SYR is a global company, but we are proud to design and manufacture many of our products in the UK.
SYR have manufactured high quality cleaning tools in the UK for almost 40 years.
In operation since 1954, SYR started life as a small window cleaning company in Canada. Due to the success of the business, within a few years operations had spread globally, including into the UK. From here we officially made the switch into manufacturing in 1985. Over the years we have expanded further, producing more and more diverse products. Now, we are known as an iconic British cleaning brand, even winning the prestigious Queen’s Award for our efforts in 2002.
Using the innovation that SYR has become known for, since the beginning we have created durable and efficient cleaning tools, informed by our background as a cleaning service. Even though we are a global company, supplying to customers all over the world, we remain dedicated to being a sustainable and responsible business, providing the best for our customers. As part of this commitment, we manufacture many of our most iconic cleaning tools in the UK.
Made in the UK: The Benefits
Supports the local economy
By choosing British made products, you are supporting local businesses and manufacturers. As this creates extra jobs, it invests both financially and socially in local communities. This in turn has a positive impact on the growth of the UK’s economy as a whole.
Although SYR is now a multi-national company, keeping to our roots as a small family business is very important to us. We believe that investing in manufacturers and communities locally is the best way of ensuring our business is sustainable.
Saves time and money
Many businesses choose to export international goods because of lower initial prices. However, when you take into account the cost of shipping to the UK, these low costs can rapidly multiply. One of the main issues with overreliance on import is that freight rates are frequently unpredictable. With global supply chains, any disruption, including natural disasters, conflicts or material shortages, can lead to delays and price increases.
Although global events may still impact British-made goods, without the need for long transport any delays are minimised and costs more easily absorbed. Local production means supply chain resilience with quicker turnaround times, which in turn saves money for customers.
Assures quality
Did you know that British manufacturing is internationally recognised for its quality? In a global survey of 49 countries (including the EU), the UK ranked 4th in brand strength for goods. This means that products made in the UK are regarded as some of the best quality in the world.
When buying abroad it can sometimes be difficult to guarantee where products and materials come from. With locally manufactured products there is usually greater oversight and control over both the manufacturing and delivery. At SYR we are in open and constant communication with our manufacturing partners, most of whom are based locally to our UK headquarters in the West Midlands. This results in better product quality and consistency, and a product that customers can trust.
Reduces carbon emissions
Whilst Britain’s overall emissions have fallen in the last 30 years, these figures do not tell the full story of our carbon footprint. The UK is one of the world’s largest net importers of CO₂. Over half of our total carbon footprint comes from emissions generated abroad producing goods or services for UK consumption.
For example, China, the world’s biggest manufacturer, is one of the main places the UK imports from. Products made in China are associated with higher CO2 emissions than the same products made elsewhere. This may be due to a reliance on coal to produce energy, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the energy used in manufacturing, transporting the goods, often across very long distances, generates emissions. A reported 20-30% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be linked with international trade. With carbon emissions from ocean freight currently at an all-time high, it is unlikely that this number will decrease anytime soon, even with many countries, including China, moving towards greener energy.
As a result, the best way of reducing the UK’s carbon emissions (including the consumption emissions of products made overseas for the British market) is to buy local. Products made in the UK have far lower emissions associated with them than international goods.
Which SYR products are made in the UK?
Product Spotlight: Lucy-R Oval Bucket
The Lucy-R Oval Bucket is the combination of the innovative sustainability of SYR Switch and Lucy Housewares’ heritage designs.
The Lucy-R Oval Bucket is a small yet powerful mop bucket, integrating everyday usability with sustainability. As it is made of hardwearing recycled plastic, this bucket is both highly durable and eco-friendly. It boasts the same innovative features as its virgin plastic counterpart, the Lucy Oval Bucket, including a removable yet strong sieve wringer and sturdy carry handle. Available in a colour-coded range, this compact solution is perfect for effective daily socket mopping in smaller size areas.
Every 100 Lucy-R Oval Buckets sold saves more than 57kg of plastic from landfill.
With its recycled construction, the Lucy-R Oval reduces both landfilled plastic waste and carbon emissions. Despite increasing recycling rates, the UK still exports a lot of plastic waste to overseas recycling facilities after use. In 2023, England reportedly sent more than 600,000 tonnes of plastic recycling waste abroad, a 10% increase from 2022. Because of this, even if recycling is a sustainable option, the waste still carries a significant carbon footprint due to being transported across the world for disposal.
Like the rest of the SYR Switch range, the Lucy-R is made in the UK, but we have taken this one step further. From manufacturing to recycling, this product’s entire lifecycle takes place in the UK. This ensures low emissions, as well as keeping still usable materials in circulation throughout British manufacturing. With SYR Switch, SYR are doing our bit towards making the UK more sustainable.
SYR Switch: Recycled plastic cleaning tools
SYR Switch is our range of high quality, eco-friendly cleaning tools, made using recycled plastic. Using innovative manufacturing techniques, the creation of products like the LTS and TC20 already generate very little scrap (less than 1%). Even this small amount, however, is not wasted. We take materials previously destined for landfill and give them a new life. Recycled and regrind plastics are repurposed with SYR Switch.
The LTS-R and TC20-R recycled plastic mopping combos are designed and manufactured in the UK. Equipped with a range of innovative features, these sustainable mopping solutions are built with the same quality and durability as our virgin plastic products, and clean just as effectively too.
Lasting 6x longer, SYR Switch reduces virgin plastic by 70% compared to similar size competitors.
Because these products are made in the UK, it has given us the opportunity to create a special recycling scheme. Designed to reduce waste and emissions at all levels, Switch Framework is a new system for disposing of used cleaning tools. In this closed-loop system, customers can return their old SYR products back to us for repurposing, transforming would-be waste into new and ready-to-use products.
Switch Framework is how SYR are doing our bit to help create a circular economy for the UK, reducing waste and promoting sustainable manufacturing processes.
Caution Cones and Spill Kits
SYR’s safety cones are amongst our most recognisable products, but did you know they are also made in the UK?
A cleaning essential, these sturdy cones are a simple way of creating a safer environment, protecting people against hazards and accidents such as slips, trips or falls. Made of tough moulded polypropylene, the cones are highly durable whilst still being lightweight and easy to transport. With a clear print on all four sides, we utilise injection moulding techniques to ensure high resolution and prevent fading.
Alongside our standard Tall and Short Caution Cones, SYR also offers unique mobile safety cones. Also made in the UK, the Rapid Response Cone has the same tough polypropylene construction as the other cones, but complete with braked castors, a top handle and side tool holders. Forming the basis of multiple SYR spill kits, the Rapid Response Cone is compatible with a range of SYR cleaning tools for truly personalised cleaning system.
Cleaning floors efficiently is essential in preventing accidents. The Rapid Response is designed for quick and easy transport to the spill area, blocking access instantly. With its side tool holders, it carries cleaning tools straight to the cleaning site, cutting overall cleaning times and reducing the risk of accidents occurring.
SYR’s caution cone range have become popular not just in the UK, but internationally. From preventing accidents in major QSRs to keeping people safe in hospitals, these safety solutions are an example of SYR’s quality British innovation.
Lucy Housewares: Cleaner's Essentials made in the UK
Lucy Housewares is an iconic British brand in the cleaning sector. Originating in Portsmouth, the brand has been producing quality products for decades, eventually being acquired by SYR in the early 2000s. After all these years, Lucy products are still made in the UK, generating far fewer emissions than alternatives produced abroad.
The Lucy range comprises of cleaner’s daily essentials. From small buckets to dustpans and bowls to bins, there is something to suit every cleaning requirement. Made of hardwearing polypropylene plastic and available in a choice of colours for aesthetics and colour-coded cleaning, these low-cost products provide an efficient and effective cleaning performance.
