Hollingworth Design Limited (HDL) sets a new benchmark for carbon negative manufacturing in the UK
In a significant breakthrough for carbon negative manufacturing in the UK, Hollingworth Design Limited (HDL) has announced that it achieved carbon negative operations in 2025, marking a major milestone for the UK manufacturing sector.
According to the company’s latest carbon report, HDL recorded a carbon intensity of -55 kg CO₂ per £1 million revenue, dramatically outperforming the UK light manufacturing average of 15,000–30,000 kg CO₂ per £1 million.
What Does Carbon Negative Status Mean?
Being carbon negative means a company removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits. HDL achieved this through a combination of:
- Low direct emissions
- Renewable energy usage
- Verified carbon offsetting
This positions HDL among a small but growing number of sustainable manufacturing companies in the UK leading climate action.
How HDL achieved Carbon Negative Status?
HDL’s performance was driven by several key sustainability initiatives:
- 100% green electricity tariff, reducing Scope 2 emissions to zero
- Fully electric vehicle fleet, eliminating fuel-based transport emissions
- Minimal direct emissions, with only 397 kg CO₂ generated annually
- Carbon offsetting, including verified carbon credit investments
Without renewable energy, HDL’s emissions would have exceeded 64,000 kg CO₂ annually, highlighting the critical role of energy sourcing in low carbon manufacturing strategies.
Why this matters for UK manufacturing?
The manufacturing sector is traditionally carbon-intensive, making this achievement particularly significant. HDL demonstrates that carbon negative manufacturing is achievable today, even within industrial operations.
This milestone sends a strong signal to:
- Suppliers
- Customers
- Policymakers
That ned-zero, and beyond, is possible with the right approach.
Looking Ahead: The scope 3 challenge
While HDL’s reporting currently focuses on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, the company recognises the importance of addressing Scope 3 emissions across its supply chain.
This remains one of the biggest challenges for companies pursuing full decarbonisation in manufacturing.
A new standard for sustainable manufacturing
As pressure increases for businesses to meet climate targets, HDL’s 2025 performance sets a powerful precedent for sustainable manufacturing in the UK.
It shows that with the right strategies, companies can go beyond compliance, and become carbon negative leaders in their industry.
