Paddling for a sustainable future


At Silverbirch our entire lives revolve around the outdoors, we share your deep love for exploring the breathtaking beauty of our waterways. But with that love comes a responsibility to protect them for generations to come. That's why we're fiercely committed to sustainable practices, ensuring the pristine environments we cherish today are there for tomorrow.

Reduce

Minimising waste at every step and prioritising long-lasting quality

We firmly believe that building exceptional products shouldn't come at the expense of the environment. We stand in stark opposition to planned obsolescence and other practices that prioritise short-term profit over long-term sustainability. We believe customers deserve the power to choose products built with the environment in mind, and companies should be held accountable for their choices.

That's why we've implemented a comprehensive waste reduction programme because we believe every little bit counts. This includes a zero-landfill policy for operational waste, a goal we're actively working towards. We've achieved significant progress through extensive recycling initiatives, diverting tonnes of waste from landfill sites and giving it a new lease of life.

Furthermore, our commitment to sustainability extends beyond waste reduction. We utilise lean manufacturing practices throughout our operations, which minimises waste generation and optimises energy consumption. This commitment to efficiency ensures we use only the resources necessary to craft your top-quality canoe.

We understand that minimising waste extends beyond our facilities. We actively collaborate with our suppliers to minimise packaging waste at source, prioritising recyclable materials whenever possible. Additionally, we encourage customers to reuse or recycle any packaging they receive from us. For those who are able, we also offer the option to order your canoe without packaging, further reducing our environmental footprint.

It's a small step, but together, we can make a big difference.

Reuse 

Giving canoes a second life

We believe in the magic of long-lasting adventures. That's why we craft our canoes using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a recyclable plastic renowned for its durability and longevity.

This ensures your canoe becomes a cherished companion for years to come, reducing the need for replacements and minimising waste. But even the most well-loved canoes eventually need a bit of TLC. That's why we offer free educational resources and workshops on proper canoe care and maintenance. By empowering you to keep your canoe in top condition, we extend its lifespan and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing new ones.

Additionally, at various events, we provide a free "Repair Shop" for any canoe brand. It's not just about extending the life of your canoe; it's about fostering a spirit of community and responsible equipment use. We want to see more people on the water, enjoying the beauty of nature, all while minimising our collective footprint.

Recycle

Closing the loop on resources


Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our operations. We source our HDPE from suppliers who share our values, promoting responsible resource management throughout the supply chain. High-quality HDPE is not only incredibly durable but also recyclable. At the end of its long life, your Silverbirch canoe can be reborn into new products, closing the loop on valuable resources and minimising environmental impact.

While our amazing canoes can't be directly recycled back into canoes (because let's face it, they need to be tough enough to handle years of adventure!), the beauty of HDPE is that it finds a new life. During the recycling process, some of the plastic's original properties are altered, making it unsuitable for building new canoes. However, that doesn't mean its journey ends there! Recycled HDPE from canoes can be transformed into a surprising variety of useful products, like water tanks, sturdy street furniture, or even colourful shipping buoys that bob on the very waterways you explored. By recycling your canoe responsibly, you're contributing to a future where waste becomes a valuable resource.


Together, Let's Make a Difference

We are committed to continuous improvement, we're always looking for new ways to reduce our environmental impact. We firmly believe that by working together, paddlers and businesses like us can make a significant difference for the waterways we cherish. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future!



Lets #LeaveNoTrace