Sustainability in Panel Manufacturing: A Gilcrest Perspective

Building Better for a Low-Carbon Future

In an industry where precision, performance, and compliance are paramount, sustainability can no longer be treated as a secondary concern. For manufacturers serving the cleanroom industry, environmental responsibility must be engineered into every product, process, and partnership. At Gilcrest Manufacturing, this isn’t a future aspiration – it’s already happening.

From recyclable packaging and renewable energy use to data-led emissions tracking, Gilcrest is redefining what sustainability looks like in panel manufacturing. This blog outlines the tangible actions we’re taking today, the measurable progress we’ve made, and how we’re aligning with customers and stakeholders to meet the demands of tomorrow.

Our Sustainability Commitment: Data-Driven, Results-Led

At the heart of our environmental strategy lies a commitment to transparency and measurable progress. Using 2022 as the base year, Gilcrest has established clear net zero targets across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. These scopes cover everything from direct onsite emissions and electricity consumption to those embedded in our supply chain.

• Scope 1 & 2: We’ve already reduced emissions by 24.4%, placing us 4.25 tCO2e ahead of our 2025 target trajectory. Based on our 7.9% annual reduction plan, we are on course to achieve net zero Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 2037.
• Scope 3: These indirect emissions, such as those from raw materials and logistics, require a broader systems approach. We’re proud to report a 32.2% reduction to date, with a goal of a 45% reduction by 2030 (from a 2023 baseline), aligned with an 8.2% annual reduction pathway.

This approach isn’t just about targets, it’s about accountability. We’ve embedded sustainability into our operational metrics, and our leadership team reviews progress quarterly to ensure momentum remains strong. This progress reflects not only targeted investments but also the collaborative efforts of our team, particularly Jason in Procurement and Darren in QHSE, whose joined-up approach is already delivering measurable impact.

Engineering Sustainability into Every Panel

1. Recyclable and Circular Packaging Design

Packaging is often an overlooked contributor to a project’s environmental footprint. At Gilcrest, we’ve reimagined our packaging from the ground up:

• 100% recyclable materials
• 22% reduction in packaging volume, lowering transport emissions
• A closed-loop reuse system with our steel suppliers, ensuring materials circulate rather than go to waste

This packaging redesign not only improves sustainability but also supports project delivery by reducing bulk, waste, and handling time on-site.

2. Onsite Renewable Energy: Powering Production Differently

Energy consumption is a critical lever for any manufacturer. Today, 46% of the electrical energy used in our production processes is generated by onsite solar panels, significantly reducing our reliance on grid-based power and cutting carbon emissions at the source.

This move reflects our wider operational philosophy: where technology enables emissions reduction, we act.

3. Materials with Environmental Intelligence

Cleanroom panels demand high specification. But performance and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. Our R&D and procurement teams actively seek material inputs that balance durability, compliance, and recyclability.

Our Puracore cleanroom panels are engineered to the highest specifications – but they’re also among the most sustainable on the market. Our standard 50mm panel weighs 42.8 kg, and over 96% of that material is fully recyclable at end-of-life.

What This Means for Our Customers

For cleanroom specifiers, pharmaceutical engineers, and project procurement teams, the implications are clear:

• Reduced embodied carbon: Lower emissions in manufacturing mean less carbon in your construction lifecycle.
• Cleaner construction sites: Recyclable packaging and panel components reduce landfill waste and site clutter.
• Verified supply chain action: Our carbon tracking and Scope 3 reductions support ESG compliance and supplier reporting.
• Futureproofed designs: Recyclable panel systems meet the evolving expectations of clients, regulators, and certification bodies.When sustainability is engineered in, not added on, it becomes a value driver, not a cost burden.

 Looking Ahead: The Road to 2030 and Beyond

Our goals don’t stop at compliance. By 2030, Gilcrest aims to have:

• Achieved a 48% Scope 1 & 2 emissions reduction
• Delivered a 45% reduction in Scope 3 emissions
• Transitioned to a fully recyclable product range

We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we know the work isn’t finished. Sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we welcome collaboration with partners who share our ambition.

Let’s Build a Cleaner Future Together

If you’re designing critical environments and looking for a partner who can deliver performance without environmental compromise, we’d love to hear from you. Gilcrest is ready to support your project with cleanroom panel solutions that meet the highest technical standards while lowering the carbon footprint of every build.

Get in touch with our team to explore how our panels can support your sustainability objectives.