Packaging Manufacturer Hails Benefits of Solar Installation
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Corrugated packaging manufacturer GWP Packaging has marked the first anniversary of installing solar panels at its Cricklade site.
It marked the occasion by calculating the impact it has had on the business.
Installed in July 2024 at a cost of £235,000, the system has performed better than expected, generating around seven percent more energy than initially forecast.
The system, installed by leading solar PV and wind supplier CleanEarth Energy on two buildings at the company's manufacturing site, has generated a combined 360 MWh of energy over the first 12 months.
This, the company says, is equivalent to the power needed to boil 3.6m kettles, charge 18m mobile phones, power over 2m game consoles or fully charge approximately 5,500 Tesla Model 3 vehicles.
Ruth Cook, Managing Director for GWP Packaging, said: "We're delighted to see the impact that the solar panels are already having, from both a commercial and sustainability standpoint.
"As packaging manufacturers, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to the environment. So, as well as the work we do in reducing material use, minimising transport emissions through smaller packs, and using recyclable and FSC-certified materials, it's great to know we are powering our manufacturing equipment in the most sustainable way too."
Almost 5,000 typical UK homes could be powered for 24 hours using the electricity the system has generated over the past year.
Additionally, the system has also saved the equivalent of 75 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its installation.
Having become part of Macfarlane Packaging four years ago, GWP has continued its focus on minimising the environmental impact of its operations to support the Group's Sustainability strategy.
Having become part of Macfarlane Packaging four years ago, GWP has continued its focus on minimising the environmental impact of its operations to support the Group's Sustainability strategy.
David Patton, Head of Sustainability at Macfarlane Packaging, said: "It's great to see these figures and the difference the solar panels are making.
"We remain committed to using renewable energy wherever possible across our operations, with more solar panel installations planned over the coming years."
GWP Group currently employs around 100 people across two sites in Wiltshire - Cricklade and Salisbury - and designs and manufactures a wide range of bespoke protective packaging products.
The wider Macfarlane Group comprises more than 1,000 employees, with sales exceeding £290m in 2024 across the UK and Europe.
