About Marshall-Tufflex
Marshall-Tufflex, a pioneering UK-based manufacturer of high-quality cable management solutions, has long been at the forefront of innovation in the construction and electrical sectors. Having kickstarted its sustainability journey with Planet Mark in 2023, Marshall-Tufflex has now embarked on a defining milestone: it is working towards becoming a Planet Mark Certified Net Zero Committed Business.
Customer requirements and the need to report on sustainability to shareholders initially drove the manufacturer to initiate its carbon emissions measurement and reduction journey. Marshall-Tufflex soon found that taking steps towards net zero unearths operational efficiencies, cost savings, stronger supplier relationships and inspires contagious enthusiasm and passion amongst staff striving to embed sustainability into the heart of the business. The manufacturer knew it needed to start from scratch, from learning about Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, to understanding how to collect the necessary data to understand its carbon footprint and track progress.
A Certification that meets the holistic needs of the business
The company was considered whether it would need extra resource to be able to begin its decarbonisation journey. The Board decided that the most strategic solution was to find a suitable sustainability partner and a Certification that would guide them on each step of a robust sustainability journey; from there, Marshall-Tufflex’s Planet Mark journey began.
Ketlyn Silva, Environmental and Quality Manager, comments that “Planet Mark stood out as the obvious Certification provider and we were particularly drawn in by their communication with us and ability to engage our staff and suppliers; we wanted a Certification partner to help us go beyond gathering emissions data.”
Uncovering operational efficiencies and cost savings
Marshall-Tufflex experienced first-hand that weaving sustainability into business decisions drives operational efficiencies. They wanted to replace their packaging, and, by considering this project through a sustainability lens, they recently reassessed the design and found an outcome that has boosted operational efficiency and dramatically reduced the time it takes for an operator to assemble each box.
- The packaging for their moulded products is now 100% recycled and recyclable
- The new packaging process has reduced the cycle time for assembling packaging
- Reduced packaging has in turn cut costs
Ketlyn adds that, “Net zero is about reviewing ‘wastes’ from across the business so it’s impossible to not cut costs – working towards net zero means using less paper, water, energy, and reviewing your fleet and supply chain.” To help reduce energy consumption and costs Marshall-Tufflex has also recently replaced two manufacturing machines with one machine, maximising efficiency.
Solidifying supplier relationships through net zero
To tackle the complexities of Scope 3 emissions, Marshall-Tufflex required Planet Mark’s support to engage its supply chain to educate and foster collaboration. Embarking on events with suppliers, led by Planet Mark, was pivotal in discussing Marshall-Tufflex’s net zero ambitions and exploring the opportunities and requirements of a net zero journey. This initiative not only strengthened supplier relationships but also encouraged open dialogue.
Ketlyn adds, “We have developed a support line to ensure that we are taking a collaborative approach to net zero with our supply chain; sharing best practice is important to us. We were delighted to find that some suppliers were even ahead of us on the net zero journey. We have strengthened our relationships with suppliers by engaging them on the net zero journey and we’re also encouraging them to become Planet Mark Members! Planet Mark have helped take the mystery out of net zero for us and for our suppliers.”
Fulfilling key customer requirements
Marshall-Tufflex has evolved its business priorities to include sustainability alongside quality, availability, and price, reflecting growing customer demand for tangible sustainability credentials and commitments. Through its commitment to Planet Mark’s Net Zero Certification Programme, sustainability is now embedded into every project. For example, as part of a roof refurbishment project, Marshall-Tufflex is going to seize the opportunity to install solar panels.
As Ketlyn highlights, “Weaving sustainability into decision making has brought tangible business benefits and positioned net zero as a strategic imperative. To support this transformation, the company has leveraged the Planet Mark Academy to educate internal teams, ensuring a shared understanding and capability to deliver on sustainability goals”.
Looking ahead to the future: science-based targets and business transformation
Marshall-Tufflex is entering an exciting phase of its net zero journey, driven by a commitment to setting science-based targets and developing a comprehensive Net Zero Transition Plan with Planet Mark’s Strategy Consultants. Once the manufacturer has restated its 2023 base year emissions thanks to an improvement in data quality, the focus will be on target-setting, marking a pivotal step towards measurable progress. The next chapter promises opportunities for collaboration from staff and suppliers, deep cuts in emissions but also continued business resilience and leadership in sustainable manufacturing.
Ketlyn highlights that, “Planet Mark’s infectious excitement for net zero boosts us and I am personally excited to understand the next project we will be embarking on as part of our sustainability journey.”
