As we mark this year’s European Week for Waste Reduction, the message remains clear: waste prevention is not optional – it’s essential.

By Andy Leah, General Manager of Duraproducts.

The environmental and economic pressures created by unsustainable material use affect every industry, construction included. Construction and demolition wastes (CDW) now account for nearly 40% of total waste generated across the European Union, highlighting the scale of the challenge faced by our sector. At Duraproducts, we believe that responsible waste management begins long before a project begins; it starts with how products are conceived, designed and manufactured.

To use resources sustainably, we need to view every material as part of a circular system, from sourcing right through to end-of-life recovery. That requires collaboration and a shared commitment to designing projects that prioritise reduction, reuse and recycling.

When we collectively take that approach, we protect natural ecosystems, reduce risk and create long-term value. By actively minimising consumption and promoting a circular material flow, individuals and businesses can reduce reliance on landfills, improve resource efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future.

For more than two decades, durability and recyclability have been the foundation of our product development. As early pioneers in bringing recycled polymers into mainstream construction applications, we remain committed to proving what’s possible when innovation and sustainability lead the way.

By choosing products with high recycled content, the industry can directly reduce the environmental burden of waste and create ongoing demand for recycled materials. So far, we’ve transformed over 109 million recycled bottles, caps and closures or other source equivalents into recycled and recyclable civil engineering solutions.

 

Our focus remains on leading by example, championing circular principles and pushing for smarter, more resilient solutions. European Week for Waste Reduction is a timely reminder that every choice matters. By reflecting on our consumption habits, the construction industry can create lasting change. It’s about embracing more sustainable alternatives to build a future where nothing goes to waste.

Find out more at https://www.duraproducts.co.uk/