Sustainability
At Tru-Gard, we’re committed to making workplaces safer, and doing it responsibly. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us; it’s part of how we design, manufacture, and deliver our products every day. We believe that protecting people and protecting the planet go hand in hand.
We’re actively working to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve our environment for future generations. From the materials we choose to the way we manufacture our safety solutions, every decision is made with care and consideration. We look for opportunities to minimise waste, reduce emissions, and make smarter use of resources throughout our operations.
That commitment extends beyond the factory floor. We are always looking for small, continuous improvements, like ditching paper cups in our office and break rooms for good old-fashioned ceramic coffee mugs. After all, we know it's the small things that add up to make a big difference.
Sustainability is a journey, and we’re proud to be on it. By embedding environmental responsibility into everything we do, we’re helping build safer, stronger, and more sustainable workplaces.
100% Recyclable Steel
All our steel products are made to last—and when their time comes, they’re fully recyclable. We work hard to ensure every piece can be returned to the steel cycle, reducing landfill and supporting circular manufacturing.
Waste Minimisation
We recycle all steel scraps generated during production, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Our powder coating process is carefully managed to minimise overspray and chemical waste, helping us reduce our environmental footprint.
Eco-Friendly Choices
We’re continuously improving our packaging to be as sustainable as possible. Wherever we can, we use recyclable materials—like cardboard boxes for bolts and parts—helping reduce plastic use and packaging waste.
Protecting People and the Planet
Steel and Aluminium
Our choice of raw material doesn’t just make our products safer, it’s also better for the environment. Over the past three years, we’ve consistently kept steel waste below 0.09%. The small amount of waste that remains is recycled by a trusted local provider. This level of efficiency is driven by our investment in state-of-the-art CNC machinery and software, which help maximise every plate and section of steel we process. It’s all supported by our core culture of Lean manufacturing, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Timber Pallets and Packaging
Cardboard remains our preferred packaging material wherever possible. We partner with a supplier committed to environmental responsibility, who manufactures cardboard from recycled materials right here in New Zealand. We’re continually looking for ways to increase our use of recyclable packaging, moving away from traditional polystyrene without compromising product safety in transit. All of our pallet timber is sourced from local, sustainable forests, processed in New Zealand, and fully certified to meet current biosecurity requirements.
Powder Coating
We use in-house powder coating for several key reasons, including its significantly better spray-to-waste ratio compared to traditional liquid paint systems. Keeping powder coating in-house also reduces handling, improves quality control, and allows for faster, more efficient delivery timeframes. With internal reclaim systems in place, we’re achieving a transfer efficiency rate of 65 to 70 percent or higher.
“Every small improvement we make today is an investment in tomorrow. Whether it's on the factory floor or in the break room, we believe that everyday actions add up to long-term impact for our people and our planet.”
- Paul Taylor, Operations Manager
From workshop waste to something worthwhile, see how we give steel scrap a new purpose.
Built for Impact
Discover how we’re building safer workplaces and supporting future generations through innovation, sustainability, and community action.
FAQs
What is Tru-Gard’s approach to sustainability?
What is Tru-Gard’s approach to sustainability?
We take a practical, hands-on approach to sustainability by focusing on reducing waste, recycling materials, and choosing eco-friendly options wherever possible. This ensures we protect the environment while delivering durable safety products.
How does Tru-Gard minimise waste in manufacturing?
How does Tru-Gard minimise waste in manufacturing?
Our team recycles all steel scraps generated during production and carefully manages powder coating processes to reduce overspray and chemical waste. We’re always looking for new ways to improve efficiency and limit waste.
Are Tru-Gard products environmentally friendly?
Are Tru-Gard products environmentally friendly?
Yes, our steel safety systems are made from materials that are 100% recyclable. At the end of their lifecycle, they can be fully reprocessed, supporting circular manufacturing and reducing landfill.
What steps does Tru-Gard take with packaging?
What steps does Tru-Gard take with packaging?
We prioritise using recyclable materials for packaging wherever possible, such as cardboard boxes for bolts and small components, to reduce plastic use and minimise packaging waste.
Does Tru-Gard have future sustainability goals?
Does Tru-Gard have future sustainability goals?
Absolutely. Sustainability is a continual journey for us. We are committed to ongoing improvement in our materials, processes, and packaging to build a safer and greener future for our customers and communities.
Solid Steel. Solid Cause.
Shop our recycled steel range and we’ll donate 20% to charity. Doing good, the Tru-Gard way.
