Ten ways we’re making Broxap more sustainable

In today’s world, sustainability is becoming increasingly important across all industries. People are recognising the need to reduce their environmental impact and are taking steps towards becoming more eco-friendly, which is exactly what we are doing here at Broxap.

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity for the survival of our planet.

By using sustainable materials, including recycled plastic, recycled steel, reclaimed timber and FSC-certified wood in the design and manufacture of our products, Broxap is reducing its environmental impact and setting an example for others to follow.

Our use of FSC-certified timber in our products supports biodiversity in forests worldwide. By incorporating more eco-friendly street furniture that is made from natural, reusable, or recyclable materials, we can help to reduce our carbon footprint and offer a more sustainable solution for landscape schemes.

Durable street furniture should be able withstand frequent use and harsh weather conditions, providing a reliable and long-lasting solution for public spaces.

Broxap’s commitment to durability means all our products have a long lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs and conserving resources.

We carefully select weather-resistant and heavy-duty materials such as strong metals and solid and durable timbers. Our designers and manufacturers also incorporate elements that help prevent damage and wear, such as rounded edges, reinforced joints, and protective coatings.

One of the most pressing sustainability issues across the globe is the accumulation of plastic waste, hence the theme of Earth Day 2024: Planet Vs. Plastic. To tackle this problem, we have adopted various methods to reduce plastic waste here at Broxap.

Since 2020, we stopped using shrink wrap and swapped bubble wrap for recycled corrugated cardboard. We also repurpose broken packaging and reject any deliveries that contain plastic to reduce our environmental impact and promote a greener and more sustainable future.

Our company recently invested £1.2 million in a new automated powder coating system, which is revolutionising our production processes while reducing our impact on the environment.

This innovative system features a highly efficient pretreatment stage, allows for precision powder coating, and is designed to be energy-saving. It uses half the gas and electrical energy consumption of a zinc phosphate counterpart system, and the drying and curing ovens are built to retain optimum temperatures for longer, reducing heat loss.

As part of Project Transform, we are continually equipping our factory with smart technologies and innovative systems to support operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

We have invested in new fibre laser cutting technology, which has improved our carbon footprint and enhanced our capabilities. The Amada Ensis fibre laser cutter produces fewer emissions than its CO2 counterparts, and it has eliminated the need to send products offsite.

This has resulted in fewer vehicle movements and, therefore, fewer carbon emissions. It has also given us and our clients greater control over the final product finish and custom fabrication options.

At Broxap, we use biomass briquetting as a renewable and sustainable energy source to heat our factory and power our machines. Briquetting converts loose biomass materials, such as sawdust and wood waste, into compact, high-density fuel pellets.

By using biomass waste as a fuel source, we are reducing our reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. This, in turn, helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, making it a more environmentally friendly and sustainable option.

We have implemented several on-site initiatives to reduce waste including using scrap wood to heat our production facility and sending our general waste directly to a refuse-derived fuel plant.

We also make sure to recycle all our scrap or off-cuts, including steel, laser-cut sheet metal, and timber. As a result of these efforts, we have achieved certification as a Zero to Landfill business.

We are very proud of our Zero to Landfill certification at Broxap, which is only awarded to companies that prove they have diverted non-hazardous waste from landfills by reducing the amount they produce, finding ways to reuse materials, and increasing recycling.

Local manufacturing is vital for a sustainable future. Producing products locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation, which mitigates climate change. UK manufacturers benefit from faster lead times due to shorter distances products need to travel. This results in higher quality products, with fewer chances of damage during transit. 

Broxap is proud to have always been a UK manufacturer, promoting the design of more durable and repairable products.

The manufacturing industry is a crucial part of the UK economy and prosperity, contributing around £199.8 billion GVA (gross value added) in 2023. By choosing UK-made products, you can help create a sustainable future in the long term.

At Broxap, we are committed to promoting a sustainable future through our products and processes.

We have implemented various initiatives to promote sustainable practices, including a cycle to work scheme, charging points for EV vehicles, and providing our employees with reusable coffee cups to reduce single-use plastic waste.

As a company that specialises in designing, manufacturing, and installing bike shelters, it only makes sense that we provide the best for our employees. Our state-of-the-art bike shelters reduce our carbon footprint and encourage sustainable practices, providing a safe and secure place for employees to park their bikes.

Since installing these shelters, we have seen reduced carbon emissions and traffic congestion at our HQ in Chesterton.

At Broxap, we believe in transparency and traceability to make our operations more sustainable. To ensure high-quality processes and materials, we have implemented an Environmental Management System (ISO14001) alongside our Quality Management System (ISO9001).

Our production teams are highly skilled in communicating these standards to all colleagues and customers involved in the product journey. We track our environmental achievements and prioritise material traceability by working with like-minded suppliers. This improves our overall sustainability and boosts efficiency and performance.

To find out more about what we’re doing to improve sustainability at Broxap, get in touch with one of our friendly advisors on 01782 564411 or email [email protected]