BUSINESS HELPDESK SUPPORTING A HELP DESK
THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED by the BMF in collaboration with its strategic consultant, CDMi, monitors the adoption of sustainable materials across all sectors of the building materials industry and provides guidance on pathways to encourage wider adoption.
Comparing progress in 2025 with results from previous years reveals both advances and setbacks. • Sustainability remains a priority across all business types in 2025, despite falling back from its top 3 position among merchants and distributors in 2024. • A higher percentage of respondents from merchants and distributors reported having in-house sustainability specialists compared to previous years. However, a lower percentage of supplier respondents indicated they have specialists. • Sustainability is increasingly integrated into business strategies, with fewer larger suppliers viewing it as a major source of value creation and a higher percentage of merchants turning to sustainability to drive growth rather than merely focusing on compliance. • For merchants, ethics have overtaken compliance as the main driver of sustainability. • The premiums respondents believed customers would pay for sustainability still varied by category, but the differences across business types have diminished, with suppliers lowering their expectations and merchants and distributors raising theirs.
While the latest research highlights progress in several areas, it also recognises some barriers that still need to be overcome.
The doubling of the share of 14
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
The BMF has published the results of its third annual member survey on sustainable materials.
merchants stocking products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) – from 3 out of 10 to 6 out of 10 – indicates that sustainability is maturing in the building materials sector. However, a significant number still remain unaware whether the products they sell have EPDs. Additionally, while suppliers find it relatively straightforward to discuss EPDs with contractors and end-users, they find it much more difficult to talk to builders’ merchants about them. Not all merchants utilise EPDs consistently to promote sustainable material choices among customers. Among merchants with an annual turnover under £50m, three out of four respondents said they do not discuss EPDs with their customers.
The hesitancy to discuss sustainability increases further along the merchant supply chain, with customer reactions - ranging from low awareness to outright scepticism -being among
the main barriers to adopting sustainable materials.
While price remains a factor, customers are prepared to pay more for certain products. Renewable energy, insulation, underfloor heating, doors and windows, and boilers and radiators are the top products for which customers are willing to pay the highest premiums. Plaster and plasterboards and tiling have also entered the “willing to pay more” category, replacing paints, woodcare, sealants, and adhesives. Although progress has been made, there is a risk of losing momentum. Sustainability must not become optional because market conditions are challenging.
Giles Bradford, Chair of the BMF’s Sustainability
Working Group 1 and Head of Sustainability at Bradfords, says we need broader adoption faster. “Sustainable building materials are not a niche. They are the future. Every merchant who avoids EPD conversations today is choosing to fall behind tomorrow.”
A key conclusion of the 2025 report emphasises the role the BMF can play in helping merchants shift trade conversations away from price and towards viewing sustainability as a key value driver. The BMF is increasing its support for sustainability and offering practical guidance, providing members with the tools, clarity, and confidence needed to stay competitive, compliant, and prepared for the future. BMJ
Download the latest Sustainability report from the BMF website: Go to
www.bmf.org.uk and click on the ‘About’ tab, select ‘Our Work – Building Sustainability’
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2026
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