Introduction
At Polyformes, we have taken another step towards reducing the environmental impact of our operations with a £150,000 investment in a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system at our Leighton Buzzard manufacturing facility.
Completed in April of this year, we expect this 250kW solar PV system installation to generate up to 25% of its total electricity requirements. This is approximately 41 metric tonnes of carbon savings per year, equivalent to 1,032 metric tonnes over the system’s 25-year lifespan.
Our investment in solar energy at our site reflects our ongoing commitment to improving operational efficiency and customer support for those increasingly seeking environmentally friendly solutions.

Supporting more sustainable manufacturing
Sustainability has long been an important part of how we design and manufacture protective packaging. Our bespoke foam packaging solutions are engineered for durability and reusability, helping customers reduce waste and extend the lifespan of their packaging.
The addition of renewable energy to our manufacturing process builds on this approach by reducing the carbon footprint of our products.
Emma Atterbury, General Manager at Polyformes, said:
“Sustainability is crucial to our business and operations. Whilst we’ve always supported our customers with reusable packaging solutions, we are increasingly helping businesses switch to more sustainable options and align with forthcoming regulations.”
She continued:
“Although the bespoke packaging and foam products we produce are durable and reusable by design – reducing the ongoing need for resource materials – the installation of the solar panels will help decarbonise these further. The green energy provided by the new solar panels will be a big step forward for us and will have a significant, positive impact on the overall sustainability of our business.”

Since becoming part of Macfarlane Packaging two years ago, Polyformes has renewed its focus on reducing the environmental impact of its operations to support the Group’s sustainability strategy.
David Patton, Head of Sustainability at Macfarlane Packaging, commented:
“We’ve made strong progress across Macfarlane Group in several areas, including transitioning away from fossil fuels, making our operations more efficient and using our resources and tools to offer industry-leading solutions to our customers. Recent solar installation at Polyformes marks another important step on this journey.”
Investing in the future
As demand for sustainable packaging solutions grows, we remain committed to investing in both our manufacturing capabilities and our environmental performance.
By combining high-quality foam conversion with more sustainable manufacturing practices, we’re continuing to help customers protect valuable products while reducing their environmental impact.
Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, improve packaging reuse or work with a manufacturer committed to sustainability, our team is here to help. Contact our team of foam experts to discuss your project requirements and discover how our bespoke foam solutions can support your sustainability goals today.
