Sustainability is at the heart of Etex’s operations in Ireland, reflecting the company’s global commitment to responsible and low-impact building solutions. Based in Athy, Co. Kildare, Etex Ireland combines innovative fibre cement products with energy-efficient processes, circular production practices, and responsible sourcing from local suppliers. By reducing environmental impact, supporting local communities, and investing in skills development, Etex Ireland demonstrates how sustainability and economic contribution go hand in hand.
Sustainability is at the core of Etex’s global strategy, and this commitment is deeply embedded in our Irish operations. Based in Athy, Co. Kildare, Etex Ireland (formerly Tegral Building Products), has long been at the forefront of sustainability in the construction and manufacturing industry. We are proud to be the world’s only fibre cement manufacturer with a BRE Environmental and Sustainability Standard Framework 6001 v4.0 ‘Excellent’ rating representing the highest level of achievement in environmental, social, and supply chain management.
Since 2018, our CO₂ emissions per unit have fallen by 27% and energy intensity by 23%. These achievements result from investments in LED lighting, smart energy monitoring systems, process optimisations, and a switch to 100% renewable electricity onsite. Importantly since 2017, we’ve maintained zero fibre-cement production waste to landfill by recycling it back fully into our production processes.
Sustainability is core to our products and processes. For example, Equitone by Etex is the first and only Cradle to Cradle Certified® fibre cement material, a globally recognised standard for designing sustainable products that contribute to a circular economy. Our service includes removal of products from buildings when they reach their end of lifecycle. Facilities are in place to grind down the removed product to fully utilise the grinded powder in producing new products. We proudly communicate our sustainability progress and achievements through our annual Sustainability report and ongoing digital updates.
Our commitment extends beyond environment impact. We are an active members of the Irish Green Building Council, SEAI’s Large Industry Energy Network and actively support All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to enhance biodiversity at our Athy site and along with supporting the Guaranteed Irish Forest. In recognition of our efforts we have been shortlisted for the Sustainability category at the Guaranteed Irish Business Awards 2026. EcoVadis awarded all Etex companies a Silver Medal, placing us in the top 15% globally for sustainability.
At Etex Ireland, we are deeply committed to building a responsible and transparent supply chain. We prioritise sourcing materials locally, recognising its critical role in supporting the Irish economy, minimising environmental impact and fostering strong community ties.
Our products, including fibre cement slates and metal sheeting, are crafted using raw materials sourced from trusted Irish suppliers.
Over 90% of these materials are sourced from trusted Irish suppliers within a 90-mile radius of our plant in Athy Co. Kildare. This approach significantly reduces transportation-related carbon emissions and ensures a reliable low impact supply network.
Our long-standing partnerships with local partners such as Irish Cement (with production facilities in Co. Limerick and Co. Meath) , Ecocem and Roadstone Ltd., which supply us with cement and limestone are a testament to our commitment. Irish Cement has supplied us for over 80 years, reinforcing a legacy of trust and quality.
We also work with other Irish suppliers such as Smurfit Kappa, Ire-Well, and CJ Sheeran for pallets, and several businesses in Athy, including Clanard Court for hospitality, Delish Catering, The Workwear Department for branded clothing and Dataprint for print materials.
By collaborating with Irish-based manufacturers and distributors, we maintain a strong, reliable supply chain while contributing to the growth of Irish industry and innovation.
Demonstrating our commitment to responsible sourcing, we have adopted the BES 6001 Framework Standard for the Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. This independently assessed, industry-recognised standard introduced by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) verifies the traceability, ethical practices, and community engagement of our entire supply chain. BES 6001 assesses a wide range of areas, from environmental management to stakeholder engagement, ensuring we uphold the highest standards of sustainability and transparency from supplier to finished product.
Lightweight and low-impact building solutions play a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of construction in Ireland. At Etex Ireland, we are dedicated to sustainability and minimising carbon impacts across our operations and products. Lightweight materials require less energy to transport and install, and their lower embodied carbon content reduces overall emissions from construction projects.
As part of the global Etex Group, Etex Ireland has consistently reported on its environmental and health and safety performance to the Etex Group EHS department. This is an intrinsic requirement for each manufacturing plant and a team has been centrally set up to focus on environmental improvements and sustainability. Our ‘Green Team’ leads these efforts, while regular environmental performance reporting within the Etex Group ensures accountability and ongoing improvement.
Through these actions and by providing our customers with innovative lightweight and low-impact solutions, Etex Ireland supports the drive toward a more sustainable, lower-carbon construction sector in Ireland.
Nearly two thirds of our staff are local residents, highlighting our investment in local communities and sustainable job creation. We prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, with equal opportunity practices and a people-first culture.
Continuous training is fundamental to our operations. In 2024, each employee received an average of 32.5 hours of training, including environmental standards (ISO9001, ISO14001, ISO45001, BES 6001) and role-specific operational procedures. Induction programmes cover our environmental policies, and ongoing toolbox talks and training on our environmental and responsible sourcing policies promoting understanding and compliance. Performance appraisals set clear objectives, monitor progress, and include mandatory Code of Conduct training.
Community support extends beyond employment. Through sponsorships (such as Cedral St. Conleth’s Park until 2037), charitable giving, product donations, training programmes like Cedral Academy, and collaborations with schools and universities, we contribute to regional well-being and skills development across Ireland.
As a founding member of Guaranteed Irish, Etex Ireland proudly displays the GI symbol across all communications, reinforcing our dedication to Irish jobs, communities, and local economic growth. The symbol is a trusted mark recognised for supporting national identity and responsible business practices.
Our involvement in initiatives such as Guaranteed Irish House and Guaranteed Irish Forest strengthens our community impact. Access to this network keeps us informed of industry trends, shared sustainability goals, and best practices that guide our sourcing, production, marketing, and community engagement strategies. We foster trust and transparency by publishing an annual stakeholder report on our environmental performance, available publicly.
Our “Road to Sustainability 2030” strategy demonstrates Etex Ireland’s clear commitment to a better, more sustainable future. We are focused on:
Our strategic approach towards sustainability is integrated across all divisions, with our Sustainability team actively moderating and inspiring this cross-departmental effort. Climate change and societal challenges demand sustainable stewardship from businesses, governments and the wider public. Etex’s viewpoint is clear; we are an agent of change in the sustainable building sector committed to combating climate change by joining forces and focusing on the core strengths of our products.
We are focused on:
We engage proactively with stakeholders, set measurable targets, and regularly report our progress to ensure we build on our achievements and raise our sustainability performance further.
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