Insulation manufacturer switches from single-use to reusable pallets

Superglass, a leading UK manufacturer of glass mineral wool insulation, has phased out white pallets from its supply chain in favour of a more sustainable alternative. The company has partnered with The Pallet LOOP, adopting its reusable green pallet system as part of its wider sustainability commitments.

From April 2025, Superglass will begin distributing its cured glass mineral wool insulation products using The Pallet LOOP’s distinctive green pallets. These pallets are designed to be recovered, repaired, and reused within the construction supply chain, offering an alternative to single-use options.

The Pallet LOOP, a division of BSW Group, aims to reduce pallet waste in the UK construction industry, where approximately 20 million new pallets are produced annually, with the majority discarded after use. Its circular system provides a durable alternative, with pallets that are up to 25% stronger than conventional versions and have a carbon footprint up to 40% lower. The initiative also offers financial incentives, with up to £4 in PayBack credits for each pallet returned for reuse.

Superglass supplies insulation solutions to homeowners, housebuilders, specifiers, installers, and merchants. Its manufacturing facility in Stirling operates with lean production methods to reduce waste and manufacture insulation to order. The company’s glass mineral wool insulation products contain up to 84% recycled glass and have a BRE green rating of A+. They are also classified as non-combustible with a Euroclass A1 fire rating, the highest possible under BS EN 13501-1 standards.

Theresa McLean, Etex UK Insulation Leader, said: Having the opportunity to reduce hundreds of tonnes of waste within our supply chain made joining The Pallet LOOP an easy decision for us. By partnering with The Pallet LOOP, we can, crucially, lower the amount of construction waste that goes to landfill. Schemes like The Pallet LOOP are vital for organisations like ours because they’re creating the kind of circular economy model that is urgently required to protect the planet, which is exactly what we’re committed to supporting as part of our sustainability efforts here at Superglass.

The Pallet LOOP has been expanding its network of manufacturing and collection hubs in collaboration with Scott Pallets. Since launching its reusable pallet system in May 2024, the scheme has helped the construction sector cut wood waste by an estimated 9,500 tonnes, while freeing up approximately 13,077 cubic metres of timber for alternative carbon storage applications.

By adopting this reusable pallet model, Superglass aims to further enhance the sustainability of its operations and contribute to reducing waste in the construction industry.