SUSTAINABLE SEALANTS
importance of using renewable and recyclable materials as much as possible. “So we’ll be eliminating thousands of kilograms of plastic annually with the launch of these new cardboard packs, which are created from environmentally responsible FSC certified paper board. They’re easy for merchants to stock and will still provide on shelf standout, through our recognisable colours, and will still also communicate brand messages and info on production, usage, storage and responsible disposal.”
GOING BEYOND THE STICKING POINT
Sealants and adhesives are reliable repeat purchases for builders’ merchants, as BMJ finds out.
T
he ongoing popularity of home improvement means a wealth of indoor and outdoor and tasks that require some sort of tape, glue, silicon or foam, making these items essential for any professional builder or decorator. On average, British consumers redecorate or rejuvenate their living space once every 25 months, spending around £330 each year. That adds up to £22billion per annum: not a small sum. While some of this will be spent on furniture and accessories, a great deal will be on mending, fixing, painting and decorating products - and growth in the housing sector and a rising demand for tradespeople means this is expected to keep increasing.
Growth market
The UK adhesives and sealants market shows steady growth (expected to exceed $2.83b by 2033), but there have been subtle changes within the sector over the last few years, as consumer tastes and priorities have shifted. One of the main factors to impact product develop- ment and in-store stock is the rise in demand for sustainable goods and services. A report from The Roundup last year re- vealed that 78% of people feel that sustain- ability is important; 62% of people say they “always or often” seek products to purchase because they are sustainable, 55% of consum- ers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands and a whopping 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.
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The UN has set 17 sustainability targets to meet by 2030 - and this impacts on all decisions going forward. Business and consumer audiences are more aware of making responsible decisions and for younger people entering the housing market, this could become even more high on the list - Climate change is the number one concern for Generation Z. According to Uswitch, 76% of UK potential home buyers now actively seek out sustainable features when looking for a property: Burns adds: “Small changes all make a difference. To quote Mondi, a leading expert in sustainable packaging, ‘Paper possible, plastic where needed.’ Low VOC paints are another issue. Most paint brands promote their low VOC credentials if they have them and there is a reason why, as consumers are increasingly aware that these chemicals can affect indoor air quality and health.”
For merchants and manufacturers alike, creating a point of difference and responding to audience preferences is vital, according to Jason Burns, MD of Shurtape UK. He says: “It’s something that we are very aware of at Shurtape. It’s our job as a market leader to strive to improve and be more eco-friendly wherever we can be. We use FSC certified paper and a hot melt adhesive system with our adhesive tapes, so we’re offering a much more sustainable solution without diminishing the quality of our products. And we have just invested in replacing FrogTape’s plastic containers with more sustainable cardboard packaging, which is rolling out over the coming months.”
Changing the iconic containers is no small move. The priority for Shurtape packaging, Burns says, is to protect the popular product, as it is stored and transported on a global scale and needs to perform as it is expected to: delivering straight lines without paint bleed. But he adds that it is also important to recognise the
Other areas that companies like Shurtape are improving their sustainable credentials in includes salvaged wood from old structures or products. Burns says that this is a great way to balance out the use of new timber and something that consumers look for. “Then there are bamboo products. This fast-growing resource is renewable and proving to be an excellent material in flooring, furniture and textiles as well as smaller painting accessories such as handles and trays. Organic cottons, linens, hemp and jute are popular when it comes to textiles - as well as being more environmentally friendly, they are often more durable than synthetics.”
He adds: “With consumers increasingly interested in supply chain transparency, shining a light on where and how your products are made can only strengthen customer trust and loyalty. Promoting sustainable products - through social channels, in-store signage, and staff engagement - sends a clear message that a merchant takes environmental responsibility seriously.” Burns says that striking the right balance between cost and sustainability is essential. “However, offering more sustainable products and services consistently adds value for tradespeople who are working to meet their own customers’ environmental goals. Even small, practical changes can deliver meaningful business benefits, all while supporting ethical, sustainable practices.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2025
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