Grenfell Tragedy Sparks Calls for Boycott of Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex
A growing chorus of voices, including survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire and prominent architect George Clarke, are urging businesses and homeowners to boycott companies found to have engaged in “systematic dishonesty” during the inquiry into the 2017 tragedy. The call to action reflects deepening frustration over the slow pace of criminal investigations and a perceived lack of accountability for those implicated in the disaster that claimed 72 lives.
A Moral Imperative
Clarke, known for his television series George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, has publicly committed to excluding products from Arconic, Kingspan, and Celotex – the three companies heavily criticized in the Grenfell Inquiry’s findings – from all his projects. “I have personally made the moral decision to not use any of those companies’ products in any of my projects,” Clarke stated. He has also actively encouraged his professional network to follow suit, emphasizing the need for immediate action alongside the pursuit of legal justice.
“We can all sit around and wait for criminal proceedings to happen, and we need to do that,” Clarke explained. “But the inquiry proved those companies were dishonest, so people have to make their own moral judgment.”
Grenfell United’s Plea
The sentiment is echoed by Grenfell United, a group representing survivors and bereaved families. Ed Daffarn, a resident of Grenfell Tower who predicted the disaster on his blog, issued a direct appeal to professionals across the construction and housing sectors. “I would call on any architect, designer, procurement manager in construction or the housing sector, any landlord who’s got to meet the energy performance certificates, or even if you’re just insulating your loft – do not use these companies,” Daffarn urged.
Findings of “Systematic Dishonesty”
The public inquiry revealed that all three companies engaged in deliberate efforts to manipulate fire safety testing and mislead the market. Arconic, the manufacturer of the plastic-filled cladding panels that fueled the fire’s rapid spread, “deliberately and dishonestly concealed from the market the true position” regarding the product’s flammability. Kingspan, responsible for approximately 5% of the combustible foam insulation used on the block, was found to have exhibited “deeply entrenched and persistent dishonesty” in pursuit of profit, demonstrating “a complete disregard for fire safety.” Celotex, which supplied the majority of the combustible foam insulation, “embarked on a dishonest scheme to mislead its customers and the wider market.”
All three companies maintain they have done nothing wrong.
Delayed Justice and Continued Profits
Despite the damning findings, criminal charges are not expected to be announced until at least late 2026 – nearly a decade after the fire – according to the Metropolitan Police. This delay has fueled the call for a boycott, with critics arguing that allowing these companies to continue operating without consequence is unacceptable.
Clarke highlighted the pervasive presence of these companies within the construction industry, noting they had become “the default suppliers.” He expressed astonishment that many within the sector remain unaware of the inquiry’s findings. “Even after all of those deaths, after all the publicity… it still amazes me that in the industry, people have gone, let’s just carry on. Morally, I find that really unacceptable,” he said.
Adding to the frustration, all three companies have continued to generate substantial profits in the years following the Grenfell tragedy. Recent reports indicate Kingspan Insulation posted a pre-tax profit of £14.7 million in its latest financial accounts.
A Call to Action for All
Clarke emphasized that the boycott should extend beyond large-scale projects. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re building a huge government project, whether you’re refurbishing a tower block, or whether you’re doing a small-scale extension on the back of your house, don’t use their products,” he stated.
Company responses to the inquiry’s findings have been carefully worded. A spokesperson for Arconic stated the company “fully supports efforts to better regulate the UK construction industry and improve safety.” Kingspan has acknowledged “wholly unacceptable historical failings” and claimed to have “emphatically addressed these issues.” Celotex has said it has “reviewed and improved process controls” to meet industry best practices.
The growing movement for a boycott represents a powerful expression of public outrage and a demand for accountability, even as the legal process unfolds. It underscores a fundamental question: at what point does moral responsibility outweigh the pursuit of profit?
