Scotland has some of the most ambitious climate legislation in the world, with a government commitment to reach net zero by 2045 and a new Circular Economy Bill to reduce waste, increase material reuse, and promote sustainable production practices across industries. Thomas Johnstone Ltd. (TJL) has implemented several sustainability practices throughout our business to support these goals.

Our manufactured joinery workshop actively contributes to the circular economy through our partnership with EGGER, a leading supplier of chipboard and wood-based materials. By returning timber-based manufacturing waste to EGGER Timberpak for reprocessing into new chipboard products, we are helping to keep valuable materials in use for longer, minimise landfill, and support a closed-loop supply chain within the construction sector.

Our workshop produces a range of bespoke joinery items, inevitably resulting in by-products such as sawdust and wood offcuts. Rather than allowing this material to go to waste, we ensure it is collected, stored, and transported back to EGGER’s recycling facility. Operatives place waste materials into designated waste bins before transferring recyclable materials to dedicated external 40-yard skips for collection.

EGGER Timberpak collects the skips once filled, usually bi-monthly, demonstrating a significant volume of waste diverted from landfill each month. Our environmental team is working closely with EGGER to calculate additional impact data, including CO2 reduction and waste diversion metrics, and quantify the environmental benefits more precisely.

This initiative significantly reduces our waste output by diverting wood by-products from landfill, ensuring that materials are repurposed rather than discarded. By adopting a circular model, we contribute to a more sustainable supply chain, lowering our carbon footprint and reducing the demand for virgin timber. This not only supports responsible forestry but also minimises emissions associated with new material production. Optimising material usage and waste disposal also enhances cost efficiency, making the process environmentally and financially beneficial. Collaborating with EGGER further strengthens our role in the broader manufacturing industry’s circular economy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable resource management.

As sustainability is one of our Core Values, we continually look for ways to improve and refine our approach. We are exploring ways to enhance the efficiency of our waste collection and transportation processes throughout the business and examining opportunities to increase our use of recycled materials in our manufacturing processes.

“I applaud companies that understand the importance of making the most of the resources we have and understand what can be done to minimise waste. The circular economy approach we offer to our Egger customers is a sure way to help everyone reach their net-zero goals. The importance of the waste hierarchy is something that we want to help all our customers understand, and the tangible benefits it can offer to all.”

Michael Hillman, Manufacturing Director, further explains, “At Thomas Johnstone Ltd., we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and embedding sustainability in every aspect of our operations. Our collaboration with EGGER exemplifies this commitment, creating a seamless circular economy. We ensure they are repurposed rather than wasted by purchasing and utilising their materials, capturing and segregating unused offcuts, and returning them to EGGER for reprocessing. EGGER’s innovative approach means these by-products are not classified as waste but as valuable resources reintroduced into production. This closed-loop system allows us to contribute to sustainable manufacturing practices continuously.”