Food manufacturing facilities across the UK typically feature expansive roof spaces – an underutilised asset with significant potential for solar photovoltaic (PV) energy generation. Harnessing this space for local renewable electricity production could play a pivotal role in reducing reliance on the national grid and advancing decarbonisation goals within the sector.

Despite this opportunity, adoption of solar PV remains limited. Key barriers include:

• Property ownership constraints (e.g., leasehold vs. freehold)
• Lease uncertainty, especially with short-term agreements
• Concerns about performance, ROI, and long-term viability

This case study investigates the feasibility of installing a rooftop solar PV system at a confectionery manufacturing site in the Park Royal Industrial Estate, one of the UK’s most concentrated food production zones. The project aims to:

• Lower electricity demand from the grid
• Reduce operational energy costs
• Cut carbon emissions

By addressing technical, economic, and regulatory uncertainties, this initiative seeks to build confidence in solar PV adoption and demonstrate a replicable model for sustainable energy transition in the food manufacturing sector.

The environmental toll of plastic waste, especially from food packaging, has become a pressing issue. In Park Royal, one of the UK’s most significant food production and distribution hubs, the widespread use of non-degradable plastics like PET and PP exacerbates local and global sustainability challenges.
This project aims to revolutionise packaging within the Park Royal food supply chain by developing next-generation degradable thermoplastics.

These materials promise:

• High gas barrier performance
• Industrial compostability
• Improved environmental outcomes

However, technical hurdles such as low melt strength and moisture sensitivity must be overcome to make these materials viable at scale.

In collaboration with Brunel University London, the initiative integrates expertise in materials science, polymer processing, and sustainable design. The goal is to deliver scalable, high-performance compostable packaging that aligns with Net Zero ambitions while meeting the rigorous standards of the food industry.

This project not only addresses a critical environmental need but also positions Park Royal as a leader in sustainable innovation.