It’s well known we are passionate about all things safety here at Tru-Gard, but what you may not know is that this extends to the safety and protection of our environment. We believe that sustainable steps today will make a big difference to the future. Every day, we’re looking at new ways to make small but mighty changes – from removing paper cups and using good old ceramic ones in our break rooms, to recycling our steel offcuts into products for charity. We sat down with our Operations Manager, Paul Taylor, to learn more about how green yellow can be – read on to find out more.
Q – What does sustainability mean at Tru-Gard – and why does it matter?
P.T – At Tru-Gard, sustainability means making workplaces safer today, without compromising the ability to do so tomorrow. By ensuring that every Barrier, Bollard, Handrail and safety system we design not only protects lives but also respects the environment and supports long-term value for our customers.
Q – What are some of the key sustainability initiatives Tru-Gard has introduced so far?
P.T – We are passionate about waste reduction of materials by continuous improvements every week. Tru-Gard has shifted toward using fully recyclable materials in core product lines. This ensures that at the end of their lifecycle, products don’t end up in landfill but can be recycled or reused. With all Tru-Gard products made here in New Zealand, this all leads to reducing freight and boosting local jobs for just-in-time delivery.
Q – How do you approach sustainability in the day-to-day running of the business?
P.T – Every small improvement we make today is an investment in tomorrow. At Tru-Gard, sustainability is not just a product feature – it’s embedded in the everyday decisions and operations of the business. We believe that everyday actions add up to long-term impact for our people and our planet.
Q – What challenges has Tru-Gard faced in its sustainability journey – and how is the team working to overcome them?
P.T – Tru-Gard’s journey toward sustainability hasn’t been without its challenges. Each hurdle has sparked innovation across the team. One major shift has been in our supply chain: while we work with a wide range of suppliers, we've successfully brought most of these partnerships back to local providers. This not only reduces freight but also supports regional economies and gives us greater control over sustainable sourcing and quality – actually makes business fun and rewarding.
Q – What’s your vision for Tru-Gard’s environmental impact in the next five years?
P.T – Well, it’s a mindset shift, as sustainability isn't a bolt-on at Tru-Gard — it's built into every weld, every folded piece of steel, every shipment, and every workplace we help protect. Over the next five years, we aim to set the benchmark in the safety industry by proving you can save lives and the planet at the same time.
Shop our Solid Steel. Solid Cause charity range here.
