Sustainability

At Daler-Rowney, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re developing new products or updating existing ones, we’re always looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact. This means carefully rethinking the raw materials we use, improving packaging, and simplifying formulas to cut down on waste. Sustainability has become a key part of our decision-making process, shaping which products move forward. Over the years, we’ve also made great progress in reducing animal-derived ingredients, with only a few products still containing them.

We’re committed to reducing waste and improving efficiency by refining the raw materials we use, which helps cut storage needs, lower shipping emissions, and minimise chemical waste. At the same time, we’re updating our packaging to be more sustainable and compliant with UK and EU recycling regulations. Clear recycling information is now included on all packaging, and improved data tracking helps us reduce plastic use and make smarter packaging choices across our product range.

We partner with a range of suppliers to source raw materials and products responsibly. To uphold high ethical standards, we use the widely recognised SEDEX platform, which helps us monitor and improve working conditions throughout our supply chain. In addition, we conduct regular audits, especially in high-risk regions, to ensure suppliers comply with our strict requirements on labour rights, health and safety, and environmental practices. This approach supports transparency and fosters long-term, responsible relationships with our partners.

We are committed to minimising our environmental impact through a structured and audited approach. We maintain a detailed register of our activities’ environmental effects and have been awarded the ISO 14001 certification, ensuring full compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. Our environmental goals focus on reducing waste, energy, and water use, protecting ecosystems, and continuously improving our practices with clear targets and regular reviews.

In the past three years, we’ve recycled more than 940 tonnes of materials through dedicated sorting and introduced recycling points and reusable crates to cut landfill waste. More than 60% of waste at the Bracknell site is now recycled or reused. Packaging is updated to meet current recycling standards, with ongoing efforts to improve plastic tube recycling.

All energy purchased for our Bracknell site comes from renewable sources, including solar, wind, and biomass. Solar panels and LED lighting upgrades help reduce consumption of fossil fuel derived energy further.

We maintain FSC® certification (FSC® (FSC-C111372) certified) & PEFC cerfication and increasingly use responsibly sourced materials in products and packaging. Efforts are underway to reduce single-use plastics, including reusing chemical containers and transitioning to reusable drums in production, aligning with global sustainability goals.

We are committed to a supportive and safe working environment. Our upgraded art and multi-functional studio at Bracknell encourages creativity and wellbeing among staff, while flexible working practices – introduced during the pandemic – remain in place, reducing travel and improving work-life balance. We are also working towards ISO 45001 certification to ensure our health and safety systems meet international standards.

We prioritise employee training, especially in health, safety, and risk assessment, empowering staff to contribute proactively. Internal vacancies are posted first to support career growth and skills development. Visit our Careers page for current opportunities.

The Social & Wellbeing Committee has been established to champion initiatives that enhance the workplace experience, fostering a positive environment for all employees. Focusing on both social engagement and overall wellbeing, the committee’s work aims to support a thriving, connected, and healthy workforce. Its efforts are fully supported and sponsored by the Executive Committee.

Since 2018, Daler-Rowney has collaborated with British fashion designers VIN + OMI, who serve as our global ambassadors. This partnership brings together art and fashion through innovative projects that repurpose our waste plastic into textiles featured on their London Fashion Week catwalks and in other creative installations. We have also supported the upcycling challenge, PUNK IT UP, which promotes sustainable creativity and resourcefulness.

We are committed to supporting our local community by donating samples and discontinued products – often replaced due to formula or packaging updates – to schools and charities nearby. This practice not only prevents unnecessary waste but also provides valuable art materials to those who might otherwise have limited access. By contributing to educational and charitable organisations, we help inspire creativity and provide practical support for arts activities within the community.

We are proud to have been named Business of the Year Gold Award winners at the 2025 Pride of Bracknell Forest Awards. Running since 2005, these awards recognise individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact in the region, and we are honoured to be acknowledged for our contribution.

We are establishing a comprehensive sustainability communication system designed to keep all stakeholders within the company fully informed about our environmental targets and ongoing progress. This system will provide regular updates, fostering transparency and ensuring everyone understands the company’s shared vision and commitment to sustainability. By measuring and analysing key performance indicators and significant changes, we can track our achievements and identify areas for improvement. This ongoing dialogue encourages engagement, accountability, and collective responsibility across all levels of the business, helping us to drive continuous progress towards our sustainability goals.