Sheehan Group call for stronger commitment to recycling
Increased use of recycled materials key to sustainability in construction sector
WASTE-recycling operators Sheehan Group have called for stronger commitment and collaboration amongst businesses in the industry to embrace recycled products, following the news of another UK construction materials shortage.
The UK Construction Leadership Council has confirmed cement, aggregates and plastic products have been added to the growing list of essential items (eg tiles, bricks, timber, steel) in short supply.
In addition, the Builders Merchants Federation and Construction Products Association have both warned high demand for construction products combined with supply issues mean challenges will get worse in the short term.
Following the stark warnings, Sheehan have appealed to the construction industry to adopt sustainable recycled materials, to reduce the strain on natural resources. The Oxford-based company is encouraging contractors to source locally manufactured recycled products and supplies to reduce the UK’s over reliance on global supply chains whilst improving the environment and supporting local jobs.
Tara Sheehan, finance director of Sheehan, said: ‘This is the latest challenge the UK construction industry has been hit with due to an over-reliance on the global supply chain. It is leading to contractors struggling to obtain materials and hampering our economy at a time when the country needs to bounce back.
‘The circular driven economy is key to long-term sustainability for the construction industry and our environment. With more construction companies embracing its core principle of keeping resources in use for as long as possible, it would help make the UK market more self-sufficient and protect the environment and jobs.
‘The UK is over reliant on raw materials and imported products. But we can take greater control by using recycled materials. We produce recycled aggregate, sand, concrete and blocks which are used in construction projects and have seen the benefits first hand.’
Sheehan operate a water-treatment facility, which is being used to reprocess C&D waste into reusable aggregate and other saleable products. Half of the recycled materials are used in the company’s own construction projects, whilst the rest of the aggregates is sold to contractors.
Ms Sheehan added: ‘As an industry we now have a massive opportunity for positive change via well-establish sustainable practices. Not only will it significantly benefit the industry’s zero carbon targets, but it will also prevent shortfalls in the supply chain.’
