Investing in a More Sustainable Future at Gandtrack
Sustainable cutting tool manufacturing is becoming increasingly important across the industry. For Gandtrack, it means taking practical steps to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide dependable cutting tool solutions and a high level of service to our customers.
Our Core Company Value
Our commitment is reflected in one of our core company values:
We reduce our environmental impact through responsible manufacturing, renewable energy, efficient use of resources and sustainable business practices.
This commitment influences how we power our premises, use materials and help customers extend the working life of their cutting tools.
Our Sustainability Goals
- Manufacturing Powered by Solar Energy
- Helping Cutting Tools Work for Longer
- Using Resources Responsibly
- Maintaining a Practical, Long-Term Commitment
Sustainability Goal 1
Manufacturing Powered by Solar Energy
One of our most visible investments in sustainable cutting tool manufacturing is the extensive solar panel installation covering the roof of our premises.
Manufacturing can require a significant amount of electricity, particularly when operating machinery and supporting production throughout the working day. Generating renewable energy on-site allows us to reduce the amount of electricity we draw from the grid and lower the environmental impact associated with our operations.
Our solar installation includes 352 solar panels, with a total system capacity of 49.28 kWp. Based on current generation data, the installation is expected to generate approximately 41,000 kWh per year, supplying around 16% of our annual electricity requirements.
Using the UK Government’s 2025 greenhouse gas conversion factor, the system avoided approximately 7.3 tonnes of CO₂e emissions last year. Based on the updated 2026 conversion factor, the same level of annual electricity generation is expected to avoid approximately 5.4 tonnes of CO₂e emissions this year.
Sustainability Goal 2
Helping Cutting Tools Work for Longer
Our approach to sustainable cutting tool manufacturing extends beyond renewable energy. Gandtrack also offers a professional regrinding service that can restore suitable worn cutting tools and extend their useful working life.
Over time, a cutting edge will naturally become worn, and its performance may begin to decline. However, this does not always mean that the entire tool needs to be discarded. Depending on its condition and specification, a tool may be suitable for regrinding and reuse.
Regrinding can provide several benefits:
- It extends the working life of suitable cutting tools.
- It reduces the need to replace tools prematurely.
- It helps customers gain more value from their tooling.
- It reduces material consumption and unnecessary waste.
- It can lower tooling costs without compromising the required performance.
Where appropriate, regrinding supports a more circular approach to manufacturing. Instead of treating a worn tool as waste, its cutting geometry can be restored so that the tool can return to productive use.
This is good business practice as well as a more responsible use of valuable materials.
Sustainability Goal 3
Using Resources Responsibly
Sustainable cutting tool manufacturing is not based on one project alone. It comes from continually reviewing how energy, materials and other resources are used across the business.
At Gandtrack, we aim to make efficient use of our resources while maintaining the quality, accuracy and reliability our customers expect. This includes reducing avoidable waste, looking after equipment, improving working practices and considering the environmental impact of the decisions we make.
It also means working with customers to identify the most appropriate tooling solution for each application. A correctly selected and properly maintained cutting tool can provide a longer and more consistent service life, helping to reduce waste, interruptions and unnecessary replacement.
These may appear to be small improvements individually, but across a busy manufacturing environment their combined effect can be significant.
Sustainability Goal 4
A Practical, Long-Term Commitment
We recognise that sustainable cutting tool manufacturing is an ongoing process. Technology will continue to develop; energy markets will change and new opportunities to improve efficiency will emerge.
Our responsibility is to keep reviewing the way we work and to make sensible improvements wherever they can deliver a genuine benefit. Our solar panels and regrinding service are two important examples of this approach in practice.
By investing in renewable energy, using resources carefully and helping extend the life of cutting tools, Gandtrack is working to reduce its environmental impact while continuing to support customers with reliable, cost-effective tooling solutions.
Sustainability is not separate from how we operate. It is part of our commitment to responsible manufacturing and to building a stronger, more efficient business for the future.
To learn more about our cutting tool solutions or discuss whether your tools are suitable for regrinding, please contact the Gandtrack team at sales@gandtrack.co.uk
