One year on: solar panels cut grid electricity use by 25% at Leafield's Wiltshire factory

In September 2025, Leafield Environmental took a significant step forward in its sustainability journey by installing 504 solar panels to the roof of our Wiltshire manufacturing facility.

One year later, the results speak for themselves.

By helping to power our manufacturing operations, the solar installation has:

• Generated approximately 215 MWh of clean electricity
• Reduced our grid electricity consumption by around 25%
• Saved over £37,000.00 in energy costs
• Avoided approximately 38.16 tonnes of CO₂ emissions*, equivalent to planting around 2,522 trees.

As an energy-intensive manufacturer of rotationally moulded products, generating our own electricity has provided greater resilience against rising energy costs, reduced our carbon emissions, and provides ongoing cost savings.

Jonathan Rhodes, Leafield's Finance Director said:

“The solar panel system allows us to keep production running on clean energy, with long-term savings and stability built in”.

Find out more about Electron Green’s installation here.

Lifetime impact (25 years)

These savings are expected to grow year after year, with projected lifetime benefits of £1.42 million in reduced electricity costs and more than 1,031 tonnes of carbon emissions avoided over the system's 25-year lifespan.

 Supporting sustainable manufacturing

The solar project is part of Leafield Environmental's wider commitment to reducing our environmental impact while maintaining efficient, high-quality UK manufacturing standards. It builds on recent initiatives that have seen us reduce cardboard and general waste volumes by over 50%, transition to 100% recycled packaging materials, and increase the use of hybrid and electric vehicles across our fleet.

Wherever possible, we maximise the use of recycled materials, with many of our products available in black which uses up to 100% recycled polyethylene from our suppliers.

By turning unused roof space into a renewable energy asset, we're continuing to invest in practical solutions that support both our customers and our sustainability goals.

To find out more about how Leafield Environmental is making our Corsham factory more sustainable, read our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report.

About Leafield EnvironmentalLeafield Environmental is an award-winning UK manufacturer of premium litter and recycling bins, agricultural products, materials handling products and highways street furniture.

Proud winners of the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2025 and the Inspire ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ Business Award in 2022, the company combines advanced rotational moulding techniques with an experienced in-house design team and sustainable practices.

Find out more here: https://leafield-environmental.com/

Get in touch 

For more information about Leafield’s products, call 01225816500, email envinfo@leafieldenv.com or visit https://leafield-environmental.com