B&Q is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability with the launch of a new own-label range called 'Home Eco at B&Q' and its first Fairtrade products. Its exclusive JCB tool range will also be in store this year.
The Home Eco range is designed to flag up the 'greenest' option in different ranges with initial products including sheep wool insulation and insulation made of recycled plastic bottles.

It also includes a collection of recycled paint. B&Q is working with a company that collects old and discarded paint from refuse sites, sorts, mixes and reconditions it for resale - preventing it being sent to landfill.

The range will launch initially in B&Q's two eco-stores, New Malden and Sutton. A further 30 stores have already been identified for the next rollout phase. It will also be rolled out across the Kingfisher portfolio, tailored to each individual retail brand e.g. Home Eco at Castorama.

Other products debuting at B&Q in the coming months include a carpet underlay made entirely from recycled clothes, the New England paint range, exclusive to the retailer, and its first ever Fairtrade offer - a range of cotton bedding in 100 stores from August onwards.

The second half of the year will also see the launch of its hand and power tool range under the JCB brand - another exclusive deal.

Hand tools will be in store from October, as will a limited number of power tools. The rest of the range will be on shelf by the end of the year. The next stage of development, concentrating on lawn and garden, will be available early next year.