At Tate’s UK manufacturing facility in Hull, sustainability isn’t a side project - it’s core to how we operate. As part of Kingspan Group’s ambitious Planet Passionate initiative, we’re driving meaningful change in how raised access flooring systems are made, used, and reused - benefiting both the planet and our clients.
Planet Passionate is Kingspan’s ambitious sustainability programme, which aims to tackle three global challenges: climate change, circularity, and protection of the natural world. Tate plays a key role in achieving these goals through renewable energy, waste reduction, and smarter product design.
What we’ve achieved so far in Hull
We’ve invested over £1 million into transforming our operations - reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and lowering waste. Some key highlights include:
- 100% renewable electricity matched – with 17.7% generated on-site through rooftop solar panels and three biomass boilers.
- Biomass heating system – fuelled by recycled chipboard and wood offcuts, generating 573 MWh of renewable energy in 2023 and saving £86,000 annually in heating costs.
- Solar power – 3,200m² of rooftop panels generate approximately 450,000 kWh per year, reducing CO₂ emissions by 116 tonnes.
- Zero waste to landfill – achieved through advanced recycling and material recovery processes.
- Rainwater harvesting – collecting over 83,000 litres annually to supply 22 site toilets, reducing reliance on mains water.
- Electric infrastructure – investing in electric gantry cranes and converting our forklift fleet to electric, cutting diesel use.
- LED and motion-sensor lighting – improving energy efficiency across the facility.
- Circular manufacturing – recycling shredded steel and panel off-cuts back into the production process.
- Low-carbon products – our RMG600+ flooring system uses low-carbon steel, and our new panels contain at least 60% recycled content, without compromising performance or appearance.
Designing for a circular future
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the factory gates. Through our “Take Back” scheme, customers can return used floor components for recycling, helping to keep materials in use and out of landfill. We also offer inspection services to determine if previously used systems can be reinstalled, extending their life and reducing demand for new materials.
Sustainability without compromise
We know clients want high-performance, aesthetically pleasing raised flooring systems that align with sustainability goals. That’s why we ensure every product, regardless of recycled content, meets the same rigorous standards for durability and design.
