WRAP launches recycled content guidelines for builders

Construction firms are facing growing pressure to use more recycled material in their buildings, but how can they be sure the materials they use actually contain the advertised levels of recycled content?

That is the problem waste and recycling advisory group WRAP is seeking to address with the launch last week of a new guide to provide producers of construction materials with directions on how to state the recycled content in line with EU requirements.

The Rules of Thumb Guide to Recycled Content in Construction Products is available online and will provide clear rules on how to determine what qualifies as recycled content and how to calculate how much contributes to materials.

WRAP's Mark Collinson, who was involved in commissioning the research, said that the new guidelines should provide the industry with "clarity and consistency in the way that recycled content is calculated and reported".

He added that the rules would also give green construction firms greater confidence that the materials they are using consist of advertised levels of recycled content.

"We recognise that if… project teams are going to be able to respond to environmental policy targets and accurately assess contributions to the recycled content of a building project, information is needed on the recycled content of products," he said. "More specifically, recycled content data are required on a brand-by- brand basis to enable the cost-effective, informed substitution of one brand for another."

Steve Millward, environmental and quality director for builder's merchant Jewson, said that the guide would help the firm meet growing demand for recycled content products. "This document lays down useful guidance for manufacturers and suppliers to determine what is, and what is not, classed as recycled content," he said.