Spotlight on: Saint-Gobain Formula
Bread, beer, bowls, and movie magic – we explore how this month’s Brand Spotlight Saint-Gobain Formula is shaping our world with its gypsum-based products.
From the awe-inspiring sets of the Harry Potter film studios to the high-end retail jewellery Tiffany store in Heathrow; these seemingly disparate places have one surprising connection: Saint-Gobain Formula.
Their magic lies in the humble, yet surprisingly versatile, mineral: gypsum.
Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, Saint-Gobain Formula employs more than 100 colleagues in the UK, working across five key markets including construction materials, fibrous and decorative plaster, ceramics, dental and personal care, food, agriculture & environment.
This high purity mineral can be used in bread to improve the texture of dough as well as in the process for brewing lager (it’s known to improve malt extraction efficiency and balance the hop flavour!)
When converted to plaster, it is used in a range of everyday products from ceiling mouldings that grace historic buildings to dental impressions for crown, bridge, and implant work.
The brand, located in eight further countries – France, Spain, Germany, Romania, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, and India, supplies over 1,500 products to over 80 countries, serving 2,000 customers globally.
No two days are the same
Such diversity of markets means work is never ever dull, explains Adam Summers, UK Market Manager & Customer Experience Manager, who has worked with the brand for almost a decade.
“The best thing about working here is that we operate in five key markets which means that every day you must wear a different ‘hat’.
“I love that we can be agile, diversifying and evolving even though we are a relatively small brand. With such a wide portfolio of products comes variety.”
Making the World a Better Home
But Saint-Gobain Formula isn't just about innovation; sustainability is a core value.
The team is committed to making the world a better home with a focus on circularity (reducing waste) and decarbonisation. They believe in transparency, collaboration, and shared responsibility, paving the way for a sustainable future.
Tangible action
Since 2017, they've proudly reduced their annual scope 1 & 2 CO2 emissions by 35% (excluding their quarries). Today, 47% of their product ranges are covered by LCA (life cycle analysis) or EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – tools to evaluate the environmental impact of a product through its entire life cycle*.
Saint-Gobain Formula also prioritise sustainable packaging, with 96% of materials coming from sustainable and/or renewable sources. A major milestone was reached in 2022 when the team replaced their gas-fired heating system with innovative air source heat pumps, a winning project funded by Saint-Gobain's very own Carbon Fund.
Adam added: “Saint-Gobain Formula has ambitious plans, from optimising energy efficiency to embracing changes to convert our fuel sources to renewable options and fostering a circular economy.
“With the support of our valued customers and partners, we’re dedicated to driving positive change and reducing the impact on our planet.”
Find out more about Saint-Gobain Formula
*Figures quoted are Formula Global