Architectural terracotta manufacturer sets precedent with new environmental and social value certification
Darwen Terracotta has been awarded Made in Britain’s new Environmental and Social Value Certification, as the company seeks to demonstrate its approach to responsible manufacturing and encourage wider climate action across the built environment sector.
The certification has been developed by Made in Britain in collaboration with MAP UK & International. It aligns with the UK Government’s Social Value Model (2025) and the Procurement Act 2023, and is intended to help manufacturers evidence environmental and social value within procurement and commercial processes.
Darwen Terracotta is the UK’s largest manufacturer of architectural terracotta and the world’s third largest specialist in terracotta restoration. It is also the only British-owned producer of architectural terracotta and fireclay sinks, supplying projects across the UK and internationally.
The company said the certification reflects its long-standing focus on environmental responsibility and social contribution. It also hopes the recognition will encourage other manufacturers to place climate and social considerations at the centre of their operations.
Simona Weldon, Marketing Manager at Darwen Terracotta, said the certification supports both credibility and leadership within the sector.
“Sustainability is a core principle at Darwen Terracotta and achieving the ESV Certification has further strengthened our credibility in this area – underpinning our commitment to responsible manufacturing,” she said.
“But beyond this, the certification reinforces our mission to lead by example and encourage others in the sector to take action towards a more sustainable future. It represents a small but meaningful step in the right direction, and one that helps drive collective action.
“We believe that by leading by example, we can inspire more businesses within the industry to join forces in reducing their carbon footprint – making sustainability not just an individual goal, but a shared responsibility for the next generation.”
The Environmental and Social Value Certification is designed to provide a structured and practical framework for organisations to demonstrate how environmental and social considerations are embedded within day-to-day operations. For Darwen Terracotta, this includes a range of initiatives focused on people, planet and place.
Within its manufacturing operations, the company prioritises responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation. Measures include the use of recycled materials, LED lighting and reusable packaging, alongside the recycling of materials such as clay, plaster and polystyrene generated during production.
Darwen Terracotta is also in the process of calculating the life-cycle assessment of its products. This work is intended to support the development of Environmental Product Declarations, which provide standardised, third-party verified information on the environmental impacts of construction products.
The company has described these steps as part of a wider commitment to transparency and accountability within the built environment sector. It views independent certification as an important way to communicate progress and provide assurance to clients and partners.
From a social perspective, Darwen Terracotta supports a range of community and workforce initiatives. It is an active patron of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone, a local charity providing facilities and support for young people to access activities, guidance and safe spaces.
The business also engages with schools and conservation bodies, and places an emphasis on fostering a safe and inclusive workplace. These activities form part of its broader approach to social responsibility alongside its manufacturing operations.
Made in Britain said the certification is intended to help UK manufacturers articulate existing good practice in ways that are clear and accessible. It also aims to support members as social value requirements become more prominent within public and private sector procurement.
John Pearce, Chief Executive Officer of Made in Britain, said the organisation is focused on supporting responsible growth across British manufacturing.
“We’re all about promoting the sustainable growth of British manufacturing and uniting UK-based manufacturers. It’s great to see that Darwen Terracotta is using the ESV Certification to join us in this mission – inspiring other manufacturers to follow suit and have a more positive impact on the environment,” he said.
“All members already hold very high environmental and social standards by employing and training people in the UK, supporting local communities and operating in line with legislation on ethics and sustainability. The certification helps them to draw out these standards, articulate them in ways that everyone can understand and promote their positive impact on people, planet and place.”
The ESV Certification is positioned as a tool to support continuous improvement rather than a one-off assessment. By documenting and sharing practices, organisations are encouraged to review progress over time and identify areas for further development.
Darwen Terracotta has said it intends to use the certification as part of this ongoing process. By sharing its approach and experience, the company hopes to contribute to wider discussion and action across the sector.
As part of the wider rollout of the certification, Simona Weldon will speak at Made in Britain’s upcoming Environmental and Social Value webinar. Taking place on Wednesday 28 January, the event will explore environmental and social value in the context of UK procurement regulation and outline how the ESV Certification can support member organisations.
The Environmental and Social Value Certification is available to all Made in Britain members. Further information on the scheme and its criteria is available through the Made in Britain website.
Made in Britain is a trade organisation representing UK manufacturers, with a focus on promoting British-made products and supporting high standards of environmental and social responsibility. Through initiatives such as the ESV Certification, it aims to strengthen trust in the Made in Britain trademark while supporting responsible growth across the manufacturing sector.
