Recycled material represents fifth of UK aggregates market

Recycled aggregates nearly account for 20% of the total aggregates market in the UK despite demand falling during the recession, latest research suggests.


In its latest survey on the industry, BDS Marketing Research has identified around 530 static sites in the country with an aggregates recycling plant. Together, these plants produced around 37 million tonnes in 2011.

Volumes had been in decline with the recession affecting both the amount of wastes generated and also the level of end use markets. However, the fall in recycled aggregates markets is thought to have been less than that suffered by primary aggregates companies in recent years.

Around a quarter of static recycling sites are located in the south east, which also contains many of the higher volume plants. Nationally, the study has identified 16 plants that produce over 200,000 tonnes a year.
This level of volume is similar to that achieved by a typical sand and gravel pit.

The report also ranks the top five recycled aggregates companies as Tarmac, Lafarge, Day & Sons, Aggregate Industries and Frimstone. Although these are well established companies in this sector, they represent less than 15% of the market.

Taking the top 10 recycled aggregates companies in total, it is estimates that these represent just over 20% of the market. The study has identified around 400 companies in the sector as a whole.

Maxine Perella

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