Caddick Construction is expanding the use of reusable packaging across future projects following a successful trial with Whitecroft Lighting and building services provider G&H at the new Harrogate College campus.

The trial replaced conventional single-use pallets, shrink wrap and cardboard packaging used for lighting deliveries with Whitecroft Lighting’s reusable Geopak system.

Following the project, Caddick plans to introduce the packaging system on future developments across Yorkshire, the North East, North West and Midlands where Whitecroft Lighting is appointed as the lighting supplier.

The initiative provides another example of reusable transport packaging moving into construction supply chains, where large volumes of protective and transit packaging can be generated during project delivery.

Geopak Replaces Single-Use Lighting Packaging

The trial took place during construction of Harrogate College’s new 3,997-square-metre main campus.

Lighting products and associated materials supplied to the project were transported using Geopak rather than conventional disposable packaging.

Developed by Whitecroft Lighting and its partners, Geopak is intended to circulate between the supplier and construction sites multiple times.

The system also incorporates GPS tracking, allowing packaging units to be monitored and returned after deliveries.

This return model is important because reusable packaging only delivers its intended material savings when containers complete enough circulation cycles rather than becoming lost within the supply chain.

Whitecroft says the system has been designed around conditions found on active construction sites, with the aim of reducing packaging waste while also limiting product loss and damage.

Reuse Could Cut Packaging Emissions by More Than 72%

According to figures provided for the initiative, using each Geopak at least 12 times would eliminate approximately 609.03 kilograms of single-use packaging waste.

The reusable system is also projected to reduce associated carbon emissions by 72.41%.

Whitecroft estimates that Geopak would generate approximately 107.5 kg CO2e, compared with 389.68 kg CO2e for the traditional packaging methods being replaced.

The figures illustrate how packaging reuse can reduce material consumption by replacing repeated cycles of disposable pallets, cardboard and plastic wrapping with a transport system designed for multiple deliveries.

For construction projects, this can also reduce the volume of packaging that needs to be handled and disposed of on site.

Caddick Plans Wider Rollout

Following the Harrogate College trial, Caddick Construction intends to use Geopak on future projects involving Whitecroft Lighting across several regions of England.

Rob Sheard, Head of MEP at Caddick Construction North East & Yorkshire, said the project demonstrated what contractors and suppliers can achieve through collaboration on practical sustainability measures.

He said the Harrogate trial showed that an alternative approach to packaging could contribute to reducing environmental impact while supporting site efficiency.

G&H, which provides mechanical, electrical and public health services, also highlighted the supply-chain element of the project.

Contracts Manager Alex Redfern said collaboration between the three companies helped reduce waste and emissions while maintaining the quality and service requirements of the construction project.

Reusable Packaging Moves Further Into Construction

Reusable transit packaging is receiving increasing attention as companies examine waste generated beyond the packaging that ultimately reaches consumers.

Construction presents a different packaging environment from retail. Products and components need protection as they move from manufacturers and distributors to busy project sites, where packaging also needs to be stored, managed and eventually removed.

Returnable systems can reduce this waste, but their effectiveness depends on practical factors including reverse logistics, tracking and the number of times each package can be reused.

The Geopak model addresses this by combining reusable construction with GPS tracking and a return system.

For Caddick, the move from a single-site trial to a wider rollout will provide an opportunity to test that model across a larger portfolio of construction projects.

If the packaging achieves its targeted reuse cycles, the initiative could reduce both disposable packaging entering Caddick sites and the associated waste leaving them.

Last Updated on 18/08/2026 by Jota Machinery