Sustainability

At GKN Aerospace, sustainability forms the backbone of our innovation and operations. As the aerospace industry works towards a greener future, we are dedicated to minimising our environmental impact while advancing technological progress.

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Driving the future of flight

Sustainability is central to every decision and measure we implement in development, from life cycle analyses and sustainability assessments to setting clear requirements for our suppliers. As part of our commitment to reducing emissions, we have set SBTi sustainability targets to drive measurable, meaningful progress.

Measurable sustainability goals

With a focus on creating a lasting impact, we have set ambitious targets:

50% 

reduction in operational emissions by 2030

Net Zero

carbon emissions across all operations by 2050

 

100%

recycled materials in core products by 2040

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Sustainable techniques

The SWITCH project

Developing more efficient engines is crucial to reducing environmental impact. It’s not just about making engines more efficient to save fuel, but also to maximise fuel range and reduce emissions. At GKN Aerospace, we’re involved in several innovative projects contributing to this advancement. One example is the SWITCH project – an impactful European initiative in which we play a key role in developing sustainable technologies for aviation.

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Manufacturing & materials

GKN Aerospace’s key contributions in the Switch projekt

  • Additive manufacturing (AM): GKN Aerospace is advancing AM technology to produce lighter and more intricate aerospace components, reducing material waste and enhancing performance. AM allows for greater design flexibility, enabling the creation of parts that contribute to lighter engines and more efficient operations.
  • Composite materials: GKN is also at the forefront of developing advanced composite materials for use in aircraft components. These materials are lighter than traditional metals but offer similar or better strength, helping to reduce the overall weight of aircraft while maintaining high performance standards.
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H2GEAR

Revolutionising hydrogen propulsion for aircraft

The H2GEAR programme is a UK-based collaborative project led by GKN Aerospace with a goal to develop a liquid hydrogen propulsion system for sub-regional aircraft. This system will convert liquid hydrogen into electricity through a fuel cell system, which will efficiently power the aircraft, eliminating CO₂ emissions.
 
The project aims to have hydrogen-powered aircraft in the skies by 2026. Not only will this reduce carbon emissions, but it also promises to create over 3,100 jobs across the UK and solidify the country’s leadership in aerospace technology.

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H2JET

Hydrogen combustion for civil aircraft

In Sweden, GKN Aerospace leads the H2JET programme, focusing on developing technical solutions for hydrogen combustion engines that will power medium-range civil aircraft.

By validating and refining key subsystems, H2JET will accelerate the development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and their engines, contributing to the international push for zero-emissions aviation.

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Lightweight components

Clean Sky 2

Launched in 2014, Clean Sky 2 brought together industry leaders to develop technologies that help reduce the environmental impact of aviation. Our work has focused on designing and manufacturing lightweight, high-performance components for both engines and airframes.
 
This is what we’ve achieved:

  • Lightweight components: We’ve developed advanced composite and metallic structures, reducing component weight by up to 30%.
  • Additive manufacturing: Using 3D printing, we’ve optimised designs to reduce material waste and improve efficiency.
  • Collaborations: We’ve worked alongside major companies like Safran, Rolls-Royce and Airbus to create integrated demonstrators, showcasing next-generation propulsion systems and aircraft technologies.
  • Environmental impact: Our innovations have helped improve fuel efficiency and cut CO₂ emissions, supporting the EU’s climate goals.
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Net-zero by 2050

Clean Aviation

Building on Clean Sky 2, Clean Aviation is focused on pushing the boundaries of propulsion and energy systems to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050. GKN Aerospace remains a key partner in this groundbreaking programme.
 
Our key focus areas:

  • Hydrogen propulsion: We’re developing vital components for hydrogen-powered engines.
  • Electric and hybrid-electric systems: We’re exploring solutions to enable low-emission regional and short-haul flights.
  • Advanced materials: We’re improving the efficiency of high-value parts with new material innovations.
  • Ongoing contributions: We continue to support demonstrators integrating these technologies, aiming to make them commercially viable for the next generation of aircraft.
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Reduced air resistance, recyclable material and SAF

From fighter jet aerodynamics to the use of recyclable materials and sustainable fuels, our focus is on pioneering solutions that support the future of more sustainable defence.

  • Low-drag aerodynamics for fighter jets: We’re improving the design of fighter jets to reduce air resistance. This boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, allowing military aircraft to fly further and with less environmental impact.
  • Recyclable materials in composite structures: We’re incorporating recyclable materials in the construction of advanced aerospace components minimising the environmental impact of defence engine systems.
  • Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in defence aviation: With innovations like the RM12 engine running on 100% SAF, we’re demonstrating how sustainable fuels can play a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the defence sector.
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Sustainable production

Circular manufacturing practices

We are dedicated to supporting a circular economy by reusing high-performance materials like titanium and nickel alloys. This reduces waste and minimises the need for new resource extraction. We also remanufacture engine components, conserving valuable resources and reducing the environmental impact of production. 

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Every stage counts

Life cycle analysis

Our commitment to sustainability is strengthened by life cycle analysis (LCA). We conduct LCAs to measure and enhance the environmental performance of our products at every stage, from design to end-of-use. This enables us to continually improve our processes and products, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the aerospace industry.

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Code of conduct

Responsible sourcing and ethical practices

At GKN Aerospace, we believe that responsible sourcing is integral to our sustainability efforts. We partner with suppliers to uphold human rights, fair wages and safe working conditions worldwide.

Our supplier code of conduct reinforces these values, ensuring integrity and responsibility in every aspect of our operations.

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Unlocking potential

Empowering people

We invest in workforce development to prepare the next generation for future challenges. Strategic global partnerships with academic institutions and research organisations enable us to drive innovations in sustainable aviation. 
 
We prioritise people and the environment to shape a future where sustainability benefits everyone, empowering individuals, inspiring communities and advancing progress in aerospace.

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Fostering growth

Developing talent

We invest in workforce development through various programmes that focus on upskilling and education, ensuring our team is equipped to meet evolving challenges in aerospace and sustainability. The following initiatives encourage a culture of continuous learning to help our employees grow and thrive:

  • Upskilling programmes: Training initiatives that equip employees with cutting-edge skills in aerospace technology and sustainability
  • Education initiatives: Collaborations with educational institutions that create pathways for students to enter the aerospace industry