Knauf UK & Ireland are pleased to announce a new partnership with Reconomy Connect to enhance its plasterboard take-back service and responsibly manage plasterboard waste, increasing circularity and sustainability across building projects.

Management of construction waste is a critical component of sustainable building design. As the construction industry continues to intensify its focus on reducing landfill dependency and keeping materials in use for longer, effective take-back and recycling schemes have become increasingly important for meeting stringent environmental targets and achieving green building certifications.

Plasterboard is a highly recyclable material, with both its gypsum core and paper layers capable of being reprocessed. Despite this, plasterboard waste on construction sites often exceeds expectations. If not separated and recycled, it must be disposed of in separate mono-cell landfill site, a process that is not only environmentally detrimental but also highly costly.

The new partnership between Knauf and Reconomy Connect is designed to increase circularity by diverting plasterboard waste directly to trusted gypsum reprocessors. This ensures that recycled gypsum can be fed back into the manufacturing process to create new Knauf plasterboards. In instances where this option does not make economical or environmental sense, local processors will be utilised to ensure landfill is avoided at all costs.

 

 

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Reconomy Connect aims to transform waste into a resource through bespoke, end-to-end waste management services. Covering the entirety of the UK and Ireland, the service leverages Reconomy Connect’s extensive network of reliable, compliant, and fully vetted waste management contractors. With over 30 years of experience, Reconomy Connect understands the specific needs of the construction industry, particularly the importance of accurate environmental reporting, which is essential for main contractors tracking the lifecycle impact of their projects.

Becky Broadbent, Sustainability Proposition Manager at Knauf, commented: “This partnership is about making it easier for our customers to manage plasterboard waste responsibly while supporting circular outcomes. By improving access to take-back and recycling services, we can keep valuable materials in use for longer and reduce the reliance on landfill.”

David Seal, Head of Circular Solutions at Reconomy, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Knauf to support the construction industry on the circularity of materials. We are combining our nationwide operational capability with a practical solution that helps drive better environmental outcomes across projects.”

Contractors are encouraged to register their project sites to receive a no-obligation quote and discuss flexible service options. To find out more about the take-back scheme, please visit the Knauf website.