Screwfix Media Centre- Experts & Thought Leaders

Screwfix, the UK’s trade retailer has reduced its direct carbon emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 50% since 2021/22, even after taking into account growth from 790 stores to more than 900 stores.   In 2021, Screwfix’s direct carbon emissions measured more than 23,000 tonnes, in 2022 it was 18,900 tonnes, and by the end of 2023, it had decreased to less than 11,000 tonnes. HVO is an alternative fuel The fall in direct carbon is driven by a move away from fossil fuel heating to air-source heat pumps (which use cleaner electricity) in over 639 stores with more added every month, and a transition to HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) in delivery vehicles across 85% of the fleet. Made from 100% waste materials, HVO is an alternative fuel that uses renewable feedstocks and food wastes, including cooking oil. HVO diesel not only helps Screwfix minimize carbon emissions but also reduces the impact transport has on air quality.  Reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions Screwfix is also working to measure and reduce indirect and product-related (scope 3) emissions The retailer is committed to replacing fossil fuel heating in stores and transitioning the remainder of the delivery fleet, to halve its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions again within the next two years.  Screwfix is also working to measure and reduce indirect and product-related (scope 3) emissions as the retailer works towards net zero carbon.  sustainability strategy Screwfix’s ambitious sustainability strategy, ‘Let’s Fix Tomorrow, Today’, launched in 2021, with the trade retailer pledging to eliminate carbon emissions, reduce and recycle waste, source responsibly, keep products in use for longer, sell sustainable products, and provide sustainable packaging. Screwfix continually gathers insight from customers about how important sustainability is to them and ensures that this insight shapes the strategy and its six main pillars. The retailer has achieved many milestones across each pillar of the strategy so far.  refurbishment of water-based products Screwfix labeled more than 1,500 products with its Green Star, highlighting options with a lower environmental impact Sales of refurbished products reached £2m in 2023 and Screwfix is planning to double its refurb operation in 2024, investing a further £1,000,000 into its distribution centre at Stafford. This will enable the refurbishment of water-based products (pressure washers, showers, and taps) and high-value non-electrical products. In 2023, Screwfix labeled more than 1,500 products with its Green Star, highlighting options with a lower environmental impact and making it easier for customers to shop sustainably. The number of Green Star products will double to more than 3000 by Summer 2024. Waste reporting 83% of waste was recycled in 2023, with 17% incinerated with the heat generated captured to create electricity. Since 2018, over 99.5% of waste has been diverted from landfill. The retailer is launching waste reporting and a paper printing dashboard to support store colleagues with tracking and avoiding unnecessary printing where possible.  Screwfix has supported suppliers in transitioning to sustainably sourced and recycled packaging and has transitioned its brands, Site, Swirl, Turbo, and LAP into easily recyclable packaging. As of 2023, one of the retailer’s highest volume products, No Nonsense sealants, are now in tubes made from over 30% recycled plastic.  Make A Switch Screwfix celebrated its first SustainFest with its colleagues, with activities, supplier visits The retailer’s sustainability strategy is driven by its colleagues. In 2022, Screwfix launched an engagement campaign called Make A Switch, inviting colleagues to share sustainable switches they’d made and suggestions they had for the business. A year later, over 3,700 colleagues came together across the business for The Big Switch, to raise awareness and save carbon. Screwfix celebrated its first SustainFest with its colleagues, with activities, supplier visits, and talks at its Yeovil Head Office and across its 900 stores. sustainability achievements Matt Compton, Screwfix Commercial Director, said, “Our colleagues tell us that working for a responsible retailer is important to them and we have achieved some phenomenal milestones that we’re proud of. We know there is much more to do and we’re committed to going even further to reduce our impact on the environment and make it even easier for our customers to shop more sustainably.”  Screwfix has also been recognized for its sustainability achievements by the British Retail Consortium, receiving awards for its HVO project in 2023 and Air Source Heat Pump program in 2022. 

Screwfix, the omnichannel retailer, is proud to announce that 85% of its logistics fleet now refuels with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), as part of its bold sustainability initiative to eliminate carbon emissions. Led by the Screwfix Logistics Team in partnership with its logistics partner Wincanton PLC, the business launched a trial in 2022, involving 48 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) operating from the Screwfix distribution center in Lichfield, Staffordshire. HVO specification fuel HVO reduces a journey’s CO2 emissions by up to 90% and particulate matter by 83% Screwfix worked with its truck manufacturer to make sure that the HVO specification fuel was compatible with the fleet, before installing HVO fuel tanks at its distribution centers. The results surpassed the business’ expectations. Vehicles operating from Stafford DC joined the HVO usage in March 2023, driving the green biofuel usage to 85% of the entire Screwfix’s fleet–using approximately 90,000 liters of HVO per week. HVO reduces a journey’s CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by up to 90% and particulate matter by 83%. Screwfix’ commitment Ian Howe, Supply Chain and Logistics Director at Screwfix, commented: “Being a responsible business is hugely important to Screwfix and tackling our climate impact by reducing carbon emissions is crucial." He adds, "With over 870 stores across the UK and Ireland, transport is a key focus for Screwfix’ commitment in serving local communities, and we are determined to drive a real and material difference, in reducing emissions and improving air quality. The results are impressively encouraging, and we’re exploring how we can go further.” net-zero emissions Ian Keilty, Chief Operating Officer at Wincanton, commented: “Today’s announcement marks an important milestone for both Wincanton and Screwfix as we build toward our shared target of net-zero emissions by 2040." He adds, "It’s also a great example of how Wincanton supports its partners to drive positive change within their operations, and we’re proud to be delivering this initiative for such a valued, long-term customer.” Renewable feedstocks Made from 100% waste materials, HVO is an alternative fuel that uses renewable feedstocks and food wastes, including cooking oil. HVO diesel not only helps Screwfix minimize carbon emissions but also reduces the impact transport has on air quality. Reducing carbon emissions is part of Screwfix’s bold sustainability commitment that covers multiple areas, including reducing and recycling waste and sourcing responsibly.

Screwfix LIVE’s doors open next month and the omnichannel retailer is thrilled to celebrate the 10th edition of its biggest event with its customers. Over 16,000 visitors have already secured their registration and will receive an exclusive free goodie bag worth £30 when visiting the show. All customers who attend will benefit from at least 10% off everything too. Live product demonstrations There will be more than 170 brands under the same roof, from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th September. Tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts will experience live product demonstrations, have the chance to enter competitions, get their hands on thousands of exclusive deals, and meet special guests in attendance. During Screwfix LIVE, sustainability will be given specific focus, with a dedicated sustainability stand  During Screwfix LIVE, sustainability will be given specific focus, with a dedicated sustainability stand and refurb shop where customers can learn more about Screwfix’s program of keeping tools in use for longer. Moreover, the stand will host live demonstrations of Screwfix’s rigorous refurb processes that gave more than 100,000 products a second life in the last 12 months. Refurbished product range Matt Compton, Commercial Director at Screwfix says: “We’re so excited to welcome our customers and suppliers back to Screwfix LIVE for our 10th Anniversary event. Every year Screwfix LIVE gets bigger and better, and it gives our customers the opportunity to get hands on with their favorite brands and the latest innovations in the trade.” “I’m delighted that this year, we’re going to be able to show the diligence that goes into our ever-expanding refurbished product range and share with our customers how we’re driving sustainability through our business and making it more convenient for them.” Screwfix LIVE opens at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre on Friday 22nd September. It’s free to attend, has free parking and there is something for everyone.