This year COP29, hosted in Azerbaijan from 11th to 22nd November, serves as always to remind us of global commitments made to deliver deep, rapid and sustained emission reductions now to keep global temperatures under control and stay below 1.5°C, while leaving no one behind. Though the tiling industry plays a small role in this larger picture, The Tile Association nonetheless believes it is an important one.
TTA’s Sustainability Working Group is available to answer your sustainability questions, as businesses are increasingly required to understand and prepare for new rules, regulations and taxes such as the Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT), extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) tax. TTA is keen to demonstrate the sustainability benefits of tiles and tiling companies and has provided digital resources for members to show their sustainability commitment, available on request.
Another way that TTA promotes environmental responsibility is through a dedicated category at TTA Awards, championing innovation and excellence in the tiling industry. On 10th May 2024, the Best Environmental Initiative Award Winner Nicholls & Clarke Group Ltd stood out for their exceptional sustainability efforts, shortlisted alongside the worthy finalists in this category Mapei (UK) Ltd and Topps Group Ltd.
Nicholls & Clarke Group won as a result of the company’s significant advancements on sustainability throughout its operations. The Group significantly reduced its carbon footprint by introducing its first fully electric-powered commercial vehicles and, in a decisive move, set a trajectory for all company cars to transition to go electric by 2026. In addition, the company installed over 1,000 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of its Head Office, saving an impressive 170,540kg of C02 emissions annually, and has initiated the transition to 100% LED lighting at production level and across Group locations.
A highlight of Nicholls & Clarke Group’s 2023 sustainability progress was a new purpose-built, energy-efficient tile factory it built. The factory emphasises waste reduction and operational efficiency, integrating solar panels for on-site energy production. The company also introduced an in-house cardboard recycling machine that repurposes cardboard as shredded protection wrap, therefore eliminating the need for more environmentally harmful alternatives like bubble wrap. Nicholls & Clarke Group also recognises the pivotal role of sustainable product sourcing in its environmental strategy, investing in sustainable options such as the Ecotech Collection, a porcelain tile produced using 90% recycled content.
Mapei (UK) Ltd was shortlisted for the Mapei Zero range products that have CO2 offset in the entire life cycle. For Mapei, “zero impact on climate change” means that CO2 emissions measured throughout the life cycle of products from the Zero line in 2023 – using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, verified and certified with EPDs – have been offset through the acquisition of certified carbon credits in support of renewable energy and forestry protection projects. This showcases Mapei’s commitment to the planet, to people and to biodiversity.
Topps Group Ltd was shortlisted for the strides it has made towards the environment in just two years, reducing Scope 1–2 emissions by 43%, setting out to measure Scope 3 emissions, reducing operational waste by over 300 tonnes, and more. This has been accomplished within the Group’s business-wide “Environmental Leadership” programme, built around the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals – for example, climate action, clean energy, and responsible consumption.
Committed to once again celebrating excellence as well as commemorating The Tile Association’s 25th anniversary, TTA Awards returns to Hilton Birmingham Metropole on 6th June 2025. Tickets are now available for purchase and entries are opening November 2024.
To seek advice from the Sustainability Working Group please email membership@tile.org.uk or call 0300 365 8453. For more information visit www.tiles.org.uk/sustainability/.
