Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions and XPO Logistics have partnered with North Yorkshire charity Chopsticks to provide timber off-cuts to its woodworking group. Chopsticks support vulnerable adults in the community, providing them a safe working environment while teaching them new workshop skills. Working with otherwise scrap timber, the Chopsticks team create wood kindling or recycle it into new products in the ‘Chopshed,’ creating items such as flower planters and picnic benches.

As off-site manufacturers, Coventry-based Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions prioritises waste reduction. Through its Roofspace Solutions, Pasquill and Scotframe brands, the Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions organisation supports its purpose to Make the World a Better Home by encouraging the use of timber in the construction of roofing and housing structures. As each piece of timber used in construction projects is cut-to-size in a factory, there is inevitably a small amount of off-cut timber to be recycled. By partnering with Chopsticks, these pieces of timber are not only be turned into new items but also help in supporting the users of Chopsticks’ workshop.

With the support of long-term logistics partner XPO Logistics, timber off-cuts will be transported to Chopsticks in Northallerton ready to be used on the team’s upcoming recycling projects. Currently, timber off-cuts will be provided by Pasquill’s Stoney Stanton site and Scotframe’s Cumbernauld site, but it is hoped that the recycling programme will be rolled out to more Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions’ sites.

As a fully self-sufficient charity, the smaller off-cuts provided by Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions that cannot be used elsewhere will be chipped down and used as biofuel to power the Chopsticks site in Northallerton, further eliminating waste.

Rachel McIntyre, Customer Experience Continuous Improvement Manager at Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions, said of the partnership: “One of Pasquill’s sites had been providing Chopsticks with timber off-cuts for many years, so when the opportunity arose to expand the project, I knew it would be incredibly beneficial for the both of us. It is a pleasure to be able to contribute to the Chopsticks team and the great work they are doing in supporting their local community.”

Dan Myers, Managing Director – UK and Ireland, XPO Logistics, said: “We are proud to play our part in collaborating with Chopsticks and Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions in supporting members of the local communities to develop new practical skills and build relationships.”

This partnership perfectly aligns with our Environmental, Social and Governance goals, where we aim to improve the environment and give back to communities in need while aligning with our customers on their values and continuous improvement initiatives.”

Tracey Taylor, Operations Manager at Chopsticks, said: “Partnering with Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions and XPO not only gives us the opportunity to be even more sustainable, but it also helps us to keep supporting people with disabilities.

The work we do at Chopsticks allows us to teach vulnerable adults new skills in a practical environment where they are happy and engaged. All the money made from our sales of kindling and furniture is recirculated back into the business, allowing us to grow and keep supporting the people of Northallerton. We are grateful to Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions and XPO for their support.”