LWB.L Regulatory News (LWB)

26 Nov 2009 07:00

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26 November 2009

LOW & BONAR PLC

Environmental projects

Low & Bonar PLC, the international performance materials group, is pleased to announce that the Group has recently been involved in four key projects which have made a positive contribution to the environment and support the Group's commitment to organic growth.

London Gateway Project

The Group has recently won a contract to deliver a total of 26,000m² of "Enkamat" permanent erosion control mat to be used in the construction of a major dyke system on coastal mudflats to the north of the existing North Thames river dyke.

The Enkamat material was chosen specifically for its quality and durability in order to provide a foothold for soil and plants across this very large and exposed area. The project forms part of a major environmental protection project, converting this large industrial area into a natural environment for wading birds and marine species to live and breed.

Recycled polyester across entire carpet backings range

The Group's high-quality synthetic nonwoven fabrics business has announced an extension of its "Colback" range of environmentally sustainable carpet backings. Its entire range of standard product types is now available as recycled polyester variants, whilst still delivering exactly the same cost-effective high performance as traditional Colback types. 

The new Colback range extends the group's leadership in the field and significantly strengthens its competitive edge as it can offer the recycled content versions at the same price points as virgin raw material Colback types.

Demonstrating its commitment to its environmental culture and strategy, this business is also preparing to launch recycled content products in other core markets shortly. 

Technical Fabrics business switches to renewable electricity sources

As of this year, all electrical consumption across the Group's Bonar Technical Fabrics sites in Belgium is now 100% sourced from renewable green energy sources such as wind, geothermal and hydro power, as officially certified by its energy supplier. This initiative is expected to result in a reduction of 12,987 tonnes in carbon emissions for the current year and next, substantially reducing the Group's ecological footprint.

20,000m² green roofing project in Groningen, Netherlands

In summer 2009, the Group installed 20,000m² of its Enka-Moss products in a residential renovation project in Groningen, Netherlands. The project involved the renovation of 400 flats, using Enka-Moss to create cost efficient, maintenance-free green roof systems that bring substantial environmental benefits.  

Enka-Moss is extremely light-weight and can be installed on any kind of roof structure. The material's other benefits include the retention of rain water, improved aesthetics and particulate matter absorption. Enka-Moss roofing also results in a reduction in houses' energy consumption due to its insulation qualities, with the project leading to significant carbon savings on an ongoing basis.

Steve Good, Chief Executive of Low & Bonar, stated:

"We are pleased to be involved in these projects, providing our partners with demonstrable benefits which help them to be more successful in their businesses. The projects will all make a positive contribution to the environment and support our focus on driving organic growth."