Our Commitment to the Planet
Sustainability
First
100% recycled fibres. 0% waste philosophy. We have been quietly building one of Britain's most responsible paper mills for over three decades — long before sustainability became fashionable.
100%
Recycled Fibre Input
0%
Landfill Waste
95%
Process Water Recycled
2030
Net-Zero Target
How We Work
Four Pillars of
Responsible Milling
Circular Materials
Every gram of fibre entering our mill has already lived a previous life. We source exclusively from certified post-consumer recycled streams — no virgin wood pulp, no exceptions. Our fibre procurement team audits suppliers annually against FSC chain-of-custody standards.
Water Stewardship
In 1989, we became one of the first UK mills to achieve full closed-loop water recycling. Today, 95% of our process water is recaptured, treated and reused within the same production cycle. Our discharge to the River Frome consistently exceeds Environment Agency standards.
Clean Energy
Since 2019, all electricity consumed at Lower Mills has been sourced from renewable tariffs. We are currently installing a 480kW rooftop solar array — expected to offset 35% of our total energy consumption by Q3 2025. On-site heat recovery captures steam from drying cylinders to warm our offices and welfare facilities.
Zero Waste to Landfill
Our waste hierarchy is: reduce, reuse, compost, energy recovery — landfill is not on the list. Paper trim and broke from our converting lines re-enters the pulper. Sludge from our water treatment plant is composted. Plastic strapping from incoming deliveries is baled and collected for recycling.
The Road Ahead
Net Zero
by 2030
In our centenary year, we committed publicly to achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. This is not an offset-based target — it is a genuine reduction roadmap built on measurable milestones.
We publish an annual sustainability report available on request, covering energy intensity per tonne of output, water consumption, waste diversion rates, and supplier audit outcomes.
Request Sustainability ReportCompleted — 2019
100% renewable electricity procurement
Completed — 2022
Zero landfill waste certification achieved
In Progress — 2025
480kW rooftop solar array installation
Planned — 2027
Fleet electrification (final-mile delivery)
Target — 2030
Net-zero Scope 1 & 2 emissions
Independently Verified
Our Certifications
ISO 14001
Environmental Management Systems
FSC CoC
Chain of Custody Certified
PEFC
Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification