Sustainability at Kernow Coatings

At Kernow Coatings, we are committed to conducting business in ways that both help protect our planet now and build a better, more sustainable and ecologically aware future for generations to come. While we are always striving for improvement, here are some of the key ways we implement more environmentally friendly practices across our operations.

Green Energy

At our headquarters in Penryn, Cornwall, we teamed up with CleanEarth to design and install a 107kW solar system. This system is estimated to deliver nearly 100,000kWh of energy annually, reducing our carbon footprint by 22 tonnes each year. Looking ahead, we aim to power our business operations, facilities and workspaces entirely with renewable electricity by 2027, continuing our mission to enhance our environmental sustainability.

Waste Disposal & Reduction

In 2024, Kernow Coatings achieved a significant milestone: zero waste to landfill at our Penryn headquarters. Collaborating with BIFFA and other third-party partners, we now repurpose our product waste as fuel to burn, providing energy and heat. Additionally, all wood and cardboard waste generated onsite is fully recycled. These measures are part of our unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact and improving our waste management.

Innovative Products

Our innovation pipeline includes groundbreaking products designed to minimise ecological impact:

• KernowPrint Eco PRO Lite: Made with up to 40% less plastic, this innovative synthetic paper delivers a versatile solution for a wide variety of applications, from eye-catching indoor displays and vivid outdoor signage to standout packaging and promotional materials. Combining exceptional performance with a reduced ecological footprint, this product ensures your message not only stands out but does so sustainably.
• KernowJet Interiors Recyclable: Made from 100% recycled materials, this eco-conscious wallpaper helps our customers reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on quality or style.

As we continue to lead in synthetic media innovation, we prioritise our environment at every step of product development.

Water-Based Coatings

For decades, Kernow Coatings has pioneered the use of water-based (aqueous) coatings to minimise environmental impact. By opting for aqueous coatings where possible, we:

• Reduce the use of harmful chemicals like solvents and petroleum-based compounds.
• Use coatings that are less toxic to ensure safer handling for workers and lower environmental impact during disposal or recycling of synthetic paper.
• Decrease energy consumption during the drying process, as water-based coatings often require lower curing temperatures compared to solvent-based options.

Did You Know?

Currently, 90% of our coatings are water-based, aligning our production and disposal processes with eco-friendly practices and reducing environmental harm.

Caring for Nature

In collaboration with Plant One, we have funded the planting and lifetime care of over 13,000 trees in the past 11 years. This continued partnership also includes physically planting trees, with sessions already scheduled for January and February 2025.

Planting trees not only offsets carbon emissions but also contributes to biodiversity and ecosystem health.

At Kernow Coatings, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Through green energy initiatives, waste reduction efforts, innovative products, water-based coatings, and our dedication to planting trees, we are proud to play a role in creating a greener, more sustainable future. We remain committed to ongoing collaborations and investments that enhance the environmental sustainability of our business operations.