Ibstock target 40% reduction in plastic use by 2025

Pledge to reduce plastic use just one of many commitments as part of Sustainability Roadmap 2025

IBSTOCK plc have reiterated their pledge to reducing plastic use by 40% by 2025 – one of the many commitments the group has made as part of its Sustainability Roadmap to 2025 that align with the ‘Restore the Earth’ theme of Earth Day – the world’s largest environmental movement.

To help meet their target of reducing their use of preventable plastic packaging, Ibstock are seeking to remove at least 200 tonnes of plastic shrink wrap from across the Group by the end of 2021 – the equivalent of 8.3 million soft drinks bottles.

Under the stewardship of its Plastic Taskforce, the company has introduced a number of initiatives. Following successful trials to reduce shrink wrap thickness by up to 30%, the programme has been rolled out across the Group’s manufacturing sites, which has had a significant impact on plastic consumption.

It is just one of many initiatives undertaken by the Group as it seeks to minimize its impact on the environment. As a further example, at the beginning of 2021, the company announced it was the first building products manufacturer to procure 100% of its electricity from renewable sources, accelerating its journey to net zero.

Recognizing that everybody has a role to play, every level within the business is expected to integrate sustainability ambitions into their work. To this end, Ibstock have introduced initiatives such the Listening Post and Lunch & Learn sessions as mechanisms for increased engagement, with action on climate change being a key focus.

Joe Hudson, chief executive officer of Ibstock plc, said: ‘We are committed to the world we leave for the next generation. The initiatives we have undertaken to date are a step forward in realizing our Sustainability Roadmap ambitions whilst helping to meet global climate targets.

‘The engagement of our people at every stage is key to our success as it as it allows us to have a collaborative response to the challenges we face. As we work towards being the the most sustainable manufacturer of clay and concrete products, we must show clear leadership and do all we can to drive change and reduce our impact on the natural world.’