EFFICIENCY & SUSTAINABILITY
Proud sponsor of Efficiency & Sustainability
Commitment Counts
Taking Supply Chain Sustainability Seriously
LARA COUTINHO, SUPPLY CHAIN SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER AT QUANEX GROUP
Sustainability is now a top priority for consumers. However, with supply chains responsible for around 80 % of a typical business’ greenhouse gas( GHG) emissions, real progress depends on door and window manufacturers working with partners that are committed to providing sustainable products.
Clear Communication
With greenwashing becoming a key concern in a competitive market, it is important to note whether a supplier is releasing regular reports and progress updates.
Equally, it is essential that their communications extend beyond broad goals, instead offering measurable data. As a starting point, this level of transparency is a good measure of a supplier’ s credibility.
Additionally, evaluating a supplier’ s long-term sustainability strategy is key. An accessible roadmap is a stellar example of this. This in-depth documentation will set out how a company plans to tackle its environmental impact over time.
A roadmap may include, but is not limited to, a business’ plans to switch to low-carbon materials and techniques, its investment in renewable energy, and its waste management strategy. A strong roadmap will also outline commercial ambitions, in line with sustainability goals.
Quanex, ERA’ s new owner, has recently announced its 2030 Sustainability Roadmap. Setting out clear intentions, its goal is to provide innovative, sustainable solutions for customers; to achieve world-class environmental performance in operations; and to build an inclusive, safe, and thriving workplace by positively impacting people and communities.
Material Declarations
Environmental Product Declarations( EPDs) are becoming more commonplace in the construction industry and are another example of tangible evidence of good sustainable practice. Door and window manufacturers should seek to partner with suppliers that are investing time and resources into securing EPDs for their products.
Created based on data obtained through a Life-Cycle Assessment( LCA), an EPD declares the environmental impact of a product from cradle to grave.
EPDs contribute to a sustainable supply chain because they encourage the responsible sourcing of materials, enabling manufacturers and their customers to make well-informed decisions on product purchases.
At the time of publication, ERA has submitted its first EPD for official verification. The submission is for its popular 3 Hook 2 Roller Euro Cylinder Multi Point Door Lock, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and transparency within its operations.
Data Sharing
A supplier’ s commitment to sustainable supply chain practices can also be evidenced in the membership of platforms, such as Sedex, or EcoVadis.
Such platforms offer tools and services that enable suppliers to easily manage and boost their credentials in key sustainability and ethics-related areas. Using Sedex as an example – its members are supported in improving environmental practices and business ethics, alongside labour standards and health and safety.
Companies that are part of the platform, such as ERA, provide data about their practices in these areas. This information can then be accessed by other Sedex members, supporting overall supply chain transparency.
Packaging and Waste Management
When sourcing sustainable suppliers, door and window manufacturers should consider working with providers that are prioritising sustainable packaging and waste management practices, especially considering that 80 % of the plastic marine litter found in our oceans makes it way there from land.
Transparency, again, remains crucial here. Manufacturers can verify a supplier’ s credentials by checking that any claims around packaging for example are not vague, but rather supported with specific, verifiable details.
Evaluating broader waste management initiatives should also be a priority. Therefore, it is important for door and window suppliers to understand their partner’ s participation in recycling schemes, and their policy on waste to landfill, for example.
ERA, as part of Quanex, has made a commitment to move to 100 % sustainable packaging by 2030, as outlined in the group’ s roadmap. In addition, the hardware manufacturer is also committed to achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030.
As the drive towards a sustainable construction industry accelerates, one of the routes to success for door and window manufacturers lies within the supply chain. By demanding transparency and aligning with partners that are demonstrating real progress, they can not only reduce their environmental impact but can also strengthen their commercial advantage in a rapidly changing market.
www. eraeverywhere. com
58 NOVEMBER 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK. COM