CORRUGATED packaging manufacturer GWP Packaging has hailed the impact of the firm’s decision to install solar panels at its Cricklade site one year ago.
Installed in July 2024 at a cost of £235,000, the system is said to have performed better than expected, generating around 7% more energy than initially forecast.
The system, installed by 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 is equivalent to the power needed to boil 3.6 million kettles, charge 18 million mobile phones, power over two million game consoles, or fully charge approximately 5,500 Tesla Model 3 vehicles.
Additionally, the system has saved the equivalent of 75 tonnes of CO2 emissions since its installation.
Ruth Cook, MD of 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.”
Having become part of Macfarlane Packaging four years ago, GWP revealed it 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, added, “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.”
