At our Lurgan Fiber site in Northern Ireland, sustainability is built into every stage of production. Operating on 100% recycled fiber, using renewable electricity, and avoiding waste to landfill since 2021, the site continues to find new ways to reduce environmental impact while improving efficiency.
For Compliance Manager Una Mitchell and Senior Supply Chain Manager Jeff Kearon, that progress is the result of continuous improvement across waste, water, and materials management.
Reducing waste and making better use of resources
Simple changes have delivered significant results. Reusable label containers have replaced single-use cardboard, reducing waste, while improved colored fiber management has increased reuse. Changes in handling and storage further cut waste, and centralized dye and oil delivery has reduced manual handling, spill risk, and the need for steel oil drums.
"We've refined our processes so that more material can be recovered and reused," says Una. "It's a great example of how practical improvements can create meaningful environmental benefits."
In addition, in 2025, Lurgan introduced labels made from 100% recycled paper for its egg cartons, which are already produced from 100% recycled fiber. Compared with the previous virgin-fiber labels, the new material is estimated to reduce energy use and water consumption by more than half, while carbon emissions are estimated to be reduced by up to half.
Conserving water while increasing production
Water stewardship has also been a major focus. Since introducing a Water Management Program in 2021, the site has reduced the water consumption by an estimated 26,000 m3 per year, the equivalent of around 10 Olympic size swimming pools, through increased recycling of the water in the operation. As a result, water consumption has fallen since 2021, even though production has increased. The next phase of improvement includes a system that will return rainwater to local waterways.
Progress powered by people
For Jeff, the site's achievements reflect a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
"Progress comes from being open to new ideas and challenging established ways of working," he says. "When people understand the purpose behind a change, it becomes much easier to make a lasting impact."
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to resource efficiency can deliver measurable environmental benefits while supporting long-term business performance.