Sustainability in aerospace is becoming a core focus for companies across the global supply chain. ASG Group, a Manchester-based aerospace supply chain conglomerate, is quietly making significant strides to reduce its environmental impact. With Dean Unwin, Group Head of Health, Safety, and Environment, guiding the company’s efforts, ASG Group is aligning itself with the broader industry’s push toward decarbonisation.
Dean Unwin, Group Health, Safety and Environment Manager at ASG Group driving sustainability
Unwin’s approach to sustainability is pragmatic and focused on gradual progress. “Decarbonisation is a journey for ASG Group. We’re committed to making consistent, meaningful improvements that contribute to a more sustainable future for the aerospace sector. Our efforts are part of a larger movement within the industry, led by our key customers and partners.”
As Unwin noted, “The actions of our major customers such as Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce are setting a clear direction for the entire sector. At ASG Group, we understand that to stay relevant and competitive, we must align our efforts with these industry trends and support our customers in achieving their sustainability goals.”
Airbus, for instance, has been a pioneer in exploring hydrogen as a potential fuel source for future aircraft. The company’s goal is to have the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft in service by 2035. Boeing, too, is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and has committed to ensuring that its commercial aircraft are capable of flying on 100% SAF by 2030. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce is focused on developing more efficient engines and advancing electric propulsion technologies, aiming to lead the transition to sustainable aviation power.
ASG Group’s commitment to this cause is reflected in several initiatives across its subsidiaries. In Bradford, ASG Produmax is involved in the Bradford Manufacturing Futures project, an initiative aimed at developing sustainable manufacturing practices. In Bromborough, ASG AMF has taken a significant step by installing nearly 700 solar panels to create a 220kW system. This initiative is expected to generate around 160,000 kWh annually, helping to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
Simon Weston, Group Managing Director of ASG, expressed his support for these initiatives and the company’s alignment with the broader industry’s sustainability goals. “We’re inspired by the leadership of companies like Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls-Royce,” Weston noted. “Their commitment to decarbonisation sets a benchmark for the entire supply chain, and we’re determined to follow their lead. While our steps may be modest, they are part of a collective effort to drive meaningful change across the industry.”
The aerospace sector is at a critical juncture, where the push for sustainability has driven more a paradigm shift in mentality rather than purely focused on regulatory change. As the major aerospace primes continue to advance their decarbonisation agendas, companies across the supply chain are identifying the need to align their sustainability efforts. ASG Group are committed to implementing similar decarbonisation strategies across all of their 8 manufacturing locations as part of their ongoing sustainability journey, led by the committed eye of Dean Unwin.
