Innovation

The Acoustic panel products are made from a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) raw material. This is processed into a compressed polyester fibre with no less than 70% recycled PET content. The rPET substrate in the Acoustic products is derived from recycled plastic bottles. The PET bottles are broken down, and the recycled polyester fibres are used to make the panels by fluffing, stretching, weaving, needling, heating, and cutting the fibre. These polyester fibres are known for their durability, resistance to shrinking and stretching, and ease of care. Simon explains, 'This acoustic substrate has emerged in response to rising levels of plastic on the planet – and consumer pressure to recycle, and then into creating a use for the repurposed plastic.' The acoustic wall panel products are part of a whole-of-product life cycle that supports a circular solution for waste plastic material.

The recycled polyester fibre reduces waste and has a significantly lower environmental impact than manufacturing fossil-fuel-based new fibres. It also helps to reduce the demand for virgin petroleum-based plastic products. By creating a market niche for products manufactured from recycled PET, the acoustic panels directly contribute to reducing global plastic pollution, which is one of the most urgent environmental issues of our time (Nielsen et al., 2019). The Boyd team are realistic about their contribution to environmental sustainability; Simon adds, ‘This doesn’t solve the global plastic problem, but it does help to reduce the production of virgin plastic. It also reduces the need to use products that are more harmful to the environment - products like MDF…’ In addition, Boyd supports a fully circular solution by collecting and repurposing their own post-industrial plastic waste. It is provided to another local Auckland business for remanufacturing into furniture moving blankets.

This innovation has emerged from the escalating global problem of plastic pollution; and driven by consumer demand for sustainable and more environmentally friendly products. Plastic pollution is a pervasive environmental issue, significantly impacting oceans, wildlife, and human health due to its durability and slow decomposition rate. Worldwide, almost 280 million tons of plastic material are produced annually, much of which ends up in landfill or the oceans, harming marine life and ecosystems (Isangedighi, David, & Obot, 2020). The United Nations Environment Program recognizes the importance of recycling as an essential solution to end plastic pollution. They support a systems transformation to circularity, through their Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Reorient & Diversify framework (UN EP, Single-use plastics: A roadmap for Sustainability, 2018). The primary benefit of recycled PET (rPET) is in its production process; reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 71% and energy by 79%, compared to the manufacture of virgin PET. Consequently, rPET has a significantly smaller carbon footprint — approximately one-quarter of that of virgin PET — emitting just 0.45kg CO2e per kg of material created, compared to 2.15 kg CO2e for virgin PET (The PET Recycling team, nd).

Inspiration

As a business leader, Simon is fully involved with new product development, working with design engineers to develop new uses for the material ‘The nature of the product is exciting; there is much more potential for product development in this space…’. The material is lightweight, strong, and durable, with noise-reducing and insulation properties. It also creates nice acoustics for recording or teaching environments. As an agile business, they can move quickly to respond to emerging customer and market trends. ‘Currently, it takes about 7 months for a design prototype to be developed and ready for an exploratory launch to the NZ market…’. This proactive approach demonstrates Boyd’s readiness to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing business landscape.

The recycled PET, sourced globally from bottles destined for landfill, closes the loop on a valuable, endlessly recyclable resource. From an industry perspective, increasing the production of, and stimulating demand for, rPET-based products will lead to greater demand for the raw material, and support a more efficient collection and recycling infrastructure for waste plastic. A win for the triple bottom line of people, planet, and profit.

Overall impact

Boyd's leadership is committed to building an ethical, sustainable, and fiscally responsible business. They recruit staff from the closely-knit local community, proudly contributing to the economic fabric of East Tamaki, Auckland. The strategic location offers excellent access via major road networks and proximity to the airport, with many of their largest customers conveniently located in the same neighborhood.

Boyd is proud of the packaging innovations they have introduced into the business. They have improved the protective packaging materials used to approximately 95% recyclability. They have successfully removed polystyrene from the whiteboard packaging cartons, moving to a cardboard substitute. This support for sustainable and recyclable packaging is a business choice; it costs more to be sustainable, but Nick and Simon prioritize a healthy future planet.

The rPET noise reduction panels are not the only green product introduced by Boyd. Their range of brochure holder items have recently moved into recycled plastic. A recent materials innovation, it is now possible to manufacture recycled PET plastic into a clear, transparent material, which will allow a greater range of products to transition to a sustainable material over time.

Business benefit

The Acoustic category has helped to significantly grow the Boyd business from a headcount of 11 to 22 full-time employees. Simon says, ‘It's a big responsibility to maintain 22 staff, and it’s a competitive marketplace. So, we’re not comfortable in the business yet – you can never be comfortable.'. However, they are now in a place where leadership doesn’t have to be involved in every decision ‘and that is a nice space to operate in’. Developing a strong team was one of their toughest challenges ‘and a challenge that will continue as the business evolves to meet the market’. Under Nick and Simon’s leadership, Boyd has developed a fully engaged team that is passionate about sustainability. ‘Good people have made a massive difference to the business; getting to that place took about 4 years of hard work…’ Boyd's is now well-positioned for continued and sustainable future growth, an exceptional achievement for this small NZ business.

Boyd Workspaces has evolved from a traditional supplier of premium whiteboards to a market-leading provider of acoustic panels in New Zealand. By innovating and adapting products from recycled PET, Boyd serves a broad range of clients in the commercial and educational sectors. Their approach demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, innovative practices, and a for-profit application of sustainable technology. In partnership with their international manufacturers and their East Tamaki community, Boyd will continue to champion the principles of a circular economy, reducing and recycling plastic waste and fostering a healthier planet for future generations.

Social and environmental benefit

The acoustic panels' innovation directly addresses the issue of global plastic waste, repurposing it into functional and sustainable acoustic solutions. This diverts plastic from landfills and oceans and reduces the need for virgin plastic production, contributing to decreased overall environmental pollution. The immediate effect is the provision of a greener, more sustainable product option in the market, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprints. In the longer term, Boyd Workspaces' adoption of sustainable technology supports industry transformation in materials and manufacturing processes, promoting a broader shift towards circular economies.

Boyd Workspaces demonstrates an alignment with several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably:

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — Boyd directly reduces waste and enhances recycling processes by creating a market for acoustic panels made from recycled PET bottles.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure — Boyd's commitment to using 70% recycled PET in their products fosters resilient infrastructure and promotes sustainable industrialization.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth — Boyd supports sustained economic growth and secures decent work for its employees by maintaining a stable workforce and fostering a safe, engaging, and appropriately remunerated workforce.

• SDG 13: Climate Action — Boyd contributes to combating climate change by minimizing plastic waste in landfills through their support of international recycling efforts.

These actions demonstrate Boyd's commitment to sustainability and their proactive role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Interview

Simon Williams, Managing Director (and Co-Owner)