Kernow Coatings - Carbon Reduction Plan for Manufacturing

The client

Kernow Coatings Ltd is a UK-based manufacturing business specialising in advanced coating technologies for specialised print receptive synthetic media. The company has a long-standing focus on innovation and has already embedded sustainability into its operations, including the use of water-based coatings, zero waste to landfill at its Penryn site, and significant investment in on-site solar generation.

As customer and procurement expectations evolved, the business sought to formalise its carbon management approach and align with national reporting standards.

The brief

Kernow Coatings required structured support to measure and manage their carbon footprint on an annual basis, alongside the development of a credible, procurement-ready Carbon Reduction Plan.

The organisation needed to accurately identify emission hotspots across operations and supply chains, implement practical operational improvements, and explore alternative materials and procurement strategies within their raw material inputs to reduce embodied carbon.

A confirmed baseline year was essential, along with clearly defined, measurable reduction targets and a realistic pathway toward Net Zero. The resulting plan needed to be board-approved, transparent, and suitable for publication, while translating carbon data into actionable steps across operations and procurement.

The Solution

Carbon Sense worked with Kernow Coatings to establish 2024/2025 as the formal baseline year and to measure emissions across all material scopes using GHG Protocol methodology using internal expertise and embedding new technology and software into the process for comprehensive insights and planning tools.

In addition to a robust scope 1and 2 complaint audit, we took a dive into key Scope 3 categories, including Purchased Goods and Services (Raw materials), Employee Commuting and Waste, were assessed to ensure comprehensive coverage and feed into reduction discussions and policies.

The Carbon Reduction Plan documented both completed initiatives and forward looking actions. Existing measures included a 107kW solar installation generating approximately 100,000 kWh per year and saving an estimated 20 tonnes of CO₂e annually, waste recovery partnerships.

The plan set out a clear commitment to achieve at least a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and progress toward Net Zero by 2050. It also defined short- and medium-term actions covering renewable energy, low-carbon heat transition, supply chain engagement, and operational efficiency improvements.

Governance structures were embedded to ensure carbon reduction remains a standing board-level priority.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Carbon Sense worked with us over a six-month programme covering carbon foot printing, offsetting, reduction planning and energy management. Their team were consistently responsive, knowledgeable and clear, providing a structured and credible approach to measuring and managing our emissions. The process was well explained from the outset, with transparent fees and practical guidance throughout. As a result, we now have greater clarity over our carbon impact and a robust plan in place to manage it effectively. We would confidently recommend Carbon Sense to any organisation seeking professional, procurement-ready sustainability support that delivers real value.

Steve Gulliford

Chief Executive Officer

The Results

Kernow Coatings now has a board-approved, procurement-ready Carbon Reduction Plan aligned with UK reporting standards and suitable for publication and tender submissions, both public and private.
A formal baseline year has been established, enabling consistent year-on-year tracking across Scopes 1, 2 and key Scope 3 categories. Emission hotspots - particularly within energy use and purchased raw materials, are now clearly identified, allowing targeted and practical reduction actions.
Carbon management is now integrated into strategic decision-making, strengthening procurement positioning, improving transparency, and enhancing long-term operational resilience.