Padlock Maker Squire Cuts Plastic Packaging 75% in One Year

A British padlock company just showed how one simple switch can make a massive difference for the planet.

Squire, a lock manufacturer based in the UK, slashed its plastic packaging imports by 75% in just one year. The company imported only 857 kilograms of plastic packaging in 2025, down from 3,364 kilograms in 2024.

The solution wasn't complicated or expensive. Squire simply replaced plastic blister packs with boxed and carded packaging alternatives across its product range.

The change came as part of the company's broader environmental responsibility efforts. Rather than making dramatic announcements or setting distant targets, Squire quietly partnered with its manufacturers to redesign how its locks reach store shelves.

Terry White, Squire's national field sales manager, said the company focused on making "considered changes" to packaging while keeping retail customers happy. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

The company didn't stop at reducing plastic volume. Squire is working directly with its manufacturing partners to ensure all packaging materials are recyclable and meet UK sustainability guidelines.

The Ripple Effect

Squire's approach offers a blueprint for other manufacturers wrestling with packaging waste. By proving that simple swaps can deliver dramatic results, the company demonstrates that sustainability doesn't require revolutionary technology or massive investment.

The move also responds to growing consumer demand for less wasteful packaging. Shoppers increasingly want products that don't generate bags full of plastic waste, and retailers are listening.

For hardware stores and building supply chains, Squire's shift means less packaging waste to manage and easier recycling processes. That translates to lower disposal costs and cleaner operations.

Most importantly, Squire's success shows that environmental action doesn't mean compromising on product protection or customer experience. The locks still arrive safely, the packaging still looks professional, and the planet benefits from 2,500 fewer kilograms of plastic.

Small changes, multiplied across thousands of products and millions of units, add up to real environmental progress.