We are thrilled to announce an exciting milestone in our sustainability journey at Sinclair & Rush—both of our Kent factories have taken a major step towards a greener future with the installation of over 300 solar panels! 🌞
As a global leader in the manufacture of plastic, rubber, and foam components, our operations require a significant amount of electricity. From powering our state-of-the-art machinery to maintaining optimal production conditions, energy is essential to what we do. However, we also recognise that with great power consumption comes a great responsibility to the environment. That’s why we are proud to announce this investment in solar energy—a move that not only benefits our business but also makes a positive contribution to the planet.
Mark Osborn, Managing Director of Sinclair & Rush UK, highlights the importance of this initiative:
"The installation of the solar panels at both our Rochester and Maidstone factories is a continued effort to improve our sustainability. It is a big project and has taken time and organisation to implement. We are looking forward to measuring our results in the coming year—both financially and in terms of reducing our carbon footprint. It is vital that, as a successful business in the UK, we are contributing and doing our bit. If every business does their part, collectively we can make a huge change to the environment."
The installation of more than 300 solar panels at our Kent factories has been a carefully planned and expertly executed project. We are now in the final stages of connecting everything, and soon these panels will be fully operational, seamlessly integrated with our new substation to maximise efficiency.
Across both factories, we have installed an impressive system with a total capacity of 350.56 kW.
We are pleased to have partnered with Yeames Ltd—Electrical Experts based in Ramsgate—for this venture. Their professionalism and expertise have ensured a smooth and successful installation process. We couldn’t have asked for a better team to bring this vision to life.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is the long-term benefits it will bring to our business. By generating our own electricity on-site, we expect to achieve significant cost savings over time. These reductions in energy costs will allow us to reinvest in other areas of the business, fostering innovation and helping us maintain our competitive edge in the global market. According to British Gas, “For businesses, solar panels offer not only energy savings but also long-term stability in energy costs, reducing their reliance on increasingly volatile fossil fuel markets.”
This move also aligns with a growing trend in the UK business sector. According to Energy Live News, “Many UK businesses are increasingly adopting solar panels to reduce operational costs and support sustainability initiatives. As of 2024, 17% of businesses had already installed solar systems, while 73% plan to implement on-site renewable energy generation in the next few years.”
But the benefits extend far beyond financial savings. The environmental impact of this project is substantial. Solar energy is a clean, renewable source of power, and by switching to solar, we are significantly reducing our carbon footprint. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices, helping us not only meet but exceed environmental standards.
“As of 2024, the UK's total installed solar capacity stands at approximately 17 gigawatts (GW), representing a significant increase from previous years. Solar energy accounted for about 5.4% of the UK's electricity generation in 2023, making it the third-largest contributor to renewable energy, behind hydropower and wind,” reports Solar Panels UK.
To give you a clearer picture of the environmental benefits across both sites, here are some impressive statistics:
Annual Environmental Impact: 46% reduction in CO₂, SOₓ, and NOₓ emissions, 71 tonnes of CO₂ avoided per year
Lifetime System Impact: Equivalent to avoiding 2,102,306 car kilometres, Equivalent to planting 13,515 trees, Equivalent to avoiding 1,505 long-haul flights.
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of our new solar panels, we have implemented a comprehensive maintenance and cleaning schedule. Regular servicing will be conducted to keep the panels in top condition, ensuring they continue to operate at peak efficiency for many years to come. This proactive approach reflects our commitment to making this investment work not only for today but for the future.
The installation of solar panels at our Rochester and Maidstone factories is just one of many steps we are taking to embrace sustainability. As we continue to grow and evolve as a company, we remain dedicated to finding innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact while delivering high-quality products to our customers. Be sure to check out our previous sustainability articles for more insights!
We are incredibly proud of this achievement and look forward to the positive changes it will bring. By reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources, we are securing a more sustainable future for Sinclair & Rush, while also contributing to the global effort to combat climate change.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and sustainability in our industry.
