Client Overview
A global leader in the design and installation of playgrounds and fitness areas across 90+ countries was seeking to reduce the environmental footprint of its safety surfacing products. These surfaces, made from recycled rubber granulates and a polyurethane-based synthetic binder, posed environmental challenges the company wanted to address.
Objective
To assess the environmental impact of the synthetic binder, from raw material extraction to factory gate (“cradle to gate”), and identify actionable opportunities for improvement.
What H2D Delivered
H2D conducted a detailed lifecycle assessment (LCA) focused on the binder formulation. This involved evaluating multiple sourcing options and analyzing 15 environmental indicators, including:
- Carbon emissions
- Terrestrial ecotoxicity
- Human toxicity (non-carcinogenic)
- Fossil resource use
Key Insights & Impact
- Raw materials were the dominant impact factor, contributing the most to carbon emissions, toxicity, and resource use.
- Switching to lower-impact suppliers enabled the client to reduce cradle-to-gate emissions of the product by 25%, while supporting its procurement team’s supplier rationalisation strategy.
- The study also identified inefficiencies at the production site, particularly in energy consumption.
Recommendations & Outcomes
- Supply Chain Optimization: Prioritising lower-impact raw materials across multiple indicators (CO₂, toxicity, fossil use).
- Energy Reduction: Suggested use of photovoltaic systems at the manufacturing facility to cut reliance on fossil fuels; estimated 15% reduction in energy-related emissions.
- Operational Waste Minimization: Identified preventable waste (leftover raw materials and binder residues) and recommended process improvements.
Strategic Benefits for the Client
- Strengthened market position through measurable environmental performance
- Aligned procurement decisions with sustainability targets
- Reduced overall environmental footprint of a key product
- Unlocked further cost-saving opportunities in production
