JELD-WEN achieves zero landfill waste at Penrith site
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Zero waste milestone reached in Cumbria
JELD-WEN has reported that its Penrith manufacturing site has reached zero manufacturing waste to landfill.
The door manufacturer said this marks progress in its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals set for 2050.
It explained that the Cumbria-based site has implemented projects and process changes to divert all production waste away from landfill.
The company stated that the milestone was achieved through assessing production processes and increasing recycling measures in partnership with national networks.
It added that collaboration with employees was central to reaching the target.
Recycling solutions at the facility
According to JELD-WEN, one challenge was plastic banding left over from production.
Hamish White, Operations Director at the Penrith site, said: “The Penrith team found that plastic banding was difficult to separate from other waste, so by sorting waste into designated bins, plastic pieces were able to be removed and recycled or reused.
“A similar assessment found that ash from biomass boilers – a by-product of the manufacturing process – could be diverted from landfill and recycled as a component of tarmac and used for paving roads.”
The company explained that these waste assessments allowed materials once destined for landfill to be reused in other industries.
It said the changes have reduced landfill impact while supporting the wider recycling market.
Progress towards ESG targets
JELD-WEN stated that the Penrith site has so far achieved half of its 2050 sustainability objectives.
It reported that alongside eliminating landfill waste, the site has committed to sourcing all timber from sustainable or certified sources.
The business added that it is working to phase out single-use plastics in its production processes.
It said that these commitments form part of its global ESG strategy.
The manufacturer explained that the goals cover both environmental measures and employee health and safety.
Reducing plastics in production
The company outlined that changes in packaging have reduced single-use plastics.
It said that all glazed-door packaging has been replaced with recyclable cardboard.
According to JELD-WEN, this packaging change has cut 17 tons of plastic from the production supply chain.
The business explained that this adjustment demonstrates its ongoing approach to minimising material waste.
It added that the reduction of plastics is intended to improve both environmental outcomes and workplace safety.
Commitment to long-term sustainability
Hamish White added: “It is down to the dedication of the team at Penrith and commitment of the company that we continue to make great strides towards meeting our ESG goals for 2050, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
“Our ESG goals are not only designed to lower the environmental impact of the company, but to improve employee health and safety, and we remain committed to finding innovative solutions to support our journey towards net-zero, and ensuring the highest standards in product manufacturing and performance are met.”
The company said the facility’s work reflects wider commitments to reducing environmental impact across all global operations.
It added that these initiatives remain aligned to long-term targets to reach net zero.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
JELD-WEN manufactures timber doors and doorsets, including specialist fire doors.
Waste reduction strategies at its Penrith site may influence material sourcing and production methods for fire door manufacturing.
Environmental policies in the manufacturing sector can have an impact on supply chain standards for fire safety products.
Professionals may also find relevance in the balance between environmental goals and workplace safety commitments described in the company’s ESG strategy.
JELD-WEN achieves zero landfill waste at Penrith site: Summary
JELD-WEN has reported that its Penrith manufacturing facility has reached zero manufacturing waste to landfill.
The company said the milestone is part of its 2050 Environmental, Social and Governance goals.
It explained that changes included separating plastic banding for recycling and diverting biomass boiler ash for use in tarmac.
According to JELD-WEN, the site has already achieved half of its long-term sustainability targets.
It reported that timber is now sourced from sustainable or certified suppliers.
The company outlined that 17 tons of single-use plastics were removed from the supply chain.
It stated that all glazed-door packaging has been switched to recyclable cardboard.
Hamish White, Operations Director at the Penrith site, said the progress was down to staff dedication and company commitment.
He added that the goals also aim to improve employee health and safety.
The company said these changes support its wider journey towards net zero.