Innovating water management with low-impact materials
By Andrew Leah, General Manager at Duraproducts
Urban environments are changing rapidly, and this requires flexible, recyclable, and reusable solutions for our infrastructure. We’re seeing more extreme weather, new demands on resources, and a pressing need to reduce carbon pollution. This means we need smarter ways to build our cities and vital systems – everything from roads and buildings to how we manage water. The UK construction industry itself is expected to grow by around 1.6% in 2025 [1] highlighting a renewed focus on innovation following challenging times faced by all. The goal is to now create structures that are not just strong and work well, but also friendly to the planet throughout their entire life.
The material challenge
Traditionally, water management systems rely heavily on materials like concrete. However, concrete production is energy-intensive, contributing significantly to embodied carbon emissions in construction. Its limited recyclability and rigid structure also leave it poorly equipped to handle the unpredictable weather patterns associated with climate change, often resulting in weakened performance and costly repairs.
In contrast, recycled and recyclable polymer materials are proving to be a more sustainable alternative. These solutions deliver a far lower energy footprint throughout their lifecycle from material sourcing to installation and eventual recovery. Lightweight and modular, polymer-based systems reduce the need for heavy machinery, cutting fossil fuel use and associated emissions during construction. Their enhanced durability also enables better performance under extreme weather conditions, offering longer-lasting protection for urban environments.
This shift towards circularity is gaining momentum in infrastructure projects globally. A notable example is Saudi Arabia’s pioneering plastic road trial, where recycled polymers replaced traditional asphalt. This initiative significantly cut energy consumption and carbon emissions, while demonstrating polymer’s effectiveness at scale. Such projects highlight the potential for recycled materials to transform construction practices and drive down environmental impact.
Lifecycle thinking
To create truly energy-efficient solutions, the entire lifecycle of water management systems must be considered. Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) are invaluable tools for evaluating environmental impacts from cradle to grave. By comparing materials and processes, LCAs help optimise resource use, reduce carbon footprints, and strengthen resilience to water-related challenges such as flooding and scarcity.
Similarly, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are emerging as critical indicators of responsible construction. Providing transparent, third-party verified data on environmental impacts, including water footprints and hydrological effects, EPDs enable informed decision-making that supports conservation and climate adaptation strategies. They also identify opportunities for water reuse and recycling in both production and operations. As data technologies such as AI and machine learning advance, the precision of LCAs and EPDs will only improve, further embedding sustainable practices in the industry.
A resilient future
Companies like Duraproducts have led in sustainable construction since 2003, offering combined drainage and kerbing systems made from hydraulically efficient polymers. These solutions combine high capacity with rapid water removal, protecting urban areas from increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
For architects, engineers, and contractors, prioritising recycled polymers in water management systems represents a vital opportunity to lower emissions, conserve resources, and build climate-resilient cities. As the industry transitions to innovative, energy-efficient materials, it can play a defining role in shaping a sustainable future.
Duraproducts fosters circularity by creating environmentally friendly products that play an active role in reducing climate change.
For more, visit https://www.duraproducts.co.uk/