Best practice in manufacturing

Tarmac Topblock aims to minimise the environmental impact of its operations preventing pollution and striving for continuous improvements. We recognise that the nature of our business, if managed incorrectly can have significant effects on the environment. For this reason, we have developed a strategic approach to environmental management systems across over all of our 11 Tarmac Topblock sites.

 

Network of local plants
We operate a network of plants designed to use local labour and materials, which minimises transport distances.

Accredited environmental and quality management systems
All of our block plants operate to a certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.

Waste reduction
Waste is a monitored Key Performance Indicator at each plant. We recycle waste back into the
process. In addition, uncured aircrete is immediately reused as part of the process and cured aircrete waste is recycled as aggregate for Hemelite production.

Energy efficiency
The Tarmac Group has established a 10-year target to reduce specific energy consumption through a variety of initiatives and ongoing energy efficiency improvements.

Water usage
Through constantly evolving and efficient manufacturing practices, we have dramatically reduced water usage, helping to reduce the strain on vital water resources.

Examples of best practice include:
- Investment in new machinery to produce void packs and reduce the usage of timber pallets.
- Excess heat from the curing process of blocks is used to heat our offices.
- Steam from the curing process at our aircrete factories is reused throughout the cycle, reducing energy consumption.
- Investments in energy-efficient motors.
- State-of-the-art autoclaves installed to improve energy efficiency.