Velocity Composites PLC, a leading supplier of advanced composite material kits to the aerospace and other high-performance manufacturing sectors, is significantly strengthening its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The company has formally commenced the process to achieve EcoVadis accreditation, a widely recognised benchmark for supply chain sustainability performance, marking a strategic step to align with and support the evolving requirements of global aerospace and high-performance manufacturers.
Velocity Composites’ business model is fundamentally designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability within the manufacturing process itself. By leveraging proprietary software and process knowledge, the company manages the raw material supply chain for its customers, aiming to reduce material waste and improve overall operational efficiency. This core offering already contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing future.
The pursuit of EcoVadis accreditation represents a formalisation and deepening of these efforts. While still in the early stages, the company is actively undertaking the 2024 benchmark exercise for the accreditation. The EcoVadis sustainability assessment is an evaluation of how well a company has integrated the principles of Sustainability into their business and management system. The sustainability assessment is built on international standards, including the Global Reporting Initiative, the United Nations Global Compact, and the ISO 26000. Over 150,000 companies have signed up to EcoVadis to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
Driving this key initiative is Dr. David Bailey, Non-Executive Director at Velocity Composites. With extensive experience across the aerospace and power generation industries, and as CEO of Composites UK, the trade association for the UK composites industry, Dr. Bailey brings a deep understanding of the sector’s strategic direction and supply chain dynamics.
“Embarking on the EcoVadis journey is a massive statement of intent for Velocity Composites,” stated Dr. Bailey Sustainability is playing an increasingly central role for our customers and is now a critical priority across the entire aerospace supply chain.
While we have long focused on reducing waste and improving efficiency through our core service offering, formalising our ESG performance through EcoVadis demonstrates our commitment to the highest standards across environmental, labour & human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement categories. This early step underscores our dedication to decarbonisation, responsible business practices, and strengthens our position as a strategic partner to major Primes.”
As a public company (PLC), Velocity Composites views its ESG performance as integral to its growth strategy and the delivery of shareholder value and has published benchmark carbon emissions data for the first time in its annual report. Jon Bridges, CEO of Velocity Composites, highlighted the connection between sustainability, operational excellence, and commercial success. “Our services and business model are designed to deliver accelerated growth as production rates increase, and part of that is being a responsible and sustainable partner,” Bridges commented.
“Investing in operating efficiency and service delivery excellence is key for our customers, and this includes our environmental footprint. Initiatives like installing solar panels on our roof are tangible steps, and pursuing EcoVadis formalises our comprehensive approach to ESG, ensuring we meet the expectations of our global customers and stakeholders, contributing positively to both the environment and our financial performance.”
Velocity Composites operates facilities in Burnley and Fareham in the UK, and a key site in Alabama, US, which recently achieved Nadcap accreditation. The company’s integrated approach, encompassing advanced kits, proprietary technology, and support services, positions it to support manufacturers in achieving their operational and sustainability objectives. The commitment to the EcoVadis process signals a clear intent to be at the forefront of sustainable practices within the advanced composites supply chain.
