NEWS | Round-up
Richard Hagan, MD of Crystal Doors and kbbreview’s climate change champion explains why he’s confident that there are opportunities ahead for the KBB industry despite challenging market conditions
Opportunity in the face of CHALLENGE
LAST YEAR was a mixed bag. And I accept that there are certainly challenges on the horizon; from climate change to shifting consumer demand to the state of global economies.
But, as we head further into 2024, I’m filled with a sense of optimism about the future of Crystal Doors and the wider KBB industry. I believe there are opportunities for companies that focus on sustainability, innovation and meeting customers’ evolving needs. COP28 showed that governments and business leaders have an understanding of the climate crisis we face. It also hinted that some are prepared to even take action. While the Glasgow pact didn’t go as far as many had hoped, some mild commitments were made. That said, our consumers and more across the globe increasingly
demand climate accountability. The
market rewards sustainability – and having set agg - ressive carbon reduction goals, I believe Crystal Doors, for example, is geared to meet this growing customer need. Continued innovation has to become standard if we are to meet our carbon-neutral goals by 2030. Evolving consumer priorities present exciting opportunities across the KBB industry. More homeowners are now seeking out planet- positive designs using renewable, ethically sourced materials. With sus - tain ability driving more and more purchasing deci- sions, those com - panies adapting their offer ings
With sustainability driving more and more purchasing decisions, those companies adapting to align with these emerging preferences are poised for growth in 2024
to align
with these emerging pref erences are the ones poised for growth in 2024. From renewable material collections
to nature-inspired designs, the KBB space must get creative in serving eco-conscious consumers. As customer demand for responsible products rises, I believe sustainable manufacturing and transparency around supply chain ethics will become a competitive necessity for the industry. There is undoubtedly still work to do, but by innovating towards circular models the KBB industry has the potential to make strides, while upholding ethical and environmental standards that today’s consumers value.
The economic landscape brings challenges too.
Rising interest rates may soften demand for big-ticket KBB renovations and the impact of a possible recession remains unclear. Yet necessity drives innovation. To stand out, companies must get creative in providing affordable style and value. Our expanded mid-market offerings mean great design is accessible to more homeowners. By making durability and functionality core to our products, I believe Crystal Doors, for example, could weather storms ahead.
10
Industry reacts to plans for new UK carbon pricing levy
NEWS THAT the UK government is to introduce a new carbon pricing levy by 2027 on imports of carbon-intensive goods has met with a chilly reaction from industry bodies.
Following a period of consultation on addressing carbon leakage that ran between March 30 and June 22 last year, the Treasury has announced a new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which will apply a levy to imports of ceramics, iron, steel and aluminium goods from countries that have a lower, or no, carbon price, in order to ensure that level the playing field and ensure that they face a comparable carbon price to goods produced in the UK.
The new rules are meant to tackle the problem of ‘carbon leakage’, reducing the risk of production and associated emissions being displaced to other countries because they have a lower or no carbon price, such as under an emissions trading scheme or a carbon tax. The charge will be based on the amount of carbon emitted in the production of the imported goods and the gap between the carbon price in the country of origin and that
faced by UK manufacturers. Ceramics industry association Ceramics UK – formerly the British Ceramic Federation – believes the levy will only serve to increase the administrative burden and cost for UK manu- facturers, as high-carbon countries such as India and China are believed to have found loopholes to get around any proposed CBAM. Rob Felio, chief executive of trade body Ceramics UK, believes that the CBAM is not the right solution. He said: “While it is good to see the UK Government is finally accepting that unfair imports are damaging both domestic industry and resulting in higher global carbon emissions, a CBAM is almost certainly not the answer. Identifying high-carbon countries and imposing suitable tariffs on them is much more likely to address the problem.” Tom Reynolds, CEO of The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, added: “Today’s announcement of a UK CBAM is the Government’s
attempt at creating a level
playing field. Some groups are worried that both the UK and EU CBAM will fail in its mission and only add administration burdens to domestic manufacturers.”
Vado switches to more sustainable packaging
BRASSWARE MANUFACTURER Vado has worked with sustainable supplier Protega to improve its packaging solutions. The new packaging forms part of Vado’s focus on its environmental, social, and governance impact. The company’s updated packaging is now both recycled and recyclable, as well as FSC-certified and sourced in the UK. Vado also says that the reduction of its carbon emissions is part of the company’s continuous improvement plan. Protega helped Vado to identify areas of the business that could be improved, which included efficiency within its packaging area. Bench capacity was reportedly increased by an average of 37% and individual stations were created to improve focus areas and improve staff output, reduce errors and reduce manual handling injuries. As a result, Vado says fewer mistakes occurred, and they have yet to have any recorded following the new installation. Since implementing Protega’s suggested solutions, Vado has also seen a reduction in paper usage of 27%, which has helped to reduce its environmental impact as well as packaging costs.
• February 2024
Climate
Champion Change
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