Sustainable Cutting Tool Manufacturing

Investing in Sustainable Cutting Tool Manufacturing at Gandtrack

Sustainable Cutting Tool Manufacturing

 

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important across the manufacturing industry. At Gandtrack, sustainable cutting tool manufacturing means taking practical, measurable steps to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to provide dependable tooling solutions and a high level of service to our customers.

Our commitment is reflected in our sustainability value (view our company goals and values here):

Our Company Value

” 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 business, use materials and help customers extend the working life of their cutting tools.

 

How Does Gandtrack Achieve Sustainable Cutting Tool Manufacturing?

  • Manufacturing powered by solar energy
  • Ensuring the best tool life of our products
  • Regrinding drills to reduce waste and recycle quality material
  • Using resources responsibly

 

Manufacturing Powered by Solar Energy

One of our most visible investments in sustainability is the extensive solar panel installation covering the roof of our premises.

Manufacturing can require a significant amount of electricity 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 Gandtrack’s environmental impact

Our solar installation includes 352 solar panels, with a total system capacity of 50 kWp. Based on year to date generation data, the installation is expected to generate approximately 41,000 kWh this year, supplying around 22% of our annual electricity requirements.

Solar panels covering the roof of Gandtrack’s manufacturing facility

Gandtrack 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. This is reduced not because of Gandtrack’s commitment, but the UK’s commitment to sustainability is reducing the carbon intensity of grid electricity.

The solar panels are maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure maximum power is generated year round.

Solar panels being cleaned on the roof of Gandtrack’s manufacturing facility
Clean solar panels on the roof of Gandtrack’s manufacturing facility

Ensuring the Best Tool Life from Gandtrack Products

Our cutting tools are designed and manufactured to provide reliable performance and the best possible tool life in their intended applications.

Selecting the correct tool geometry, cutting parameters and operating conditions can significantly reduce premature wear. By working closely with our customers to identify the right tooling for each application, we help them achieve consistent results, reduce tool changes and gain maximum value from every tool, directly reducing the amount of tooling required for each customer.

Regrinding Drills to Reduce Waste and Recycle Quality Material

Gandtrack offers a quick, cheap and easy regrinding service that can restore suitable worn drills and extend their useful working life.

Cutting edges naturally wear over time, but this does not always mean the complete tool needs to be discarded. Depending on its condition and specification, a drill may be reground to restore its cutting geometry and return it to productive use

     

    Worn carbide drill at Gandtrack
    Reground carbide drill at Gandtrack

    Regrinding can:

    • Extend the working life of suitable drills.
    • Reduce premature tool replacement.
    • Lower tooling costs.
    • Reduce material consumption and unnecessary waste.
    • Allow valuable carbide and other high-quality materials to be reused.

    Where a drill is no longer suitable for regrinding, recycling the material helps ensure that valuable resources are recovered rather than treated as general waste. This is good business practice and a more responsible use of quality materials.

     

    Using Resources Responsibly

    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.

    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.

    Cutting tool being inspected at Gandtrack’s Oldham facility

    Speak to Gandtrack About Cutting Tool Regrinding

    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