Materials manufacturer Scottish Leather Group has achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 across its factory operations, as the traditionally energy-intensive sector prepares to decarbonise through a UK initiative known as ‘Journey to Zero’.

Early efforts at the company, which owns the Muirhead, Bridge of Wier and Lang brands, focused on energy efficiency and system optimisation, including centralising energy systems and reducing energy consumption. These improvements reduced energy consumption by approximately 40 per cent over the first five years.

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Subsequent progress required significantly increased investment and technical innovation. This included the development of renewable heat capability through a patented Thermal Energy Plant, renewable energy use, and major infrastructure projects such as on-site solar generation and broader operational changes embedded across the business.

Dr Warren Bowden, Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Scottish Leather Group, said: “For more than two decades, Scottish Leather Group has taken a long-term, data-led approach to reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing, focusing on energy, waste and carbon intensity through a circular manufacturing model. Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 demonstrates that it is possible to decouple carbon from production. This has been achieved through sustained investment, innovation, and changes to how energy is generated and used within our operations. This milestone represents an important step in our ongoing Journey to Zero, as we continue to focus on reducing our wider Scope 3 impact across the value chain.”