Sustainability
At Abingdon Flooring, sustainability isn’t a trend - it’s a responsibility. We believe in laying the foundation today for a healthier, greener tomorrow. Every decision is driven by a commitment to protecting the planet for future generations.
Our Commitment to the Planet
As a company built on craftsmanship and innovation, we understand the impact our industry can have on the environment. That’s why we’re on a continuous journey to improve the way we operate, making sustainability part of every step we take.
From reducing our carbon footprint to sourcing eco-friendly materials, we aim to make a positive difference, not just in the homes we help furnish, but in the world we all share.
Powered by Progress
Alliance, our trusted transport partner, powers the future of logistics. From our manufacturing hub in Wales to our distribution operations in Hemel and Worcester, we use a fleet of electric vehicles to deliver our carpets with zero emissions. Every shipment arrives at our warehouses and cutting depots in a carbon-neutral way, ensuring sustainability at every step.
100% Green Electric Forklift Fleet
Our factory operates a fully electric fleet of forklift trucks, a significant step forward in our sustainability journey. Over the past 18 months, we’ve transitioned from a gas-powered fleet to 100% electric vehicles, which has dramatically reduced our carbon footprint. This change not only supports our commitment to environmental responsibility but also enhances the efficiency and safety of our operations. By investing in green technology, we aim to build a cleaner, greener future for our industry and the planet.
Driving Positive Change
Our active ESG Committee sets clear environmental, social, and governance goals, driving strategic improvements across our business. We proudly support the local community through our dedicated Nature Reserve, where we’ve created a thriving wildlife area. Here, we nurture endangered wildflower species and maintain healthy bee populations to promote biodiversity and sustain natural habitats. We believe that responsible business practices and environmental stewardship are inextricably linked.
Committed to Reducing Waste
Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and we’re proud to have already achieved a 95% waste recycling rate. Our efforts cover a wide range of materials, including recycled carpet, yarn, cardboard, and polythene.
We also comply fully with the DEFRA Waste Packaging Regulations, ensuring we meet rigorous environmental standards. As part of our recycling strategy, we integrate recycled materials into our packaging processes. For example, our carpet tubes are crafted from 100% recycled paper from a UK paper mill, and our polythene wrap contains at least 30% recycled content, with a target of reaching 60% recycled material as we continue to push towards a greener future.
ISO 14001: Setting the Standard for Sustainability
SO 14001 is the globally recognised benchmark for Environmental Management Systems (EMS), offering a comprehensive framework for organisations to design, implement, and continually enhance their environmental performance. This standard empowers organisations to take proactive measures to minimise their environmental impact, comply with all relevant legal requirements, and achieve measurable environmental objectives.
By adopting ISO 14001, we are not only reducing our footprint but also embracing a culture of continuous improvement—one that drives us to identify and address environmental risks, invest in innovative solutions, and contribute to a more sustainable future for both our business and the communities we serve.
Harnessing Wind Power
A dedicated on-site wind turbine powers our factory, and 34% of our power is generated by renewable energy, which significantly reduces our carbon footprint. By harnessing the natural power of the wind, we can operate more sustainably, decrease our reliance on non-renewable energy sources, and contribute to the transition toward a cleaner, greener future. This investment in renewable energy not only supports our environmental objectives but also reflects our commitment to leading by example in the carpet manufacturing industry.
Building Greener Homes
Our Housebuild Sustainability Programme is designed to support the construction of environmentally responsible homes by providing carpets that meet the highest standards of sustainability. From sourcing eco-friendly materials to reducing carbon emissions in production and incorporating recycled content into our carpets, we are committed to delivering flooring solutions that are both durable, stylish, and sustainable. Partnering with housebuilders, we help create healthier indoor environments while ensuring each carpet contributes to a lower environmental impact, supporting the broader goal of building a greener future.
Members of UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance
Since its inception in 2008, we have been patron members of UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance, a pioneering initiative committed to reducing the environmental impact of the carpet industry. Their mission is to divert millions of tonnes of waste from landfill, turning what was once considered disposable into valuable resources through recycling or energy recovery.
Our ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices and our role in shaping a circular economy where carpet waste is minimised and repurposed is an integral part of who we are. Through our collaboration we are helping to transform waste into opportunity, contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for both the industry and the planet.
Climate Change Agreement
We are signed up to a Climate Change Agreement (CCA), a partnership that sets government-backed energy reduction targets to help us continually improve our environmental performance. This agreement encourages measurable progress in reducing energy consumption and lowering our carbon footprint. By aligning with the CCA, we play an active role in tackling climate change.
Our Sustainability Achievements
We’re already making great strides on our path to becoming a truly responsible manufacturer:
Abingdon Flooring’s Sustainable Journey
Abingdon Flooring is proud to be a member of the Supply Chain Sustainability School, a collaborative initiative focused on creating a more sustainable future. Our learning spans the three key pillars of sustainability – Environmental, Social, and Economic – covering crucial topics like carbon management, tackling modern slavery, and more.
But that’s just the beginning! Through the School, we also gain access to valuable training on areas that support a more sustainable industry, including digital skills, fairness, inclusion and respect, management, offsite construction, operational excellence through Lean Thinking, people development, and procurement.
Every six months, we assess our progress and receive tailored action plans to help us improve. The School’s resources – documents, links, and expert guidance – are invaluable tools that support us in our sustainability journey. We’re excited to keep learning, growing, and making a positive impact in the industry!
Our Commitment to Carbon Net-Zero by 2037
One of our key objectives on the path to Carbon Net-Zero at our production site by 2037 is the transition from natural gas to green hydrogen in our backing production line. We recognise that this transition is a journey, as the necessary infrastructure for widespread hydrogen use is not yet fully established in the UK. However, we are encouraged by the Welsh Government’s commitment to developing the strategic use of hydrogen to support their long-term goal of achieving Net Zero. Our efforts align with this broader vision, and we are dedicated to playing our part in creating a sustainable, low-carbon future.
At Abingdon Flooring, we’re not just making carpets—we’re making change.
Join us on our journey towards a more sustainable future.
