controlled by a central screen, a smart phone or even using voice command.
Once the idea had formed, MORELO dedicated half a year to developing the hardware and programming the entire system. Although a fairly straightforward process, the company was up against a time crunch.
“We aimed to integrate this new feature into our 2025 upgrades, but we recognised
the challenges involved in making it work,” revealed Mr Stadthalter. “Production for the 2025 line was scheduled to begin in June of last year, marking the point of no return. As a result, we had to digitise and integrate the new software into our designs before production commenced.”
In order to complete this process accurately and safely, MORELO dedicated a lot of working hours to validation and implementation.
With high demand for the new system, the company is already busy developing it even further, in hopes of expanding the user experience.
“We are now gearing up to introduce a new update that will enable users to control their Connect systems from entirely different countries,” said Mr Stadthalter. “This is a must-have for customers who want to arrive home to a warm motorhome or for those who often forget to switch the bathroom light off. Not only is this super convenient, but it is also a great sustainable solution too.”
At the same time, MORELO is also working to introduce remote-access maintenance to improve response times and minimise the amount of time consumers are off the road for repairs.
Green innovation
These new technological developments are just one of the many improvements that MORELO has implemented over the years. In 2024, the company also made a crucial adjustment to how it installs windshields.
Previously, Morelo had bypassed glueing the shields to the front of the vehicle, but by introducing adhesive to the process, the
company found that aerodynamics improved, road noise lessened and a reduction in fuel consumption was achieved.
“Although a small adjustment to our production process, the addition of glue had a positive impact on the vehicle’s overall efficiency,” explained Mr Stadthalter. “This is just one of many improvements we have made to enhance the sustainability of our builds.
“Also, solar panels have been on our radar for a while now, and we are actively working to optimise our roof to increase the possible number of solar panels and enhance the power of our panels. Originally white, we are now turning the roof black by mounting many solar panels.”
For the first time this year, customers will also be able to order a MORELO motorhome under 7.5 tons that is completely gas free, as is already possible for the Grand Empire series.
“The new gas-free option is a great new way for eco-conscious consumers to cut down on their emissions,” continued Mr Stadthalter. “We are so excited to bring this new option to the market and are very pleased with the reception it has received so far.”
A collaborative effort
All of MORELO’s improvements were made possible with the support of its suppliers and partners.
“We have been collaborating with our suppliers for years now; they understand our business and they are always willing to help out in any way they can,” said Mr Stadthalter.
Sales Director Sven Stadthalter
“They also appreciate the opportunity to pioneer the market with new and exciting ideas. For example, we use Siemens and Bosch for all our cooling appliances because they are high quality and reliable. These devices are not specifically designed for the motorhome environment, but we have nonetheless succeeded in finding a way of integrating them throughout our product range always aspiring to ensure the best solutions for our customers.”
Over the years, MORELO has also relied on a number of distributors to help get its motorhomes into new markets. Currently,
when it comes to the UK, the company is working exclusively with Premium Motorhomes. This distributor has been very successful in marketing MORELO motorhomes, and MORELO is incredibly happy with the direction the partnership is headed in.
MORELO expects this collaboration to continue flourishing well into the future as it begins to shift focus to model year 2026.
“Of course, we are still fulfilling the transition to model 2025, with over 100 different layout options available, this will certainly take some time,” concluded Mr Stadthalter. “We are also looking to reintroduce a previously retired model to the market. All going well, this will be part of the 2026 model year.
“Since joining the company in 2016, I have witnessed the continuous innovation and development that define MORELO. Every day, we uphold our motto, ‘Welcome Home,’ striving to make every step of the journey seamless, while ensuring our customers feel like part of the MORELO family and are treated with the highest standards of comfort, quality and excellence.” n
Operating in Finland and Sweden, Snellman Group is a family-run company in the food industry. Specialising in meat processing and ready meals, the company has more than 70 years of experience delivering high-quality products. Marketing & Communications Director Tommi Fors and Managing Director of Snellman Meat Processing Roland Snellman discussed sustainability and innovation. Report by Imogen Ward and Antonia Cole.
Snellman Group is committed to delivering products at the highest standard, Managing Director of Snellman Meat Processing Roland Snellman said: “Our dedication to quality has driven us forward since our establishment. We aim to provide trusted products that exceed customer expectations with great-tasting food from a diverse array of brands.”
Founded in Pietarsaari, a town in the Ostrobothnia region of Finland, Snellman began as a small sausage factory in 1951. The purpose of the company was to make products that were of a better quality and flavour than others on the market. This commitment to quality, instilled by founders Kurt and Lars Snellman, has grown alongside Snellman, resulting in a premium range of food products.
However, in the 1970s, Snellman faced the challenges of the oil crisis. Approx-
imately 90% of food-processing companies in Finland went bankrupt, but Snellman was able to keep operating. This is due to the quality of its products, building up a loyal customer base who trust the company. In 1985, Snellman also invested in a slaughtering business, giving it more control over the supply chain, which enabled it to diversify its portfolio and increase production capacity.
“Another significant step for us was securing our own breeding operations,” explained Marketing & Communications Director Tommi Fors. “Today, we are the only company in Finland breeding Finnish pigs. Through this, we can ensure that our pigs
“At Snellman, we believe in doing good and taking responsibility for the wellbeing of people, animals and the environment,” said Mr Snellman. “Being ahead of the market in these changes underscores our commitment to sustainability. These changes were not made due to pressure from regulations, but because we are dedicated to doing the right thing. Our goal is to operate entirely on renewable energy and biofuel going forward.”
The company is also taking action to encourage sustainability on its farms. Animal welfare is very important to Snellman, which is why the company has been encouraging pig farmers to free-farrow animals. Offering bonuses for free-farrowing pigs has led 60% of Snellman’s farms to adopt to this method in a relatively short time.
Additionally, the company is aiming to minimise the carbon footprint on farms with soy-free feeding. This has been
Managing Director Snellman
Meat Processing Roland Snellman
replaced with Finnish raw materials, which not only make the animal healthier, but also reduces transportation emissions. In production, Snellman has been working to limit packaging materials. The company launched a mince meat packaging design that used over 70% less plastic. This innovative development has been followed by other companies both in and out of Finland, leaving a lasting sustainable impact.
“We stand at the forefront of change,” continued Mr Fors. “Such projects have inspired competitors to follow, and we aim to continue leading the market. Currently, we are preparing for the new EU sustainability regulations and reporting structure. We are proud of what we have already achieved for the environment and plan to keep improving into the future.”
Eating better
Snellman has managed to make its projects successful through strong supplier and partner relationships. When developing new products and packaging, it is essential that
suppliers understand the company’s values and uphold them in their operations. This process has allowed Snellman to maintain its principles throughout every stage of production.
“Our slogan is if you eat meat, eat better meat,” explained Mr Snellman. “We produce meat products that respect the animals and the environment, promoting a healthier society and planet. Our products give consumers the opportunity to eat better food and make more sustainable consumption choices. We conducted a large customer survey last year, which showed us what our customers expect from us. We are always striving to meet these expectations.”
Moving forward, the company plans to maintain its values of quality and animal welfare. Snellman will continue to explore sustainable production methods and strive towards achieving a better future for meat processing. n
Vimetco Extrusion, a subsidiary of the global aluminium producer ALRO, is one of Romania’s extrusion companies. With an active presence on the European market, and beyond, significantly since 2006. Sales Director Loredana Iacob told Hannah Barnett more.
Since it was founded almost 20 years ago, Vimetco Extrusion’s story has been one of success. The early days saw a regular investment into production capacity and expansion of the technology, focusing on aluminium profiles for various industries such as construction, solar, transportation, engineering and industrial applications.
Romania’s leading aluminium beyond, the company has grown
“Today, Vimetco is recognised for its high-quality products, strong engineering capabilities and commitment to customer satisfaction,” said Loredana Iacob, Sales
Director. “Our reputation as a reliable partner has allowed the company to develop new markets in Europe and beyond.”
Despite ever-present global challenges in the form of supply chain disruption and energy price volatility, the company has strengthened its position by maintaining close relationships with partners, customers and suppliers. Operations are maintained by a team of 400 dedicated professionals, all using their specific expertise to meet the most demanding requirements and ensure excellence. This skilled team manages a production capacity of 35,000 tonnes per year, ensuring full-capacity booking, servicing customers in industries across the world.
The best in the business
With this reputation as a strong and reliable partner, Vimetco is known for meeting high quality requirements when it comes to tailored aluminium profiles and products. “What truly sets us apart is our commitment to delivering not just products, but solutions for our partners’ needs,” as Ms Iacob put it.
Indeed, the company is truly a one-stop shop, from design and extrusion, to finishing and delivery. This includes custom extrusions and high-complexity aluminium profiles designed to meet exact specifications. Vimetco also offers value-added services like surface treatments, anodising and powder painting, and machining, plus the assembly and delivery of ready-to-use products.
Over the years, Vimetco has shown its flexibility and ability to adapt to the unique requirements of each project. This means providing customised solutions for small or large-scale production needs and delivering
high-complexity products for the most demanding purposes.
“We have capabilities in aluminium welding, assembly and manufacturing,” explained Ms Iacob. “We also have industry-specific expertise, relying on over a decade serving different markets. We also offer high-quality customer service and take each enquiry as a challenge and a new step towards our goal of meeting and exceeding customer expectations.”
Sustainability in action
Vimetco is similarly committed to aligning operations with global sustainability trends and reducing its environmental footprint. The
company has undertaken some key changes to enhance environmental sustainability, including increased recycling efforts, meaning the percentage of recycled aluminium scrap is above 97%.
“Using recycled aluminium for our production range means we contribute to cutting down the environmental impact associated with the raw material,” Ms Iacob explained.
State-of-the-art investments into technology and equipment have also seen the company upgrade production systems to secure maximum energy efficiency, ensuring resource optimisation across all operations. The company is also focused on developing green aluminium solutions which prioritise sustainable materials.
“These initiatives reflect our commitment to not only meeting, but exceeding, the sustainability expectations of our customers, stakeholders and the market,” said Ms Iacob. “Sustainability remains an important pillar of our long-term strategy, driving our efforts to create a more environmentally responsible future.”
In line with this pillar, Vimetco offers ‘green billets’ which certify the company’s low
carbon footprint. These mean the aluminium is produced via a specific process and conditions, resulting in minimal carbon emissions. Benefiting the entire supply chain, this is another key step in the reducing the carbon footprint of the final products made from aluminium extrusions.
Aluminium products are known to ensure durability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs. On the one hand, this reduces waste, while on the other, it helps customers save energy and resources over the lifecycle of a product. The company promotes the use of recycled aluminium and offers products that are
easy to recycle infinitely, without impact on the characteristics.
“In our portfolio, we have products for industries such as green energy, green construction and electric transportation, where the demand for sustainable, eco-friendly solutions is high,” explained Ms Iacob. “By offering specialised products for these sectors, we help our customers meet sustainability targets and contribute to a greener future.
“We work back-to-back with our partners to understand their sustainability goals, providing tailored solutions that help them reduce their environmental impact. Our customer-oriented approach ensures that sustainability is integrated in every phase of the product development and delivery process.”
One of Vimetco’s most innovative recent projects was the installation of a new automatic packing line in order to improve efficiency. The €3.8 million investment aimed to both increase the company’s turnover and to reduce carbon emissions and waste produced in the manufacturing process. The project was carried out in partnership with International Development Norway, a consulting company specialised in green innovation in industry.
Working together
Vimetco is the kind of the company that flourishes thanks to strong, transparent and reliable relationships with its partners. Such bonds allow the company to be innovative and push the boundaries of what is possible in the sector, with mutual trust and shared goals as the foundation.
“All our suppliers have consistently contributed to our success by providing the best quality products and services, even in the most demanding times,” said Ms Iacob. “Their commitment enables us to maintain high standards of production, ensure timely deliveries and keep the trust of our customers. This helps us to achieve our main goal: delivering exceptional value and satisfaction to our customers while minimising the environmental and operational impact of our supply chain.”
Going forward, Vimetco aims to further expand its production range, invest in innovative technologies like green aluminium, and strengthen its position in sustainable solutions to meet growing global demand. These strategies align with the company’s vision to remain a leader in the extrusion
market, while maintaining a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility.
“These objectives are rooted in our commitment to meeting new customer needs while maintaining our competitive position in the industry,” Ms Iacob reflected. “The sustainability commitment has been smoothly integrated into our development strategy and serves as one of the primary guidelines for shaping our future business. Sustainability is not an obligation but a core principle that influences every aspect of our operations, from production processes and supply chain management to product design and market strategy.
“What excites me most is the opportunity to drive growth and innovation. We thrive on solving customer challenges by providing tailored solutions that improve products and operations. Each day presents new opportunities to build relationships, strategise market expansions and lead the team toward success. Seeing our efforts translate into increased sales, stronger partnerships and a competitive edge in the industry makes every morning exciting.“ n
SCOTLAND’S WORLD-CLASS WHISKY
Whyte & Mackay has been a prominent player within the Scottish economy since it first opened its doors more than 180 years ago. Today, the company operates out of five distilleries, producing The Dalmore, Fettercairn, Jura, Tamnavulin and Whyte and Mackay whiskies. Sustainability Manager Rachael Clark and Sustainability Lead Kate Dranginis laid out the company’s journey, during an in-depth interview with Imogen Ward.
From the very beginning, Whyte & Mackay has prioritised the production of greattasting whisky while working in harmony with the natural world.
“Sustainability has always been embedded in what we do and who we are,” explained Sustainability Manager Rachael Clark. “We make Scottish whisky using raw ingredients sourced from Scotland – whether that be our great grain or our fantastic Scottish water, we have always relied on the natural bounty of our homeland.”
Although sustainability has long been embedded in Whyte & Mackay’s rich history, it was only in recent years that the company made it a central focus of its business strategy.
A greener way of growing
It was in 2021 that the whisky company first introduced The Green Print, its own sustainability strategy. Designed with the company’s core values in mind, the strategy promised to help Whyte & Mackay live up to its corporate duty to society, while playing a positive role within the community and minimising its environmental impact.
“When I joined the company in 2020, it already had its strategic pillars in place, however we didn’t yet have anything concrete to get us there,” continued Ms Clark. “That’s where The Green Print came in.”
The Green Print sets out clear targets that follow the entire whisky making process to reduce emissions, improve sustainability and ensure responsible resource management from acorn to glass.
One major focus of the strategy is the company’s journey to carbon neutrality. After establishing a target date of 2030, Whyte & Mackay set to work implementing key changes that would bring the whisky producer significantly closer to its goal.
“With the aim of becoming internally carbon neutral by 2030, we focussed on carbon-reducing projects,” said Ms Clark.
“In 2021, we introduced renewable carbonneutral electricity across all our sites. Sourced from the Inver Hydro Scheme on Jura, we have been relying on this local source ever since.”
An island of possibilities
Located in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, Jura is home to an incredibly small community of around 200 people, an abundance of deer and one distillery. Due to its remote position, traffic to and from Jura is limited and access to carbon neutral energy sources is limited.
Despite the challenges facing it, in 2023, Whyte & Mackay took the steps to reduce the distillery’s dependence on fossil fuels for distilling.
“Because Jura is so small, progress in the surrounding island communities is often mirrored on Jura,” explained Ms Clark.
2025’s Focus
Following several years of successful green development, Whyte & Mackay is now focusing on water reduction within its distilleries. Having already installed many additional water meters throughout 2023, the company is utilising the collated data to identify areas for reduction.
“However, we wanted to chart our own course, especially when it came to the management of our carbon reductions and began looking into the possibility of renewable biomass.
“This seemed like the perfect fit for our Jura distillery, and so we began installing a biomass boiler in 2023, the combination of the boiler and burner is a first in the UK.”
Following an extensive commissioning period, the boiler close to being operational and Jura distillery will operate several thousand tonnes of CO2 lighter, and it is lined-up to become the company’s first carbon-neutral facility.
Other important developments
Whyte & Mackay is also collaborating with a specialist in anaerobic digestion to optimise the processing of its co-product, installing an AD plant at its Invergordon distillery. There,
the co-products are converted into biogas, which is reinjected into the grid and then utilised by company’s two northernmost distilleries at Invergordon and Dalmore. This circular approach will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its northern sites, Invergordon and Dalmore, by around 50-60%.
“When you consider the size of Invergordon, that is quite a substantial achievement,” added Sustainability Lead Kate Dranginis. “This progress has been a real big positive for us, and we are so proud to be targeting such large percentages of carbon from our distilleries’ emissions.”
Sustainability Manager
Rachael Clark
Perfecting its packaging
In line with its Green Print strategy, Whyte & Mackay has also placed a significant focus on the recyclability of its packaging, highlighting two main goals: achieving 100% recyclability of all packaging and introducing a minimum of 35% recycled content.
“We have dedicated the last few years to gaining a deep understanding of our packaging and what we want it to become,” explained Ms Dranginis. “We also had to take into account the fact that our packaging innovations are driven by consumer expectations and built our targets around that.”
Having already accomplished an impressive recyclability rate within the high 90s, the company is confident it can achieve its packaging targets by 2030.
The company is continuously searching for innovative solutions to bring it that much closer to its goalposts, regularly relying on its dynamic supply chain to help. One great example being the gift tubes for its Jura Whisky. Originally made of mixed materials,
the company added a perforated edge to the cardboard tube so that it could be easily separated from its metal base, ready for recycling.
Whyte & Mackay’s continued collaboration with its supply chain has been mutually beneficial. The company regularly works with local-based companies and is one
Sustainability Lead Kate Dranginis
of the only whisky producers to use 100% Scottish grain within its whisky production, having committed to this back in 2019. Since then, the initiative has grown exponentially, with the whisky producer now using 14 approved wheat varieties and purchasing over 250,000 tonnes of wheat locally.
At its Fettercairn location, the company has also introduced the Fettercairn 200 (F200) club, featuring local and approved malted barley growers. All situated within 50 miles of the site, these growers have enabled Whyte & Mackay to build a strong local connection to its supply chain.
“We are aware that when it comes to sustainability, it is not a journey we can take alone,” added Ms Dranginis. “Collaboration is a key focus of The Green Print, and we are so grateful for the roles our suppliers have played in making The Green Print and Whyte & Mackay a success.”
As it looks towards 2030 and beyond, Whyte & Mackay intends to continue working closely with these companies and farming communities. With their continued support, Whyte & Mackay is confident it can see The Green Print through to fruition, while enacting a greener, more efficient way of operating.
“I have been with the company since the inception of The Green Print and it has been an honour to witness this strategy grow and develop into a core pillar of the business,” concluded Ms Clark. “Sustainability brings companies and communities together, and I look forward to seeing the impact our sustainability journey will have in the years to come.”
United Special Technical Services (USTS) has established itself as a pioneer in providing high-performance thermoplastic lining solutions in the oil and gas, water, mining, and industrial sectors. Through strategic global technical partnerships, the company supports customers to address corrosion and abrasion challenges across various steel asset, such as pipelines, fittings or vessels. Jonathan Hickey, General Manager, spoke to Hannah Barnett.
Located in Saudi Arabia, United Special Technical Services (USTS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Oman-based Special Technical Services. Using polymers or non-metallic products to protect the internal surfaces of steel assets, USTS has built a solid reputation as an innovative solution provider across the MENA region, a major factor in the success of its operation.
“Clients come to us because they know what to expect,” said General Manager Jonathan Hickey. “They know they’re going to get solutions that they can trust. That’s not just from our technology and process perspective, but it’s the people that have been involved in the last decade and a half of development. That’s why our clients keep coming back to us, because they know that they’re going to get answers they can trust.”
Pioneering the technology
Testament to the company’s success in the region, USTS now operates in over ten countries and has completed over 15,000 installations of its flagship Tite Liner® technology. With anything between 15 and 20 sites running concurrently, activity is rapid, and the business is supported by a skilled workforce of around 400 personnel deployed across the GCC.
“That number is significant because we are probably the largest lining contractor in the Middle East,” said Mr Hickey. “This enables
specialised technique of installing non-metallics on the internal surfaces of complex shapes was not available in the Middle East. The technology allows thermoplastic polymers to bond mechanically to the internal surface of tanks, vessels, pipes, fittings and other types of complex process equipment. The resulting polymer layer adds protection against corrosion and abrasion and resistance to chemicals inside the system.
“USTS invested a significant amount of money to bring the Bondaliner™ technolo-
gy to Saudi Arabia,” said Mr Hickey. “Then, in 2019, we opened a specialised facility to produce the technology in the Kingdom.”
In 2022, the company completed the installation of the largest Tite Liner® project in the region, for Saudi Aramco. This involved a 42-inch diameter carbon steel pipeline that stretched for 37 kilometres, marking a significant achievement that has been recognised throughout the region
Fostering partnerships
Alongside supplying the technology, USTS is also known for heavy investment into R&D. This involves working closely with clients, listening to their problems and trying to co-develop solutions.
“That’s one of the reasons we introduced the Bondaliner technology here,” Mr Hickey explained. “We’ve got ongoing pilot projects with several National Oil Companies (NOCs), developing new technology solutions to address our clients’ internal corrosion issues.
General Manager Jonathan Hickey
Bondaliner™ came in as a solution to water application. We’re now developing it for use in both crude oil and gas applications.”
USTS has developed a patented WeldTite™ flangeless connector, which is now being used throughout the Middle East. This flangeless connector offers a solution not only to the potential issue of buried flanges but also can resolve various Client procurement challenges.
“What we offer our clients is really a design, procure and install solution,” Mr Hickey explained. “It’s not just an install-only offering, that design and procure aspect is critically important. We design things with very
is generally more stringent than the typical oil and gas market.”
Close collaboration with suppliers is, therefore, critically important for success at USTS. As a company based in the Middle East, localisation is mandatory. This means, as part of the localisation scheme in the regions they operate, companies working there must hire nationals.
“We’ve worked with different suppliers to establish In-Country Value,” Mr Hickey said. “Building that localisation of the supply chain is very important for what we do. At the same time, we invest in our people. The retention of staff is vital; we see guys that have been in this business for 20 plus years and we really value that. But what we’re especially
focused on now is being a leader in localisation throughout our businesses. We want them to be here in 20 years, developing and selling our products.”
In the pipeline
Looking ahead, USTS intends to continue to invest heavily in the region in both new facilities and new technologies. For example, the company plans to expand into the downhole tubular markets.
“We’re working with our North American Partners to bring another new technology to the region,” explained Mr Hickey. “When we first started, in 2012, we had a solution for horizontal pipelines. In 2019, we developed a solution for fittings and vessels extending from the wellhead, through the pipeline and into the facility. Now, we’re going down the well. So, we can offer a non-metallic corrosion protection solution from the bottom of the well, all the way through the pipeline and facilities. It really is a complete A-to-Z solution, no other business in the world offers something like that.”
The biggest challenge currently facing the oil and gas sector, and many others like it, is instability in the market. This, in part, comes from uncertainty about the future of the energy transition, causing many NOCs to carefully consider where to invest resources.
“That’s really the biggest risk for us as a solution provider,” Mr Hickey concluded. “We rely on these decisions that are being made at such a high level, but we don’t have any say. However, I’ve been in the Middle East for 10 years and I’ve got confidence in the policies and the decision-making taking place. I think the opportunities are endless, provided you are willing to adapt and grow your business with the changes happening around you.” n
Specialising in the design and production of rubber, plastic and silicone technical products, Oldrati Group consists of 14 plants committed to delivering high-quality products. Manuel Oldrati and Giorgia Oldrati discussed the Group’s integrated approach and the dedication to sustainability, during an in-depth interview.
Oldrati Group holds a solid managerial structure designed to manage growth and tackle the challenges of an everchanging market, while still remaining true to its important family roots.
“Last year, the company reached an impressive milestone – our 60th Anniversary – which was celebrated by our President Vanni Oldrati, along with me, Diego and Devid Attilio,” Manuel Oldrati said. “Despite our longstanding history, we have remained true to our family roots. The Oldrati Group continues to thrive with the third generation at the helm, as Giorgia and Enrico Oldrati embody family continuity while driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
Oldrati is headquartered in Italy, where most of its plants are located. However, the Group also has an international presence, with production facilities in Slovakia and Turkey. With almost 1,400 employees, the Group generates an aggregate turnover of more than €180 million.
Mainly serving the automotive, oil and gas, heating, and consumer sectors, Oldrati offers complete and customised solutions through an integrated production model. From initial design to final production, the Group provides fully-tailored solutions to meet each client’s specific needs.
Meeting demands
Founded in 1964 as Oldrati Guarnizioni Industriali, the company is situated between the provinces of Bergamo and Brescia in Italy’s renowned ‘Rubber Valley.’ The Group initially specialised in elastomer seals and pioneered innovative production techniques.
In 1977, the Group encountered a significant setback due to a fire. Resilience and determination were key points as Oldrati recovered and continued to grow. Over the years, the company expanded, successfully developing an integrated production process that allowed it to enhance its manufacturing capabilities and meet the evolving needs of the industrial market.
“In the 1980s, strategic acquisitions laid the foundation for what would officially become the Oldrati Group,” explained Mr Oldrati. “This enabled us to expand our production chain and broaden our capabilities, driving a significant phase of growth and innovation.
“Today, the ‘all in one’ philosophy remains at the base of our business model, ensuring
seamless management of every production stage: mould design, compound formulation, production, sorting and finishing. This approach ensures full supervision of the entire process, allowing us to achieve high performance, superior quality and greater flexibility in meeting customer needs.”
The Group also offers its contribution in the co-design of products in the realisation of customised products. Using technical expertise and innovation, the Group can develop tailor-made solutions for a wide range of specifications.
Oldrati also utilises a process called multi-component assembly. This is an advanced production method that integrates different materials into a single product. The Group is
maintain Oldrati’s high standards of performance and quality, but minimise reliance on raw materials, reducing the environmental impact.
Additionally, the Group has performed life-cycle assessment analysis for certain materials to better understand the impact of each product and take action to make sustainable improvements.
Oldrati is also working with suppliers to promote sustainable practices throughout the supply chain, leaving a positive impact beyond its own operations.
an industry leader in this technique and employs it alongside modern technology to develop products that can meet complex demands.
“We have grown to supply a complete range of products for major markets and brands around the world,” added Mr Oldrati.
“Working with us gives our clients the advantages of collaborative product development, as well as fast, adaptive and reliable service. Our sales office has a team of professionals dedicated to each main market sector. This allows us to satisfy customer needs and provide qualified assistance on a long-term basis.”
Improving products
As well as expanding production capabilities, Oldrati has simultaneously invested in its sustainability journey, by expanding its portfolio to include the Ogreen range. R&D commitments such as this, help expand the horizon to materials derived from regenerative processes. These materials
“With our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we launched the Values in Action project,” commented Giorgia Oldrati. “This focuses on integrating sustainable values into our company culture and operations. By encouraging employees at all levels to contribute to this process, we aim to embed environmental awareness into every aspect of the business.”
Oldrati recently won a Sustainable Development Award in the Circular Economy category for the collaboration with Decathlon and Eso Recycling for the anti-slip trekking crampons.
Crampons are made with 40% regenerated rubber, perfectly exemplifying the Group’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its activities.
“This award was an honour, which perfectly highlights the benefits of creating partnerships promoting sustainability,” continued Giorgia Oldrati. “Collaborating with such cutting-edge entities allows us to gain new perspectives and accelerate our journey towards sustainability through continuous and constructive dialogue. It also ensures we can tackle complex challenges more effectively to develop innovative and scalable solutions. This experience has confirmed that the future of
sustainability lies in the sharing of knowledge, the uniting of forces, and the commitment to common goals.”
Exceeding standards
Playing a role in highly regulated markets such as food and beverages, means adopting strict quality controls throughout production. Combining technological innovation and regulatory compliance, the Group guarantees that stringent standards are met consistently.
Oldrati is certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and IATF 16949, recognising the company as a reliable global supplier. From raw material procurement to product distribution,
the Group implements rigorous quality controls, including laboratory tests and compliance checks.
“We continually invest in R&D to refine our manufacturing processes, ensuring a high-performance and safe product,” said Manuel Oldrati. “Staff also partake in regular training opportunities on regulations and quality procedures, guaranteeing responsible management throughout production.”
As an additional measure, the Group carefully selects its suppliers to certify the high quality of materials. With its own integrated traceability system, Oldrati is able to ensure transparency and control throughout the entire supply chain.
“Our combination of technical expertise, innovation and sustainability makes us a strategic partner for a wide range of industrial sectors,” added Mr Oldrati. n
Sapphire Textile Mills (STM) is not only a trusted name in high-quality textile manufacturing, but also a forward-looking enterprise driven by sustainability, innovation, and impact. With a strong global presence, STM serves customers across Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia, offering a broad and diverse portfolio of performance fabrics, durable workwear fabrics, and refined home textiles. Report by STM.
INa recent conversation, Iqra Inam, Head of Sustainability, shared insights into STM’s bold environmental journey and its strategic alignment with futureoriented business practices.
Building a legacy of purpose
Established in 1969, STM has grown from its origins as a yarn spinner into a vertically integrated textile manufacturer spanning home textiles, apparel, denim, and retail. Each month, the company produces over 4,500 tons of yarn and weaves more than
seven million meters of fabric, backed by sophisticated R&D and a strong customercentric approach.
“At Sapphire, we approach sustainability not as a checkbox, but as a continuous journey rooted in accountability and transparency,” says Inam. “Our customers expect more than compliance – they expect leadership, and that’s the role we’re proud to play.”
STM’s approach combines traditional expertise with modern solutions, creating high-performance textile products tailored to market needs while integrating global sustainability standards.
Environmental strategy
Sapphire Textile Mills has designed its environmental management strategy around three critical pillars: materials, processes, and people. These pillars inform every operational decision, guiding the company in its transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
On the energy front, STM has already installed 17.2MW of solar capacity, powering 40% of its weaving and processing units, and 70% of its home textiles division.
A pioneering investment in biomass has also allowed STM to offset fossil fuel use through renewable alternatives like rice husk, corn cob, wood residue, and bagasse.
Complementing this is an in-house recycling plant capable of processing up to 49,896 tons of yarn and approximately 33,264 garments per day. These processes help close the loop on production waste and demonstrate STM’s commitment to circularity.
dedicated to organic cotton and 2,500 acres for regenerative agriculture. These initiatives are underpinned by strong traceability frameworks, which allow full transparency from farm to finished product.
Building communities
As a values-driven company, STM places equal focus on social responsibility. The company operates a school for the children of factory workers, ensuring access to education near remote production sites. Employees receive benefits such as health coverage, insurance, and skill development opportunities.
STM also invests in digital manufacturing and energy-efficient machinery to continually improve its environmental performance. From January to June 2023 alone, the company reused over 60,000 tons of steam condensate and nearly 8,000 tons of cooling water, drastically reducing freshwater consumption.
Sourcing with Integrity
Recognizing the challenges in Pakistan’s cotton landscape, STM has diversified its sourcing across countries such as Australia, Turkey, Brazil, and Tanzania, ensuring a consistent and responsible supply of cotton that meets high sustainability standards. Back home, STM has initiated large-scale farming projects with over 11,000 acres
STM also champions diversity and inclusion, actively supporting women and persons with disabilities through targeted hiring and development programs. It runs training sessions on health, hygiene, and life skills, fostering community well-being alongside economic development.
Leading through innovation
Innovation is embedded into STM’s DNA. The company actively collaborates across departments and with supply chain partners to co-create cutting-edge material solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency.
Crucially, STM has adopted advanced traceability systems using blockchain, DNA markers, and physical tracer technologies. These tools offer buyers verifiable proof of origin and compliance, making STM a trusted partner in an increasingly regulated global marketplace.
A future in focus
Looking ahead, Sapphire Textile Mills is aligning its operations with international climate commitments and legislative frameworks. It is in the process of validating its Scope
1, 2, and 3 emissions with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with full disclosures and 2030 targets expected by the end of 2025.
STM continues to expand its circularity initiatives – including partnerships around recycled polyester, sustainable packaging – and is committed to scaling its work in regenerative agriculture and workplace inclusion.
“We are creating systems that endure,” concludes Inam. “This means scaling up traceability, expanding ethical sourcing, and ensuring our sustainability targets reflect both environmental urgency and social equity. Sapphire is not just adapting to the future – we are helping to shape it.” n
The longest established fresh pasta and noodle company in the UK, Ugo Foods Group has been supplying its products since 1929. The company is constantly innovating Italian-inspired dishes with premium fresh ingredients. Head of CSR Freddie Ugo discussed sustainability and the company’s new waste solution. Report by Antonia Cole.
Afamily-run business that’s passionate about food, Ugo Foods Group is committed to creating delicious products, according to Head of CSR Freddie Ugo.
Ugo Foods meticulously selects its ingredients to ensure each product delivers an exceptional experience. Under the Dell’Ugo brand, Ugo offers fresh pasta, breads and sauces. The company is now combining these options to provide consumers with meal solutions full of traditional flavours. British free-range golden eggs and premium
semolina flour create products that look, taste and feel authentic and appetising. These high-quality products bring classic flavours to the table, allowing consumers to enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home.
“We are constantly seeking to introduce authentic products to the Dell’Ugo range,” Mr Ugo added. “Pasta is at the core of our business, but our recent introduction of Pinsa bread to the UK has been a resounding success. It is a 72-hour fermented,
hand-stretched Italian sourdough, accompanied with flavoured butters. Pinsa is very versatile and has proven to be very popular so far.”
Innovation also comes in the form of packaging for the Dell’Ugo brand. Ugo Foods has an in-house design team who work to create disruptive packaging that showcases the product and makes it stand out on the shelf. With larger product windows, Dell’Ugo brand visually displays the actual product’s quality to attract consumers.
“Our best-selling product is our Dell’Ugo Crab and Crayfish Raviolo, combining both British and Italian flavours,” added Mr Ugo. “It was featured on the BBC’s Inside the Factory last year, where customers got to see the entire production process. We are proud of the innovation in our manufacturing process, which allows us to ensure the texture of the filling is as you would make at home. You could even have a whole crayfish tail in your pasta parcel.”
Beyond belief brewing
Over the years, Ugo Foods has implemented initiatives to reduce waste and improve sustainability across all areas of the business. Dough waste was an area the family sought
to address. Consequently, internal systems have been devised to minimise dough waste throughout the production process, leading to a substantial reduction of approximately two-thirds of waste within the past year.
But this was not 100%, and Ugo Foods still generated an amount of unavoidable surplus.
To combat this, Beyond Belief Brewing was founded. This sister company developed a patented process to utilise surplus fresh pasta as a base malt for brewing beer. From a successful experiment during the pandemic to a full-scale production line, the pasta-brewed beer now has listings on Ocado and Bidfood.
“We like to think differently from the rest of the industry,” explained Mr Ugo. “This idea is our innovative waste solution. We were told it wouldn’t work, but it does. Through experimentation, we have found that using 50 per cent pasta and 50 per cent barley delivers the best mouth feel and taste. We are the first in the world to achieve something like this, which is an amazing result from just an attempt to be more sustainable.”
Beyond Belief Brewing uses the largest percentage of surplus to make its alcohol in the industry and doesn’t need to add extra sugar to produce the beer. By using a limited amount of barley, the company minimises water use and mitigates the negative soil impacts of barley production. With Beyond Belief Brewing, consumers can save more in water waste than the amount of liquid in the pint of beer itself.
“Not only have we been recognised with innovation awards for this, but we have also generated a lot of interest with other man-
ufacturers and retailers looking to manage their waste in a similar way,” continued Mr Ugo. “It is a full circular economy solution, and we are looking at how we can implement the concept throughout the industry. Currently, we are investigating how to make beer from excess flapjacks or a combination of surplus sources. The impact of Beyond Belief Brewing will be massive.”
Regenerative research
Ugo Foods is committed to sustainable development and minimising the environmental impact of its products. One area the company is specifically focused on is regenerative agriculture. Flour is one of Ugo Foods’ main ingredients, so the company is trying to source the majority of its flour from regenerative agriculture farms.
“Regenerative agriculture is an industry trend that is about to absolutely boom,” commented Mr Ugo. “People are starting to realise how important soil health is, especially for plant fertility, yields and
Head of CSR Freddie Ugo
resilience. Soil health has been globally impacted, but regenerative agriculture allows us to combat this and promote sustainable practices, while maintaining quality.”
The company is also actively engaging in research and development opportunities. Currently, Ugo Foods is in communication with scientists and industry professionals to research the benefits of regenerative agriculture. The company is aiming to be a leader of sustainability in the sector and innovate effective solutions.
Another trend is the increase in plantbased consumer diets. Plant-based products generally have less impact on the environment and Ugo Foods has been evolving to meet these consumer demands. In a collaboration with THIS, a plant-based food company, Ugo Foods launched THIS
Isn’t Bacon & Cheese Ravioli and THIS isn’t Chicken & Pesto Ravioli into Morrison’s.
“The plant-based market is still increasing, so it is important for us to innovate in that space,” added Mr Ugo. “The collaboration with THIS was really successful and we look forward to working with them again soon. We share the same values of sustainability and creativity, making it a fantastic partnership.”
Diversifying and developing
Ugo Foods plans to continue delivering new and exciting products, expanding upon its meal solutions concept. Combining pastas, sauces, breads and beers, the company is working to provide convenient cooking to consumers. By offering joint promotions between Ugo Foods and Beyond Belief Brewing, the company hopes to promote sustainable buying habits.
“What makes ideas like our meal solutions successful is our ability to work effectively with
our partners and suppliers,” said Mr Ugo. “We make sure that we deliver on our promises, and we expect the same in return. Working with people who uphold the same values leaves us with longstanding relationships. We have maintained some of our supplier relationships for over 30 years, which we will continue.”
The company also makes sure to treat its employees well and offer development opportunities. Ugo Foods does not use agencies and has achieved a very high employee retention rate. Some members of staff have worked at the company for more than 20 years and have progressed into more senior positions. The company supports its employees and gives them the space to grow individually.
“There is so much I love about my job,” continued Mr Ugo, in conclusion. “Seeing people develop their skills and how each individual can impact the business is really rewarding. It is also great to receive positive feedback from our partners and consumers. Knowing that we are doing something good for the planet with products that are high-quality and tasty really drives me.” n
Head of CSR Freddie Ugo
CONSTRUCTION
ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING BACK TO CONTENTS
one planet – one chance – one voice
SERVICES & TECHNOLOGY
An introduction to the services and technology sectors, with business advice and news, followed by company profiles.
Inside Sustainability asks the experts about their personal experience in the industry
inside minds Sustainability
Question: What
is the best single piece of business advice you have ever received?
The best single piece of business advice I’ve ever received is ‘be authentic.’ For us, as a company managing luxury hotels and villas in Dubrovnik, authenticity means staying true to our values, which are deeply rooted in sustainability and a profound respect for the destination we call home. It’s not just about offering luxurious accommodations; it’s about doing so responsibly and meaningfully.
Know your customers. You really must understand their needs in order to be successful.
Luke Daly, Commercial Director, Bin Moosa & Daly
You have to be open to change and embrace new ideas.
James Hutchinson, Managing Director, Woodstock Homes
The best course of action is to continually take small steps towards a more sustainable future.
Martin Gercke, Sales Director, Hylte Paper
Your dedication, sincerity and the quality of your work will be judged by your grandchildren, so make them a proud of you.
Eng Ali Al Basyouni, Managing Director, Noor Al Sahara
If you see an opportunity, then take it and worry about it later. This is a strategy I’ve adopted in my own business, and it’s made me push myself to the limits and achieve success.
Nicholas Skidmore, Co-Owner, Fenton Precision Engineering
Anything is possible, just do it.
Gordon Brede, Managing Director, Fischer Profil
The longer you are in business, the more you realise how little you know. That’s why you shouldn’t take anything for granted, don’t assume you know everything and always have an open mind. received?
Always follow your sixth sense, feed your mind with new information, avoid your comfort zone and be honest with yourself and others.
Andrea Ghu, Sales Manager, Poplast
Magnus Lind, SVP Sales & Marketing Europe, IV Produkt
Knock on your first door at 9am and leave your last call at 5pm, maximise the time that you’re in front of customers. You will generate more business as people buy from people, not companies.
Steve Dixon, Technical Manager, British Encoder Products Company
You must know your customers: how do they think? What drives them forward? Where are they heading? What are they trying to achieve? And how can we help them get there?
It is perhaps not a fancy answer, but a fundamental one none the less. Especially when it comes to product development – if you do not know your customers, then you cannot count on your product being the solution they are looking for.
Juha Kiviranta, VP Biofoams, Stora Enso
The best piece of business advice I’ve ever received is to ‘lead with empathy.’
In the hospitality industry, where our core business revolves around people – both guests and employees – this advice has been invaluable. Understanding and genuinely caring about the needs, concerns and aspirations of those around you fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.
Robert Thomsen, Deputy CEO, Arp-Hansen Hotel Group
Octopus Energy launches investment platform
More people across the UK have the opportunity to own a piece of a green energy project thanks to Octopus Energy’s new investment platform ‘the Collective’.
The first-of-its-kind platform allows people to directly buy a share of a renewables project like a wind turbine or solar farm. With a minimum investment of £25, any returns go straight into the investor’s pocket as there are no fees and it is free to join.
The user-friendly platform launches with two wind turbines in Yorkshire and Wales, with plans for several more renewables projects across the country. These turbines are part of Octopus’ pioneering and popular ‘Fan Club’ scheme, where customers nearby enjoy discounted electricity when it’s windy.
Collective members who invest £1,000 would own approximately 0.05% of a turbine – and could get a 6% annual return with any dividends paid each quarter, totalling £180 over three years. However, as with any investment, capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed.
Collective members will be able to monitor any returns they earn as well as the clean energy generated from the project in their Collective account. Octopus Energy customers also have the option of linking potential
dividends to their energy accounts to reduce their bills.
“Moving to renewable energy represents one of the biggest investment opportunities of our generation – and people can play a powerful role in driving it,” said Zoisa NorthBond, CEO of Octopus Energy Collective. “We know our customers and lots of people want to do more than use green energy, they want to own a piece of it and turbocharge the shift to a cheaper energy system.”
At the end of the three years, the project aims to buy back the shares at the original price paid – and Collective members can withdraw this or reinvest it in other clean energy projects on the platform. n
Waitrose partners with Land App
Waitrose is teaming up with digital mapping tool, Land App, to revolutionise sustainable farming and support farmers in the adoption of nature-friendly practices in the UK.
The partnership will provide over 2,000 Waitrose farmers with free access to advanced mapping tools and expert advice, helping them to create bespoke land management plans that protect and enhance the environment.
The partnership is a key step in Waitrose’s Farming for Nature programme, which aims to support its British farmers to move to nature-friendly farming practices, helping to boost financial resilience of farms in the long-term, combat biodiversity loss and tackle the effects of climate change.
Rolling out Land App, Waitrose will gather real-time data on the environmental health of its farms, measuring progress on over 60 key sustainability metrics that will help understanding of the current state and potential to enhance biodiversity in Waitrose’s supply chain.
“British farmers are the backbone of our food system,” said James Bailey, Executive Director of Waitrose, “and this partnership with Land App is about supporting them to secure a sustainable future for their farms.
“This latest technology will provide us and our farmers with data that we can use, evaluate and act on to support the adoption of nature-friendly farming with real insights on what works and what doesn’t.”
“Building resilience and sustainability on farms is more crucial now than ever,” said Dan Geerah, Director of Growth at Land App. “It not only supports nature, reduces flooding and mitigates the effects of climate change but also secures food production for future generations.
“This partnership with Waitrose represents a significant leap toward the widespread adoption of regenerative practices. We’re excited and hopeful to see the positive impact of this project ripple across the farming community for years to come.”
This announcement is part of Waitrose’s Farming for Nature programme; a critical step towards completing a state of nature assessment by 2026 of all own-brand UK land-based farms. n
Based in Dubrovnik, Croatia, Adriatic Luxury Hotels is a collection of the finest independent luxury hotels and villas. Senior Advertising Executive Silvija Valjalo outlined the company’s commitment to sustainability and promoting the local community. Report by Phil Nicholls.
Highlighting the sights and culture of Croatia, Adriatic Luxury Hotels (ALH) delivers unique travel experiences with its high-quality service.
“We inspire guests by immersing them in the rich heritage of Croatia,” explained Senior Advertising Executive Silvija Valjalo.
“Situated at the heart of Dubrovnik’s most stunning locations, we enhance our guests’ unique travel experience with impeccable and dedicated service.”
Originally operating a few of the most prominent properties in Dubrovnik, the current company was created when the management of ALH was acquired by the Lukšić Group in 2011. This unified and extended the portfolio of both companies.
Today, ALH has 10 hotels, one villa and 3,110 beds. Of its 1,084 employees, almost 80% are local, supporting the communities where ALH operates.
A taste of Croatia
“The ALH brand is a blend of stunning seaside retreats, exquisite hospitality, and unique character,” said Ms Valjalo. “Our stunning collection of luxury hotels showcases landmark properties that embody
Croatian heritage, offering spectacular views and a vibrant connection to the local culture. Each distinctive hotel provides authentic experiences with personalised service and high-quality dining.”
This delivery of authentic Croatian dining is achieved through several close partnerships. For example, working with Dingač-Skaramuča Winery lets ALH feature Croatia’s first legallyprotected Dingač wine (as of 1961), enhancing the guest offerings while strengthening ties to Dalmatia’s winemaking heritage. Partnering with Crvik Winery offers guests authentic Malvasija Dubrovačka wine (dating to 1897), enriching the holiday experience.
ALH’s collaborations also extend to local food. Aeterna supplies locally-grown microgreens and edible flowers without pesticides. The partnership with Mihaljević med provides guests with the purest Croatian honey and supports sustainable beekeeping practices.
Olea BB’s authentic Istrian extra virgin olive oils enhance the hotels’ culinary offerings.
All of these partnerships support local producers, strengthen the local economy and showcase the Croatian cultural heritage. This culture is also explored at Hotel Supetar Cavtat, turning ALH’s boutique
heritage property into a vibrant intersection of hospitality and art. The SupetART art-inresidence programme provides Croatian artists with a platform to exhibit to a global audience. Through a monthly rotation, local and national artists showcase their arts, transforming Hotel Supetar’s communal areas into a dynamic pop-up gallery.
Unique holidays with style
With an expansive portfolio, ALH caters to all travellers, from corporate to leisure, from honeymooning couples to multi-generational families. Close relationships with local suppliers help ALH deliver holidays with style, further boosting the local economy.
“Collaborating with Hilding Anders d.o.o. delivers premium sleep comfort to guests,” continued Ms Valjalo. “These high-quality beds and mattresses also maintain our high environmental sustainability standards.
“Through cooperation with LUMAL d.o.o., we created a signature corporate fragrance, Adriatic (br) Ease. This can be sensed in all our hotels, reinforcing the uniqueness of our hotels and our emotional connection with guests.”
By collaborating with Croatian cosmetic company Magdis (through partner Majur Hotelski Servis d.o.o.), ALH has created an authentic and sustainable eco-friendly cosmetic line that is completely recyclable.
chain are clear, but ALH has a much deeper commitment to sustainability.
A commitment to nature
“Sustainability is a corporate responsibility and a deep personal matter for everyone at ALH,” explained Ms Valjalo. “We are beginning a long, challenging but exciting journey. Steadily, we are improving our sustainability performance, embedding it in our culture and defining concrete objectives and measures.
“Embracing sustainable life isn’t a passing trend, it’s a timeless commitment to preserving the world we all call home.”
The company is also dedicated to environmental management, which has been driven forward by its Committed to Nature project.
recycling to limiting resource use and responsible sourcing.
Close partnerships with local companies also play a crucial role in ALH’s sustainability journey, offering guests a more sustainable stay and showcasing a commitment to innovation. Integrating Darrer d.o.o.’s biowaste decomposition machines helps ALH to reduce CO2 and methane emissions.
Forte Solar d.o.o.’s solar panels reduce hotels’ energy costs and carbon emissions. Meanwhile, DUCATI Komponenti d.o.o.’s electric vehicle charging stations cater to eco-conscious travellers.
“Recently, we launched our Plastic Free Adriatic initiative, where we are cleaning plastic waste from the seabed and shores,”
Ms Valjalo continued. “Our efforts into sustainability have led us to be awarded the Travelife Gold Award, which is recognised by the GSTC. We hope to continue leading the way for sustainability in the industry.”
Building partnerships
ALH endeavours to provide a positive impact through its Committed to Nature programme. This has resulted in participation in several sustainability initiatives, which became an integral part of the ALH culture. For example, the partnership with local non-profit organisation Maritimo Recycling helps ALH collect, sort and repurpose plastic cleaned up from the Adriatic Seabed and shores.
“One of our first sustainability efforts to embed truly sustainable practices around our key values and everyday operations was partnering with Earthbound™ – a true Croatian pioneer in eco-footwear,” said Ms Valjalo. “For workwear, our employees
wear Earthbound Eco Sneakers – a Croatian bio-based sneaker brand, crafted for all the right reasons. Earthbound is the first Croatian B Corp certified company.”
ALH cares deeply about the local community. Starting in 2023, the company has sponsored Dubrovnik’s Touch Rugby School League– Rugby Club Dubrovnik. In 2024, ALH sponsored and donated €197,767 to various community initiatives.
“Looking ahead, we are positive that through our Committed to Nature programme, we will continue to actively manage our overall environmental impact,” said Ms Valjalo. “This puts sustainability at the heart of our business and means we only achieve growth in a responsible manner.”
For the longest time, ALH has measured quality in one key metric: guest satisfaction score. If the processes, operations and designs at ALH meet the highest quality standards, then the reception of its products and services will
Ivan Musladin Quality Assurance Analyst
undoubtedly be positive. A core driver of guest satisfaction is the attitudes and behaviours of the ALH team.
“Working in an industry that blends my love for my hometown, travel and hospitality keeps me passionate every day,” said Ivan Musladin, Quality Assurance Analyst at ALH.
“What makes it even more special is being part of a team that has grown together over the years, building a positive workplace atmosphere, making it truly enjoyable to step into the office each morning, knowing we all share the same goal: crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
Ms Valjalo offered a final thought on ALH’s underlying philosophy: “In the journey
towards sustainability, we realise that our individual choices, no matter how small, have the power to make a positive difference and that our choices and actions today can build a better tomorrow.
“Our company plays an essential role in safeguarding Dubrovnik’s unique identity. By fostering deep connections to the region’s history, culture and heritage, we ensure that each stay reflects the essence of this extraordinary place. From curating experiences that celebrate traditional crafts and cuisine to collaborating with artisans and organisations committed to cultural preservation, we strive to honour what makes Dubrovnik special.” n
Visit us as www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com
Chicago-based EXSIF has excelled over the last 25 years to become a global leader in tank container leasing. Now operating a fleet of over 75,000 ISO tanks, the company is on a mission to provide the very best quality service that prioritises the customer and the environment at every stage of the process. Vice President of Engineering Michael Smith and Global Marketing Manager Eric Gorte revealed how, during an in-depth interview with Inside Sustainability. Report by Imogen Ward.
Ever since it was established in 2000, EXSIF has dedicated every day of operation to revolutionising bulk liquid transportation.
“We have built up a fleet of more than 75,000 ISO tanks that are sustainable in design and will play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable logistics,” explained Global Marketing Manager Eric Gorte. “Each one of our tanks is constructed from 93 per cent recyclable material and is designed to be flexible, robust and reusable, and we are currently
working on innovation projects to increase that percentage.”
ISO tanks are critical when it comes to transporting chemicals and gases from A to B. Designed with safety in mind, these tanks transport hazardous materials internationally. Unlike other alternatives such as drums and flexi-bags, ISO tanks are much more sustainable than other alternative bulk shipping options and provide an unparalleled integrity when it comes to accidents.
Ranging from 1,000 litres up to 45,000 litres, these tanks can carry anything from liquids and liquefied gases, food-grade, to cryogenic liquids. This flexibility makes them suitable to cover most industries.
Diversity in action
While integrated in the supply chain globally working with multinational chemical, gas and food producers, EXSIF has always tried to reduce its carbon footprint.
Although its tanks are useful to a wide range of industries, EXSIF has successfully carved out a niche in the offshore sector, where it regularly helps minimise any negative environmental impact. The company provides tank containers for offshore drilling operations to securely transport waste and other materials for wind turbines and concrete seabed pads.
The company has also seen a rise in demand from the ever-expanding offshore energy sector. Its tanks have become crucial to the transportation of lubricating oils and materials for concrete seabed pads.
“The ISO tanks consist of a stainless-steel pressure vessel, which is surrounded by a carbon steel frame, designed to protect the load from any potential hazards,” shared Vice President of Engineering Michael Smith. “Each tank has a 20-year design life, and they can be repaired and maintained for many years before they reach a certain stage in their life when it’s time to be scrapped.”
When the time comes, EXSIF has implemented its own recycling programme, with approved recycling partners based
in Rotterdam, Singapore, Shanghai and Houston, where the tanks are broken down and separated into different streams, ready to be remelted and reused to create new tanks. By adopting this circular approach, EXSIF has ensured the production of its tanks is as green as possible.
“Using this recycling programme means there is very little waste when it comes to scrapping our old tanks,” continued Mr Smith.
“The only element that can’t be recycled is the insulation that surrounds the tank
as this is often soaked in chemicals or spillages. In this case, the waste has to be disposed of safely – normally via incineration.”
A greener approach
Taking on a holistic approach, EXSIF has also successfully optimised its fleet and implemented life cycle management to improve efficiency and extend tank usability. These adjustments have significantly strengthened EXSIF’s position when it comes
to being a leader in sustainability. This was further reinforced when the company began its assessment journey with EcoVadis. In 2021, the company was awarded a silver medal, placing it in the top 25% of over 75,000 companies evaluated by the green assessor.
“Every year, we strive to improve upon our EcoVadis score,” shared Mr Gorte. “We would love to reach platinum status in the future.
course, the threshold goes up a little bit each year, but we love a challenge, and we are committed to improving our score no matter what.”
A cut above the rest
While supporting its green initiatives, EXSIF is also determined to maintain its position as an industry leader.
Stemming from a combination of cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise and a customer-centric approach, the company has, without a doubt, earned its market-leading position. To sustain this success, EXSIF has developed several
key initiatives to ensure its services stand out above the rest.
EXSIF’s advanced digital fleet management platform is an innovative tool which optimises fleet operations by reducing empty moves – a costly occurrence that affects many industries and has a negative impact on the environment. Through the implementation of this platform, EXSIF not only optimises its operations, but also minimises its carbon emissions, which greatly benefits the
company’s wider commitment of being a sustainably driven entity.
The company also introduced a portal dedicated to the distribution of digital documents. This has helped provide a stress-free, easy-access solution for its customers whilst also cutting down on paper.
“We are entering a number of new markets to support these goals and promote the sustainability advantages of ISO tanks over traditional transport modes,” explained Mr Smith, in conclusion. “As we journey through our 25th year of success, we are proudly reflecting on our achievements while charting a bold new course for the future.” n
Fullwood JOZ products are designed with one goal: making life better for both dairy farmers and cows. This means ensuring business is productive and profitable, while cows are kept comfortable and healthy. Sales Director Martin Eistrup explained to Hannah Barnett how the company’s range of smart milking and cooling solutions guarantee that balance for farmers worldwide.
Fullwood JOZ has made its name with a unique combination of innovative thinking, service agility and intelligent design. This has resulted in healthy and productive cows for the company’s core customer: the dairy farmer.
“We are known for our superior ability,” Martin Eistrup, Sales Director. “We go the extra mile to achieve the best results on a farm. Fullwood JOZ has demonstrated proven results since the beginning of the dairy milking equipment era and, with the M²erlin milking robot, we now offer the most advanced milking robot among competitors.”
The company works on the philosophy that improving standards in welfare and well-being will benefit both herd and
farmer. This understanding is combined with a strong appreciation of the value of data as a vital aspect for any profitable modern dairy farm.
“Every cow is individual,” said Mr Eistrup. “Therefore, any possible data resource from the animal consolidated in solid farm management software enables the farmer to achieve higher results per animal and improve overall farm performances. Data is a key driver for our company and must be for dairy farms too.”
Going Dutch
Fullwood JOZ began active operations in the summer of 2022. It is the result of an acquisition by Dutch company JOZ, known for stable-cleaning machines, of Fullwood LTD the milking equipment business based in Ellesmere, UK.
“Although we may seem a quite young company, both segments already had a very long history in the market,” said Mr Eistrup. “The Fullwood segment, in particular, belongs
to one of the oldest milking equipment companies worldwide.”
Indeed, the company has been innovating in the dairy sector in some form for over 200 years: Fullwood was founded back in 1785 and became one of the pioneers of milking robots, with its first milking machine launched in 1948.
Nowadays, Fullwood JOZ is known for its highly modern-approach, offering famers a wide range of a products to achieve the highest level of automation on a farm. This is especially demonstrated by its flagship product, the innovative M²erlin milking robot machine.
By 2024, Fullwood JOZ revenue had reached the €100 million mark. Headquar ters are split between two sites north of Amsterdam: one in Middemer for Fullwood JOZ, and a separate location in Westwoud, for JOZ. The total number of employees now exceeds 250.
Happy cows, happy farmers
According to Mr Eistrup, Fullwood JOZ has seen a significant growth in interest from farmers wanting to invest in milking robots and the
smart solutions of tomorrow. “Younger farmers are especially strongly committed,” he said.
The milking robot concept is highly adaptable and can be designed for both small and larger farms. Typically, Fullwood JOZ recommends voluntary milking for smaller and medium-sized family farms. Voluntary milking systems allow cows to decide when to be milked, using automated technology with minimal human intervention.
FULLWOOD JOZ I PROFILE
For larger farms of around 500 to 1,000 cows, batch milking is preferred. The company’s batch milking solution is known as Meridian and means groups of cows are milked in scheduled sessions using automated milking robots, rather than individual milking at any
time. The system can save labour and optimise efficiency.
The jewel in the Fullwood JOZ crown is its innovative miking robot, M²erlin, which was first launched in 2014. On its website, the company promises the M²erlin will make milking ‘more peaceful for your cows and more profitable for you.’
Certainly, with its impressively silent electric arm, HMI touch screen and unique K-Flow integrated cow traffic, M²erlin makes milking quiet and stress-free, with natural entry and easy cow flow. All M²erlin products have been designed to keep cows relaxed and productive, using smart improvements to upgrade the milking environment.
“The most fundamental USP for the M²erlin is based on excellent milking performances per cow,” Mr Eistrup explained. “Thanks to the comfort of the design, the cow is milked in a completely stress-free environment, ensuring higher yields. There is no doubt the M²erlin is ranked at highest level when it comes to surpassing previous milking performances.”
Working together
Long-term relationships are the number one priority for Fullwood JOZ; relationships that enable innovation to continue. The company
FULLWOOD JOZ I PROFILE
views suppliers as business partners, and as a result, they are treated with respect and trust. This feeds into the overall goal of working together to provide the best services and maintain product supply to a farm.
“We trust in our suppliers to deliver high-end quality products to us,” said Mr Eistrup. “There is a regular and constant exchange of product improvement with our R&D team and purchase department. We ensure that quality matters and have established several procedures, alongside our suppliers, to achieve the highest level.”
With such a long history of success, the company has lasted in the market much longer than competitors. This has meant that, over time, Fullwood JOZ has been able to build robust business partnerships and to provide excellent local service.
“Overall, the consumers of milk and milk products are quite a consistent group,” Mr Eistrup reflected. “However, the overall impact of customers wishing to see a reduction in carbon footprint will put further pressure on local authorities to implement
environmental aspects to reduce emissions. This has an impact in terms of cost drivers on farm.
“More fundamentally, the shortage of foreign labour is having the biggest impact. It is quite hard to find people willing to work on dairy farms. That is why robotisation has enormous growth potential.”
There is no doubt that the dairy industry plays a significant role in the European agriculture sector. This means there is plenty of room for the profitable and progressive commercial dairy farms of the future. The future of Fullwood JOZ therefore looks largely positive too. Plus, when it comes to employees like Mr Eistrup, it is hard to imagine him doing anything else.
“I was born on a dairy farm in Germany,” he concluded. “I am passionate about cows, and I understand dairy farmers’ challenges, but also see the opportunities. Working around the globe, having direct contact with farmers in different countries and continents excites me a lot, especially showing them the potential of a sustainable dairy business.”
Maxwell+spark is an innovative lithium-ion battery manufacturer based in South Africa and The Netherlands. CEO Dr Clinton Bemont and CCO Ebén Joubert discussed with Hannah Barnett the company’s mission to transform outdated energy technology in industrial and commercial environments.
Maxwell+spark offers lithium-ion battery systems that electrify industrial mobility, delivering reduced lifetime cost, improved useability and uptime, simplicity and data-driven decision making.
“Coming from South Africa, we knew from day one that we weren’t going to get big subsidies from governments,” said Dr Clinton Bemont, CEO. “We also weren’t going to get companies buying our products because they wanted to be green. The only way we were going to make an impact is to make cost effective, reliable and usable products. We’ve built that into the fabric of the company.”
Of course, the Maxwell+Spark battery systems also deliver environmental solutions for massive reduction of carbon emissions.
This combination of a cost-effective and sustainable solution already makes the company stand out, but its agile workforce puts it truly ahead of the pack.
“The depth of competence within engineering and design is second to none,” said Ebén Joubert, CCO. “It allows us to compete in global markets. We design unique solutions and have personal relationships with our end-users. Understanding the final application and designing that into our products is really embedded here.”
A spark of an idea Team members began designing and manufacturing lithium-ion batteries in 2011. Dr Bemont, who was a university academic
Maxwell + Spark CEO, Dr Clinton Bemont (Left) and CCO, Ebén Joubert (Right)
at the time, founded the company alongside three post-graduates in 2017 and business commenced on a substantial scale in 2018.
“Being founded in a less structured way than some startups has pros and cons,” Dr Bemont reflected. “The pros are that we have a lot of creativity, flexibility and innovative thinking. The cons are that none of us had much business experience, so we didn’t always put the proper systems in place. In some cases, it took time to realise how critical those things are.
Starting in South Africa was also formative in other ways, and one of our core intentions was to create good jobs in South Africa; we’ve been pretty successful in that.”
Maxwell+spark has about 150 employees with over 70 technical degrees between them. The company is active on three continents, with production sites in Durban and Rotterdam, plus personnel and distribution partners in the United States, where it plans to open an assembly plant in the coming years.
The business has enjoyed a compound annual growth rate of over 70% since inception.
“That is brilliant, but it is also very challenging from a manufacturing point of view, because we’re simultaneously scaling production across three continents,” said Mr Joubert.
“And there’s that South African mentality. We get things done. A lot of what people in
the Western world take for granted are not a given in SA. But that mentality has secured the company and helped us to grow.”
Optimising industry
Fundamentally, maxwell+spark was founded to transition the industrial mobility and logistics sector to clean energy. It expanded into stationary applications by offering a second life option for mobile batteries.
“We have been building batteries in significant volume since late 2018,” Dr Bemont explained. “Those early batteries have surprising longevity and are still fully operational, but they won’t run in their current applications forever. So we’re looking at switching them into stationary applications efficiently, where energy density isn’t as important. We have significant R&D in this space and have lodged two patents.”
The company works across the standard FMCG chain, including supplying material handling equipment at production sites and warehouses, plus powering refrigerated delivery trucks and trailers.
“The mobility within that ecosystem is what we electrify,” explained Mr Joubert. “For the second- or third-life options of those batteries, we’ll use them as stationary standby backup power. Because we use the same components and telemetry across products, customers have a full lifecycle view of the first-, second- and third-life application of the batteries in their system.”
As it steadily sells more stationary batteries, maxwell+spark and customers are becoming deeply data driven. Customers can analyse how efficiently forklifts are working with refrigerator trucks, or whether there’s peaking on the substation during charging, all of which can be amalgamated into one set of data.
One happy customer is South African chilled food supplier Bidfood. “Bidfood has seen huge advantages,” said Dr Bemont.
“The data benefits the company even more than we thought it would. Both from
a practical perspective, regarding the way the equipment works, how to maintain it and total cost of ownership, to how Bidfood can analyse data to optimise feedback in, for example, future equipment mix.”
Sealing the deal
Another way maxwell+spark maintains a competitive edge is by optimisation of its supply chain.
This includes close relationships with suppliers, such as those that custom fabricate sheet metal, like Afrilaser and Steelcom Engineering in South Africa, Hieselaar in the Netherlands and Seibel Modern in New York State. As part of its supply chain optimisation, the company sources as locally as possible, reducing logistics costs and associated CO2 emissions.
“Getting reliability and quality from suppliers is critical,” Dr Bemont explained. “This means ensuring they have the right equipment, the right QC processes and systems, the right logistics processes, the right communication systems. It’s highly complex and something we’ve put a lot of effort into. In South Africa, we have someone that’s employed full time just to physically QC our suppliers.”
The company continues to enhance efficiency and uptime in the industries it works in. This success will fuel further growth in Europe and the USA, as well as maintaining the footprint in South Africa, where maxwell+spark has made a significant impact on the materials handling space already.
“South Africa probably has the highest penetration in the world, by some way, other than perhaps China, of lithium-ion batteries
in materials handling, and we know we have played a big role in that,” said Dr Bemont. “That’s saved the SA economy money, created jobs and reduced carbon emissions. We’re now making a big impact in the United States, with a significant footprint in the transport refrigeration space too, and we will continue to use data analysis to drive efficiency, design and optimisation of our user’s operations.
“When it comes to the batteries themselves, we have at least one piece of IP that makes them both cheaper and safer than our competitors. Maybe some can do one or the other, but not usually both. That same technology gives them a longer lifecycle too. Plus,
we have a set of IP with a significant amount of EU funding behind it to further develop. We’ll probably be releasing that commercially in 2026.”
Having already achieved big things, it is clear that maxwell+spark is headed for more.
For Dr Bemont, the motivation comes from making whatever difference he can.
“I think electrification is important geopolitically, and that that’s important to me,” he said, in conclusion. “It’s the technological progress of civilization. Yes, it’s one little rung near the bottom of a very long ladder, but it’s moving us in the right direction. I’m a believer that technology benefits humankind and I want to be part of that.” n
Meridian Energy prides itself on being South Africa’s holistic partner for energy. In just nine years, the company has built up a reputation for excellence as it continues to rally for wider energy security within the region. Directors Daniel van Aarde and Thomas Lewis laid out the journey, in conversation with Imogen Ward.
eridian Energy evolved from a long-term friendship and two men’s dedication to overcome energy insecurity within South Africa.
“Thomas and I have been friends since 2010, when we bonded over our passion for renewable energy,” shared Director Daniel van Aarde. “After having long conversations about the state of the South African energy landscape, we decided to merge my technical expertise with Thomas’ commercial and financial insights, and experience in order to develop the perfect customer
The journey to success
Although the partners registered their first joint business in 2010, it was not until 2016 that Meridian Energy would come to life, and a further five years before it really started gaining momentum.
“Things only really took off in early 2021, due to prior commitments and the pandemic getting in the way,” added Director Thomas Lewis. “From there, the business grew considerably, we doubled our assets, and we have been pretty successful ever since.”
Even now, the company continues to grow, with numerous new projects in
the works and important expansion plans under consideration. Thanks to the growing popularity of its offering, Meridian Energy is now looking to open new regional offices across South Africa.
“Our clients and their projects have taken us to every corner of the country,” said Mr van Aarde. “And our business has grown to a point now, where expanding our physical presence would be of benefit to both Meridian Energy and its clients.”
The company intends to implement a strategic ‘hub and spoke’ model that will
see new locations crop up in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
Through this expansion, Meridian Energy hopes to better support its clients and their projects nationwide.
Previous accomplishments
Over the years, Meridian Energy has been involved in a number of great projects, including several major solar-powered examples.
“South Africa, at present, has one of the highest uptakes of solar power per capita across the world,” shared Mr van Aarde. “This
is largely due to people’s desire for energy security in a country that is experiencing record-high tariffs and energy instability.”
“During 2020 alone, local utility companies completed 7,000 hours of load shedding, and in 2023, energy availability reached a trough of only 55 per cent,” added Mr Lewis. “This consistent instability has led to energy costs increasing by 650 per cent over the last 15 years, and it has inspired a lot of people to find alternative solutions to overcome this challenging environment. Meridian Energy is proud to help its customers find solutions that are not only energy efficient but also generate significant cost savings.”
From retirement estates to car washes and retail centres, Merdian Energy has supplied a wide range of facilities.
Some of the most notable projects include a hybrid solar plant solution. Completed just last year, this project saw Meridian Energy install a 510kW solar plant on a warehousing facility. The project also included a 630KVA PCS and 800kW/h of BESS storage.
“This solution provided our customers with an energy security buffer, which reduced their reliance on back-up generators,” explained Mr Lewis. “Towards the end of last year, we also installed a 414kWp peak solar system on the roof of a retail facility which houses fast-moving consumer goods, restaurants and retail space. The area it is in is susceptible to a lot of power outages on top of the scheduled load shedding, so, we also installed a 950kWh Hybrid BESS solution to provide as much energy security as possible.”
Solar panels are inherently sustainable, and working in such a green-focused field has also inspired Merdian Energy to reflect inwardly. The company has already introduced green practices relating to waste management and equipment usage, and is now considering the practicality of carbon credit opportunities and funding.
“One way that companies are able to be more responsible is via solar panel recycling,” explained Mr Lewis. “In doing so, the Extended Producer Responsibility regulations, which came in effect in 2021, must be adhered to. This means that manufacturers, importers and brand owners are accountable for the end-of-life management of their solar panels.
“Not only do we partake in responsible recycling, but we are also looking into asset funding to enhance our portfolio and extend
our physical reach. We are also seriously considering the possibility of implementing a carbon credit scheme to help mitigate our clients’ emissions.”
A reliable partner
While implementing these new solutions, Meridian Energy has remained true to its customer-centric approach. In recent years, the company has built up a solid reputation as a preferred EPC partner for several major clients within the food and retail markets. The company has also developed a strong alliance with leading OEM providers.
“Meridian Energy has recently received recognition from Huawei, as well as EUPD, for making a significant contribution to the energy transition in South Africa, which we are very proud of,” shared Mr van Aarde.
“We have never been a company that chases down accolades, but it was nice to be recognised with these awards,” added Mr Lewis. “Not only was it a fun experience, and a real motivator for our team, but it also helped put our name out there.”
As the company looks to the future, it intends to continue expanding its physical presence with the help of its long-standing partners, all while producing the same excellent quality it is renowned for.
“Our commitment to high-quality outcomes and solutions inspires everything we do,” said Mr van Aarde. “It has guided us toward initiating the ISO accreditation process
in 2025 and has been instrumental in shaping our customer journey, standardising operating procedures and making significant investments in team training and development.
“We have already grown significantly over the last five years, and with this year’s revenue expected to match last year’s in half the time, we are on track to achieve great things. In the end, our project delivery and services speak for themselves. By consistently delivering world-class quality, we not only meet customer expectations – we set new standards. And as we continue to raise the bar, our brand will become synonymous with excellence.”
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL I PROFILE
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) in Barbados is making significant strides towards sustainability as it serves as the island’s primary acute care facility. Report by QEH.
With a rich history dating back to 1964, and an expansion in bed capacity to 519, QEH is committed to enhancing its environmental practices and ensuring resilience against natural disasters.
The QEH campus, which started as a singular building, has expanded to include multiple buildings and locations. The hospital is the single largest employer, where approximately 3,000 persons are employed.
Sustainability initiatives
QEH acknowledges that hospitals consume large amounts of energy due to extensive medical equipment. The facility is set to invest BBD$130 million in upgrades, incorporating
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL I
newer, more energy-efficient technologies. The engineering department, led by Paula Agbowu, closely evaluates equipment purchases to ensure alignment with sustainability goals, as the Director admitted: “It’s no secret that hospitals are energy grabbers.”
Understanding the importance of water, especially in a hurricane-prone region, QEH has installed 130,000 gallons of backup water storage. It has also installed standby generators capable of providing power to the entire facility for a minimum of two weeks at the current load, once the diesel tanks are full.
The ability of the hospital to have 100% power backup at the main campus allows
the team to function during most eventualities. The off-site facilities are also serviced by generators and cover areas such as the Emergency Ambulance Service, the Infectious Disease Building and the Blood Collecting Unit.
The hospital also aims to extend its water backup capacity further from 96 hours to one week. Until this is fully implemented, there is a plan for the rationing of water during emergencies to ensure key areas are supplied, emphasizing the critical need for water in hospital operations from hand washing and cooking, to mixing medications.
Ms Agbowu indicated that the hospital is transitioning to sustainable waste
management practices, including upgrading its first-generation incinerator technology and focusing on recycling and autoclaving. This shift aims to minimise environmental harm while meeting WHO regulations for certain waste.
Future plans include creating green spaces, utilising the condensate water from air conditioning drains, reusing run-off water for toilet flushing or similar, and potentially growing herbs and vegetables for the hospital kitchen, fostering a connection to nature that enhances the patient experience.
Finally, QEH is exploring telemedicine programmes and occupancy sensor lighting to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Community and preparedness
As the sole acute care facility on the island, QEH plays a crucial role in the community. Its push towards self-sufficiency is not only
about resilience but also about alleviating the pressure on national emergency services during crises.
Ms Agbowu emphasized the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events, noting that the hospital is equipped to handle most disasters, but she did go on to point out that the Island has not been “truly tested as our neighbouring Caribbean Islands have been.”
Challenges and collaborations
While QEH leads in sustainability within the region, Ms Agbowu recognized that not all facilities have the same resources. The Government of Barbados has been instrumental in supporting QEH’s initiatives, allowing for upgrades without straining the hospital’s budget.
Through incremental changes and a clear vision for the future, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is setting an example for
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL I PROFILE
sustainability in healthcare. With ongoing efforts to enhance patient care and environmental responsibility, QEH is not only improving its operational capabilities, but also inspiring others in the region to follow suit.
“Every day, we are making little changes, and these add up incrementally,” said Ms Agbowu, in conclusion. “Seeing where we were, compared to where we are now, and looking forward to where we hope to get, really inspires me. When I joined the QEH, we did not have anywhere near the water or standby power capacity we have today. Everything we do is to ensure that our patient experience is the best and safest possible.” n
A busy few years in
The world’s most isolated airport has always been guided by a mission to provide safe, reliable and efficient airport operations for St Helena. Remaining compliant with regulatory requirements means considering passengers, stakeholders and the environment. CEO Gwyneth Howell looks back on an eventful 18 months, with Hannah Barnett.
Aremote volcanic island in the South Atlantic, St Helena is approximately 1,200 miles from the nearest major landmass. The airport’s location on a rugged terrain with steep cliffs and strong crosswinds makes landings particularly challenging. Even the site construction ten years ago was a remarkable engineering feat, involving the levelling of a mountain and the creation of an extensive rockfall protection system.
It is no surprise, then, that the St Helena Airport now serves a vital role, connecting the island’s small population to the outside world.
“We provide a lifeline for medical evacuations, essential supplies and tourism,” said Gwyneth Howell, CEO. “The airport’s combination of geographic isolation, technical challenges and vital importance to the community makes it truly unique among small island airports.”
A royal visit
After nine years of operation, the St Helena airport accommodated its first royal arrival back on January 23rd, 2024, when HRH Prince Edward visited the island. “Anticipation was evident as the community eagerly prepared to welcome a member of the
British royal family,” Ms Howell recalled. “Flags were proudly displayed, and the island’s dignitaries assembled at the airport to greet HRH.”
The visit was especially poignant as the airport was never formally opened back in 2016 as originally planned, due to not being
officially certified yet. Prince Edward spent a few days on the island which included time with the community.
“He also was also able to officially inaugurate the airport,” Ms Howell said. “So, now we’ve had the airport officially opened by a royal family member and we’ve got the plaque to prove it.”
Another notable event during that week was the arrival of the impressive C17 aircraft on January 25th. The C17, capable of transporting troops, equipment, and even royalty, symbolised the island’s connection to the wider world. “As Prince Edward boarded the C17 for his departure on the 26th of January, the island stood united,” Ms Howell said. “Whether
it’s a royal arrival or a routine training session, St Helena Airport remains steadfast in its pursuit of progress.”
Further milestones
In February 2024, the airport welcomed another exciting visitor, this time in the form of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which landed as part of a world circumnavigation expedition. Its two pilots spent eight days on the island before achieving their remarkable feat.
“This journey not only demonstrated the PC-12’s reliability and performance but also highlighted the spirit of adventure that drives aviation enthusiasts,” said Ms Howell. “The successful circumnavigation stands as
ST HELENA AIRPORT I PROFILE
a testament to the dedication and skill of the pilots and the advanced engineering of the PC-12.”
In May 2024, a team of Royal Engineers arrived to evaluate the condition of the runway and provide invaluable expertise on infrastructure and logistics. They conducted a meticulous examination to thoroughly assess its condition. Their findings will guide future maintenance efforts, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the St Helena Airport airfield.
“Any runway has got a life span,” Ms Howell explained. “The engineers drilled into it and assessed the sub-base. Now, our runway will last for another 40 years. It’s really well built with a great foundation. It was nice having the engineers on the island; they brought their ground penetrating radar and showed us how it worked. We spent about two weeks with them, so we’ve struck up a good relationship there.”
On the 9th February 2025, the St Helena Airport recorded its 50,000th passenger. This significant achievement spans a turbulent nine years, during which the Covid pandemic caused a major setback to what was then a promising outlook for passenger growth.
However, the recovery in the pre-pandemic years has been steady and the reality of surpassing the previous highest annual figure is now well within sight.
Upgrading and updating
Stronger IT infrastructure has been successfully installed at the airport, boosting the company’s cybersecurity protection capabilities. A project to replace the LIDAR windshear detection tool is also underway. The tool is crucial to enhance flight safety in the island’s challenging weather conditions. By using laser technology to measure wind patterns and detect windshear, LIDAR provides real-time data that helps pilots make informed decisions during take-off and landing.
This updated technology should prove helpful as in recent years climate change has
increasingly affected the island. More frequent weather patterns have had a significant impact on St Helena’s transportation, particularly the delicate scheduling of flights. Despite the famous unpredictability of weather conditions on the island, there have been a noticeable increase in delays and cancellations.
For example, 2024 saw 18 delays or postponements compared to 13 in 2023. 12 of these delays were mainly due to rain, low cloud base or fog over the airfield. December 2024 was a particularly challenging month, with unprecedented numbers of cancellations during what should be the first month of summer.
Aircraft which visited St Helena during 2024:
• Boeing 757-200ER
• Boeing C17-A
• Bombardier GL7T
• Cessna Citation X
• Dassault Falcon 20TH
• Dassault Falcon 7X
• Embraer EMB550
• Gulfstream G550
• Pilatus PC12
“Since I’ve been on the island, I haven’t seen December or January’s weather be the way it’s supposed to be,” said Ms Howell. “It’s a huge concern and impacts the scheduling like you can’t believe. Delays obviously also affect the travellers, and most are on transit to the UK. So, that becomes a cost issue too.”
The company has also identified a potential increase in flooding at the airport, leading to the formation of a climate impact study to ascertain if the issue will get any worse. As part of the works that took place on the runway, the airport has also worked to prevent any further degradation of the cliff side, which means stopping water from running off the cliff. Instead, the airport has installed French drains to safeguard both the runway and surrounding environment.
Time served
To remain successful and ensure longevity, it is no surprise that St Helena Airport thrives on collaboration and partnership. The organisation works transparently with suppliers and partners to build long-term
relationships, fostering trust and mutual respect. This also means maintaining a reliable and environmentally conscious supply chain, supporting the island’s economic growth and preserving its natural beauty for future generations.
For Ms Howell, the last year has been particularly significant, as she recently announced her retirement, which will begin when her contract ends in May 2026. The handover process, however, starts now.
“One of the most exciting aspects of my job is the opportunity for continuous growth, both personally and professionally,” she concluded. “I am particularly passionate about staff development, as it allows me to mentor my team, helping them unlock their full potential.
“Additionally, St Helena Airport takes great satisfaction in implementing a robust transition structure to ensure a smooth succession plan for when I retire. This not only provides stability for the organisation but also ensures that the legacy of excellence and innovation continues long after I step down.”
AXIOMA METERING I PROFILE
A pioneer of ultrasound technology in the Baltic States, Axioma Metering develops and manufactures ultrasonic water, heat metering and data management devices. The company uses technology to create a more secure and sustainable world. CEO Ignas Vosylius discussed environmental goals. Report by Antonia Cole.
This year, Axioma Metering will celebrate its eighth year in operation, but its history dates back over 30 years, CEO Ignas Vosylius said: “Axioma Metering, which now belongs to the ICOR corporation, introduced the first water and heat ultrasonic meters in 1993. Our journey to change consumer habits and create a better future began in 1992, founded by a group of technology students. Our story has always featured sharp minds, brave solutions and an accurate understanding of the market.”
2019 was a significant year, as Axioma opened its modern factory in the Kaunas Free Economic Zone and began mass production. With an annual capacity of over one million devices, this investment built the foundations of Axioma’s success.
Last year, the company opened a second, fully-automated factory, where the manufacturing cycle of an ultrasonic meter is five seconds long. Currently Axioma’s annual production capacity is three million units, but with plans for further investment into production lines, this is expected to increase to six million. The company’s smart meters
are used in over 80 countries, from Italy and Germany to India and Chile.
“Axioma Metering seeks to expand, to export and innovate,” added Mr Vosylius.
“In the first quarter of 2025, we produced as many smart water and energy meters as we did throughout 2022. This exponential growth is a testament to our team’s innovation, resilience, and operational excellence – especially in the face of an uncertain geopolitical and economic landscape.
“This shows both the rising demand for smart metering solutions and our capacity to scale and deliver under pressure. Our products help people worldwide save water, a resource that in some parts of the world is already limited. Water is life, so knowing that our smart products help to create a better future inspires our people.”
Smart monitoring
Axioma’s flagship product is its smart water meter, detecting water flows as low as 1 litre per hour. This enables accurate monitoring
of water usage, helping customers optimise their consumption. By detecting even minimal water flow, the meter quickly alerts users to potential leaks, helping to prevent significant water loss. Without the company’s smart meters, up to 30% of distributed water is estimated to be lost. Axioma’s smart meters can reduce this percentage to single digits within a couple of years.
In 2022, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, launched a large-scale modernisation project to address significant inefficiencies in heating and water networks. With up to 40% heat loss due to aging infrastructure, the city faced major operational and financial challenges. Supported by EU investments, the project enhanced efficiency, reduced losses and improved billing accuracy.
As part of this initiative, Axioma Metering’s Qalcosonic W1 ultrasonic smart meters helped utilities streamline data collection, prevent tampering and transition to a fully automated billing system. This pilot project expanded into one of Uzbekistan’s largest
Ignas Vosylius, CEO
smart metering deployments, setting standards for data accuracy and operational efficiency. 75,000 smart water meters will be installed in 2025.
There is a rapid growth in the use of Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technology in smart water metering – and for good reason. NB-IoT is reshaping the industry by providing utilities with a highly-efficient, reliable and scalable communication solution. Built on licensed cellular networks, it is purpose-built for low-power, wide-area applications. This makes it ideal for smart water meters, offering long battery life, strong indoor coverage and secure two-way communication.
“Utilities benefit from precise data monitoring, remote diagnostics and automated meter readings – significantly reducing operational costs,” commented Mr Vosylius. “Our journey with NB-IoT began in 2019, with our first commercial test run in Lithuania.
“In 2022, we won our first major contract, delivering 120,000 NB-IoT-enabled water meters. Since then, we’ve worked with
over 65 different Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) worldwide. This hands-on experience gives us a unique advantage: our meters are ready to work seamlessly with almost any MNO globally.”
Through years of collaboration and testing, Axioma developed advanced processes to optimise battery performance – essential for its meters, which are designed to last 16 years. These meters work closely with each MNO to fine-tune device behavior and maximise energy efficiency.
“Another often-overlooked factor is MNO performance monitoring,” said Mr Vosylius. “While NB-IoT ensures long-term connectivity, network environments change. Our devices continuously monitor MNO performance and send real-time alerts, allowing us – and utilities – to respond instantly, minimising water loss and reducing costs.”
This proactive approach ensures long-term performance and reliability, empowering utili-
ties to deliver smarter, more responsive water management. As infrastructure evolves and demands grow, NB-IoT positions utilities to stay ahead.
Improving sustainability
Axioma is also working to improve its own sustainability. In 2023, the company rented a solar park in the Vilnius district with a capacity of 500kW. The park generated approximately 514,000kWh of renewable power per year and Axioma is contracted to use this energy for the next ten years. Additionally, the company invested in a 305kW solar plant to further reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
“Our goal is to cut emissions by 30% by 2030,” commented Mr Vosylius. “We are systematically measuring greenhouse gas emissions, implementing energy efficiency measures and increasing our use of renewable energy. We have made significant strides in our sustainability journey, aligning with
our mission to change consumer habits and save water for future generations. At Axioma, we are steadily minimising water usage in manufacturing, as well as focusing on circular economy principles.”
The company is also dedicated to social responsibility and employee wellbeing. Implementing fair employment practices, ensuring equal opportunities and providing competitive salaries are some of the ways in which Axioma prioritises its employees. The company is also ISO 45001-certified, guaranteeing the health and safety of its workforce.
“Our work is guided by three core values: I care, I trust and I create value for the client,” added Mr Vosylius. “Every employee is committed to finding real, practical ways to support clients. Our people are our biggest asset. They create real value by talking to clients, listening to their needs and translating these requirements into solutions.”
Global impact
In 2019, Axioma was recognised as the most innovative company from Lithuania and received awards as a leading
exporter in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Axioma made these achievements by developing strong partnerships with suppliers. The company relies on local partners that understand their individual markets and deliver practical metering solutions.
“We are global through local,” said Mr Vosylius. “By combining our advanced technology with our partners’ local expertise enables us to consistently produce quality results. All our partners are important to us.”
Axioma’s mission to create better water systems for future generations continues to drive the company. Following investments into its facilities and people, Axioma plans to enter further strengthen its global footprint.
“It’s rewarding to know that every water meter we produce plays a pivotal role in preserving water resources,” continued Mr Vosylius, in conclusion. “Our growth targets directly align with making a positive global impact. We will continue to use the latest technology innovations to push ourselves ahead of the curve.”
Industrial heating solutions making smarter savings
The Pilot Group’s Energy Controls solution is specifically designed to control and optimise heating systems, providing significant energy savings for existing equipment. Hannah Barnett spoke to Pilot Group Product Manager Jordan Cooper, Pilot Group Sales Lead Phoebe Baker and Management Accountant Sean Cloudsdale to learn more.
The Pilot Group supports organisations to meet carbon reduction targets.
The company’s Energy Management Systems is an independent entity focused on enabling customers to sustainably manage their energy infrastructure.
“Our bread and butter is in the implementation and installation of a centralised control system for industrial heating equipment,” said
Jordan Cooper, Pilot Group Product Manager.
“We are specialists at controlling heating systems in factories and warehouses.”
The Pilot Group energy control solution contains features such as smart sensors and a self-learning algorithm, enabling heating to work more efficiently, thus creating savings. With a user-friendly portal accessible remotely from any device with an internet connection, it
is the perfect tool to not only remotely monitor sites but also make significant financial and carbon savings.
Drive for Innovation
The energy control solution can be fully integrated within any warehouse infrastructure. Its intelligent heating control uses multiple smart features such as roller shutter door monitoring,
which determines when to switch off heaters to avoid heating air lost to the outside environment. The system also includes role-based access which means only approved individuals can control target temperatures and overrides applied. The rewards speak for themselves: savings have been known to reach up to 87%, while the company delivers a minimum of at least
25%. The system is designed to be future proof, with savings strategies continuously providing benefit as long as the controls are kept updated. Users will also continue to get the latest features and saving strategies, as developed by the team.
“Our preheat optimisation uses a proprietary self-learning algorithm which intelligently adjusts your heating at the start of a shift, eliminating unnecessary cost,” said Mr Cooper. “This is industry-leading technology and we’re proud of it. We offer real time control of the system and access to advanced data insights. We do software updates every couple of weeks, shared with all our customers, showing them we’re constantly innovating and responding to their evolving needs.”
Pilot Group has its own in-house development team who collaborate with partners to bring in specialist knowledge and additional resource when required.
“We have a big product and development roadmap ahead of us and are constantly
adding to it when we find new innovative ways to optimise energy consumption and environment,” Mr Cooper added. “New industrial HVAC equipment comes to market regularly, and we want to ensure we can integrate and control them as efficiently as we do our existing estate. As the HVAC landscape changes, our portfolio of skills and optimisation strategies advanceswith it.”
Working with partners
While predominantly serving the industrial market, Pilot Group clients can range from SMEs with single sites, up to large nationwide corporations, principally in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, retail, aerospace and automotive.
“We wouldn’t rule out any client with an industrial building fitted with the type of
equipment that we’re compatible with,” Pilot Group Sales Lead Phoebe Baker said. “Things like warm air blower heaters or radiant tubes are where we can make a really good saving.”
In a market facing increased tariffs, it is no surprise that many businesses want to improve their bottom line. But there is also a growing interest in implementing sustainable measures. Companies of all sizes are now working towards ISO targets and the direct reduction of scopes one and two emissions.
“There’s been a massive shift in the last 12 months,” reflected Ms Baker. “Sustainability has been on the agenda much longer than that, but there seems to be increased supply chain pressure. Customers want to see a more demonstrable implementation of carbon
reduction projects. Typically, there’s no veri fication in the market of whether a project’s gone well or not. But we specifically focus on verifying savings and evidencing it to the customer. They can then show the same to their customer.”
One such partner is DPD, which Pilot Group has worked closely with over the last two years. The courier’s mission statement is to become the most sustainable delivery company in the UK, with cost reduction, of course, a further incentive. The first step with
Ms Baker explained. “We wanted to give them group-level control, allowing them to make informed decisions with the data. The average saving across the portfolio was 63 per cent.”
site productivity and minimising energy costs. The company is also keen to help customers move from gas to electric and is always striving for innovation.
Pilot Group approaches each project from an operational perspective, seeking to truly understand the challenges and offer site-specific advice rather than pigeonholing a solution. The company offers thorough aftercare and has invested heavily into a strong customer support team which regularly checks in with customers to explore their future energy needs.
“These check points with clients after three or six months ensure we are maximising savings,” Ms Baker explained, “After a year, we check we have met the saving showcasing how we’ve really understood that business to its fullest.”
Heating for the future
The goal for Pilot Group is the continued optimisation of the industrial and commercial environment, striking the balance between
“Due to the rising costs and uncertainty in the global market, the payback for these kinds of projects is much more attractive for businesses,” said Finance Manager Sean Cloudsdale. “We are trying to highlight that we can not only help reduce emissions, but the bottom line. Those savings can then be reinvested into a company. The benefits are clear. We offer all sorts of flexible payment options to try and find a solution that works for our customers, as well as for us.”
The company also aims to help customers with legacy control systems. As saving strategies and HVAC technology have significantly evolved in the last decade, upgrading an existing BMS or EMS to the Pilot Group system can reap excellent rewards.
“It’s a bit of a cliché, but the people really make this job, and we have a great team,” Mr Cooper concluded. “We all buy into the vision of where we’re going. The sustainability angle is why I joined in the first place. We’re not here to just to come in and do a job. We’re here to try and make the world a better place for our clients and our communities.” n
Marcap stands tall in the marine world through its unwavering reliability and client-centric service, with a fully-fledged fleet and a commitment to serving MEA’s top national and international oil and construction companies. Eager to expand in advance of its 30th anniversary, the company is investing in several new areas of interest. President & CEO Samer Qiblawi explained more to Imogen Ward.
Marcap is synonymous with reliability. Having dedicated the last 29 years to developing the perfect fleet, the company is now exploring new areas to further enhance its offering.
“When the company was established, it operated primarily as a vessel owner and manager; that all changed when we expanded our capabilities over the last few years,” explained President & CEO Samer Qiblawi.
When it comes to market expansion, Marcap has all the necessary experience. The company established itself in the UAE in 1996, serving customers within the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea and the Red Sea. From there, Marcap ventured into the Saudi market
“We started with one office in Dammam, serving Saudi Aramco,” revealed Mr Qiblawi.
“Before long, we expanded our network of clients and became an approved contractor for KGO and many other highly esteemed companies. In 2025, we have 3 offices in Saudi Arabia, celebrate 15 Years in the Kingdom and reap the benefits of that risky decision.”
President & CEO, Samer Qiblawi
Chartering distanced waters
Today, the company manages a fleet of 30+ vessels after the successful fleet expansion over the last two years. Marcap began management of seven towing tugs and an SSRV, which was fully enhanced to meet stringent UAE regulations, to improve Marcap’s ADNOC L&S offshore projects.
The three 40-tonne towing vessels were mobilised outside the UAE in mid-2024 and have been in operation ever since. The SSRV was brought all the way from Malaysia and upgraded with A-Frame Davit and a fast rescue boat, as per tender requirements.
The success of these new additions has encouraged Marcap to continue its expansion plans into 2025, with several LCT building contracts underway.
With so much success in complex projects under its belt, Marcap felt confident in stretching its geographic presence, specifically in the Mediterranean, South America and East Africa.
“We recently began operating in Chile and Mozambique, both outside of our traditional
geographical area,” revealed Mr Qiblawi. “We are proud to say that we performed well, and we are now mobilising another vessel from Paraguay to Mozambique.”
This tender is not the first time that Marcap has experienced Mozambique waters. The company already has two vessels from Noatum Marine (ex-Safeen) under its management in the area, so it is well-positioned to execute this new project.
“The success of our latest contract has really increased our curiosity for the region,” said Mr Qiblawi. “For that reason, we are now developing new relationships and implementing new services to suit the needs of this market.”
Expanding the portfolio
Keen to stay ahead of the curve, last year, Marcap introduced new verticals, in response to the evolving needs of customers, especially those coming to the MEA market from abroad and not familiar with the local requirements.
“We launched several new service packages in order to better cover a client’s demands,” explained Mr Qiblawi. “These include ship management from A to Z, tailored crew supply, get home safely ship delivery service, logistic project management and end-to end solution, vessels cross chartering, and becoming the classic OSV vessel provider and operator. These packages are already being utilised in several key regions, including UAE, Malaysia and Latin America.”
So far, these new services have been received positively, with customers appreciating Marcap’s ability to tailor its approach to each project.
“There was a signficant gap in the market for comprehensive services, and we felt our
experience would be crucial to helping meet that need,” said Mr Qiblawi. “By leveraging our expertise and global reach, we have been able to provide customised solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also operational effectiveness and crew safety.”
A company that cares
In line with its mission to be recognised as the first-choice supplier, providing the highest level of marine offshore services with absolute regard to safety, Marcap continues to prioritise crew welfare.
Last year saw the company implement a brand-new campaign focused on crew happiness. ‘One Big Family’ focused on bringing together people in the offices and offshore to strengthen the bond between every member
of the team. Designed with each employee in mind, the campaign aimed to ensure no one felt alone, to provide everyone with easy access to support when needed and to build a stronger sense of community throughout the entire company.
motivation for people. It is an indirect message from the management saying: “Everybody is important and valuable.”
For example, Marcap has a dedicated coach who regularly visits the office and vessels to keep people in a good physical shape.
“We are always eager to find new ways to further enhance crew safety and wellbeing,” continued Mr Qiblawi. “The ‘One Big Family’ campaign allowed us to really bring the spirit of our people together and make sure they have access to hotlines designed to help them in their time of need.
“When you have so many crew members, it can be difficult to ensure they all feel seen and heard, that is why we are determined to get the word out there.”
Eager to provide crew members with many different avenues for communication, Marcap is also utilising ShipArc software, to gain valuable insight from onboard its vessels. It is hoped that communication and safety levels will increase with the adoption of this app.
Mr Qiblawi was especially proud of Marcap’s success in its contracts with ADNOC. There is minimal overstay during crew changeovers and the company works hard to stay ahead of changeover times.
Alongside its dedication to social sustainability, Marcap also always prioritises its environmental impact.
“Sustainability is a very important subject across the entire industry,” said Mr Qiblawi. “And it is one that touches our company too. From small changes like implementing plastic collection in the office to examples that have a much greater impact, such as operating efficient vessels that create minimum pollution. This, in addition to many other detailed programmes, ensures we continue to prioritise sustainability wherever possible.”
“Implementing ShipArc was an important step in our HSE development programme, because it is designed to help reduce incidents, increase safety of crew members and improve our service offering,” shared Mr Qiblawi. “We have also been honoured to attend many of our clients’ HSE events, where we take the opportunity to talk about our own practices and the different ways in which we are going above and beyond on a daily basis.”
In 2019, Marcap introduced ‘Happiness Programme’ – a moral booster and extra
With its 30th anniversary fast approaching, Marcap intends to maintain this crucial commitment to crew safety and environmental protection as it continues to grow.
“We want to keep expanding and developing,” remarked Mr Qiblawi, in conclusion. “Whether that be our internal systems or our geographical reach, we are determined to enhance our offering to provide customers with the very best, sustainable and socially responsible service on the market.” n
Changing the world with
Veolia Water Technologies is a successful subsidiary of Veolia Group, an enterprise founded over 170 years ago. The Group is dedicated to delivering practical solutions that continuously drive ecological transformation. Teresa Ortigosa, Global Sustainability Director for Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions, explained to Hannah Barnett what this means in practice.
VEOLIA
ASpart of the world’s leading environmental services group, Veolia Water Technologies balances a global reach with a strong local presence. This means sharing knowledge and best practices across regions, while maintaining close relationships to address the specific challenges of clients.
“Our strength lies in our ability to deliver integrated solutions and bring a comprehensive cross-disciplinary perspective that is unique in our industry,” said Global Sustainability Director Teresa Ortigosa. “This enables us to design smarter, more resilient systems that consider our client’s complete environmental footprint.”
Structured around its three core business segments, Veolia Group is now the world’s largest environmental services company. In 2024, Veolia served 111 million people with drinking water, treated wastewater for 98 million people, treated 65 million tonnes of waste and produced 42 million MWh of energy.
Veolia Water Technologies specialises in designing and delivering water and wastewater treatment technologies and services. High-performance, low-carbon solutions are developed by the company’s skilled teams to help municipalities and industries secure access to water, recycle it efficiently and treat it sustainably.
“We help accelerate ecological transformation by addressing global water challenges with cutting-edge technology, engineering and service models,” said Ms Ortigosa. “From digital optimisation platforms, to reuse and recovery solutions, we provide the expertise needed to tackle the most complex water issues facing society and the environment.”
Veolia Water Technologies operates on a large scale, with more than 17,000 employees across 54 countries. This allows the company to support over 14,000 clients with end-to-end water treatment solutions, from engineering and project delivery to operations and specialised services. In 2024, Veolia Group reported consolidated
revenue of €45.3 billion. Water Technologies activities accounted for a record €4.97 billion, representing a 7% growth – three times the speed of the market.
Veolia Water Technologies is now combating climate change and the global water crisis through several key initiatives. Work in this area is a crucial component of Veolia’s wider GreenUp strategic plan and acts as a powerful booster for the group’s ecological transformation ambitions.
“Our primary focus is developing advanced water treatment and recycling technologies that maximise water reuse and minimise waste,” explained Ms Ortigosa. “We are deeply committed to depollution efforts, implementing cutting-edge solutions to remove contaminants and emerging pollutants from water sources.”
Decarbonisation is another crucial aspect. This means implementing smart water management systems and energyefficient technologies to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the water treatment processes. For industrial clients, the company offers specialised solutions that help them achieve both their water conservation and carbon reduction goals without sacrificing operational efficiency.
“Resource regeneration is at the heart of our innovative approach,” Ms Ortigosa said. “We develop wastewater treatment processes that not only clean water, but also recover valuable resources, nutrients and energy from the process, contributing to the circular economy.”
The company also provides critical desalination solutions to augment freshwater availability in water-scarce regions, using increasingly sustainable and energy-efficient technologies.
Pioneering projects
Marking a significant advancement in sustainable wastewater management, Veolia Water Technologies was recently selected to apply its extensive skill to the well-known Omer Vander Ghinste Brewery in Belgium.
The project seeks to balance environmental protection with resource efficiency and has two primary objectives. The first is to protect surrounding ecosystems and enable 70% water reuse in the brewing process. The second goal focuses on biogas production, creating renewable energy for heating water and buildings, which will prevent 548 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
“This collaboration perfectly exemplifies Veolia’s GreenUp strategic vision,” said Ms Ortigosa. “We are demonstrating how ecological innovation can enhance industrial efficiency.”
Teresa Ortigosa, Global Sustainability Director
That is not all. Several recent projects have shown the company driving ecological transformation on a global scale. In Mexico, a major water reuse project is helping a rapidly growing city reduce reliance on freshwater sources by repurposing treated wastewater for non-potable uses.
Then there is Hubgrade, the company’s digital platform to help clients improve sustainability. By combining real-time monitoring with advanced analytics, Hubgrade enables operators to reduce water and energy consumption, improve system performance and cut emissions across facilities. The technology is already being leveraged across multiple sectors to support data-driven decision-making.
Additionally, Veolia continues to expand its Proof not Promises programme, which
gives clients the ability to validate the environmental and operational benefits of the company’s solutions. “It’s one of the strongest indicators of our impact” according to Ms Ortigosa. Certainly, the numbers speak for themselves. Last year, nearly 700 customers participated in Proof not Promises, resulting in €244 million in validated operational savings and 55 million cubic metres of water conserved – equivalent to more than 22,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Sustainable solutions
It is no surprise that sustainability is fundamental to the company’s strategy and operations. To drive progress, Veolia has set concrete performance targets across sectors. For instance, on the environmental front, the company has
implemented a decarbonisation roadmap that includes a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032 and Net Zero by 2050.
“Just as we are improving our own sustainability, we are equally focused on helping our customers do the same,” explained Ms Ortigosa. “Our solutions are designed to support their environmental goals, whether by reducing emissions, saving water or increasing circularity. ZeeDense™ technology, for example, significantly improves energy efficiency in water treatment, while ZeeWeed™ membranes offer extended lifespans that reduce resource consumption over time, while consuming less energy than conventional filtration methods.”
With a portfolio that includes state-ofthe-art technologies in membrane filtration, anaerobic treatment and desalination,
complemented by advanced digital tools that optimise performance in real time, it is no surprise that Veolia has long been recognised for innovation.
The company works with the ethos that though modern environmental challenges may be complex, they are not insurmountable. This means turning ambition into action by working closely with clients and communities to address water and climate challenges via real, scalable solutions.
“What sets this moment apart is the shared sense of urgency and purpose,” Ms Ortigosa reflected. “More than ever, businesses, governments and individuals are looking for ways to create meaningful impact. We believe that by combining innovation, expertise and collaboration, we can meet that need and help shape a more sustainable future.”
Veolia has set out a clear roadmap for the future of its water technologies activities, shaped by two fundamental challenges: water quantity and water quality. Through GreenUp, the company is demonstrating that ecological transformation can combine environmental protection with economic performance.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to lead the sustainability function in a company where ecological transformation is truly embedded in our day-to-day work,” concluded Ms Ortigosa. “What excites me most is seeing collective commitment in action. The engagement of our people and their dedication to making a meaningful difference for the planet and society is incredibly inspiring. It is a privilege to be part of that energy every day.” n n
