Caddick Construction expands reusable packaging initiative

By Danny BallPublished On: July 29th, 2026Categories: News, Top Stories

Caddick Construction has announced plans to roll out a reusable packaging system across future projects after successfully trialling the initiative during the construction of the new Harrogate College campus.

The contractor partnered with lighting manufacturer Whitecroft Lighting and mechanical, electrical and public health specialist G&H to replace traditional single-use pallets, cardboard and shrink wrap with reusable Geopak containers for the delivery of lighting components.

Following the trial, Caddick Construction confirmed the system will be adopted on future projects across Yorkshire, the North East, North West and Midlands where Whitecroft Lighting is the appointed supplier.

Trial aims to reduce construction waste and carbon emissions

The reusable Geopak system was used throughout the delivery of lighting products to the new 3,997sqm Harrogate College campus, where Caddick Construction is delivering the main teaching facility.

Developed by Whitecroft Lighting and its supply chain partners, the packaging system is designed to eliminate single-use packaging waste while improving logistics on construction sites. Each unit is fitted with GPS tracking to simplify returns and improve asset management.

According to the project partners, each Geopak reused at least 12 times can:

Eliminate more than 609kg of single-use packaging waste
Reduce carbon emissions by 72.4%
Lower packaging-related emissions from 389.68kg CO₂e to 107.5kg CO₂e

Supply chain collaboration drives sustainability improvements

The initiative forms part of wider efforts across the construction supply chain to reduce waste and improve environmental performance through more sustainable procurement and material handling practices.

By replacing disposable packaging with reusable alternatives, contractors can reduce waste generated on site while supporting carbon reduction objectives throughout project delivery.

Rob Sheard, Head of MEP at Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, said: “We’re proud to be partnering with Whitecroft Lighting and G&H on our Harrogate College project and pleased to have agreed to roll out this solution on all future projects we deliver together.

“This partnership demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when contractors and supply chain partners work together to find practical, sustainable solutions.

“Using Geopak at Harrogate College showed how an innovative, non-traditional approach to packaging can make a meaningful contribution to reducing environmental impact and site efficiency.”

Packaging innovation supports greener construction

Richard Brown, Account Manager at Whitecroft Lighting, said: “Great things can be achieved when like minds come together. We all want to reduce waste, minimise loss and damage of goods on site, with Geopak all this becomes achievable.

“What a fantastic collaboration between Whitecroft, Caddick Construction and G&H in helping to reduce the carbon footprint of another new build. I am looking forward to implementing Geopak on the next future builds with Caddick Construction.”

Alex Redfern, Contracts Manager at G&H, added: “This initiative demonstrates the value of strong supply chain collaboration in delivering practical sustainability improvements on construction projects.

“By working closely with Caddick Construction and Whitecroft Lighting to introduce Geopak’s reusable packaging system, we’ve been able to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions and improve site efficiency, while maintaining the high standards of quality and service our clients expect.

“As part of our ESG strategy and commitment to our clients and the environment, we’re always looking for ways to support innovative solutions like this. We look forward to building on this success across future projects.”

Focus on reducing waste across project delivery

The wider rollout reflects a growing emphasis within the construction industry on reducing embodied carbon and minimising waste through closer collaboration between contractors, manufacturers and specialist subcontractors.

Reusable packaging systems are increasingly being explored as part of broader sustainability strategies, helping reduce material consumption while improving operational efficiency across construction projects.