Barkston Plastics Ltd, one of the UK's most comprehensive and innovative plastics companies, has launched a new sustainable product range to help UK schools achieve ‘sustainable school’ status by 2020 - in line with the Government's National Framework for Sustainable Schools.

To celebrate the launch of the initiative Barkston exhibited at the East Midlands Sustainable Showcase, alongside over 100 other organisations including Fairtrade Foundation and Geographical Association. The Showcase was intended to deliver talks, offer training workshops and share best practise on how to build a sustainable future – and gave Barkston the opportunity to demonstration its ability to assist schools as they work towards achieving the 2020 Government initiative.

By utilising UK waste to help resolve a UK problem, Barkston has created a product range of sustainable, 100% recycled plastic school products including picnic tables, outdoor games boards, sandpits, seating, litter bins, fences, walkways and ground reinforcement. The sustainable product range reduces the carbon footprint of any project it is employed in and offers maintenance free, damage-proof, longer lasting outdoor furniture and equipment combined with the appearance of natural wood.

Barkston also sponsored a recycled greenhouse featured at the exhibition which was built by a recycling officer at Lincolnshire Council, together with local school children. Plastic bottles were collected and linked together to create the walls and Barkston’s 100% recycled plastic planks were used to provide the greenhouse structure. The project demonstrated to schools how recycled products can be utilised to teach young people new skills, engage them in a changing world and encourage them to think critically.

The National Framework for Sustainable Schools was launched in 2006 and consists of eight elements, or ‘doorways,’ designed to assist UK schools achieve sustainable school status by 2020. The National Framework consists of: Food and Drink; Energy and Water; Traffic and Travel; Purchasing and Waste; Buildings and Grounds; Inclusion and Partnership; Local Well-being and Global Dimension.

Tim Kiernan, Managing Director of Barkston, commented: “Schools have a vital role to play in developing a new generation of young people who are capable of building a greener future for everyone.

“Sustainable schools consume less energy, water and materials and create less waste. They are also successful in motivating pupils to engage in issues regarding sustainability. If Barkston can contribute towards making sustainable schools a reality then we will have succeeded in achieving our own initiative and will be proud to know we are playing an important role in assisting develop a more sustainable future for the UK.”



The Barkston Group was founded in 1969 and incorporates Barkston Plastics Ltd and Barkston Plastics Engineering Ltd.

Together the group boasts a range of services including; 24/7 cutting, customised fabrication and in-house design. The company enjoys a loyal customer base from a range of industries including automotive, retail display, electrical, medical, lithographic, pharmaceutical, fuel cell technology, energy, chemical / petroleum and nuclear.

The company was the first plastics business to have CSWIP approved welders and continues to invest in employees and technology to better serve its client base. The Barkston Group now employs over 85 individuals across four regional sites and boasts a turnover in excess of ?8m.

For further information: Simone Jones Starshine PR 07738 707389 simonejones@ntlworld.com