SUSTAINABILITY TO INFINAÉ 100 AND BEYOND
The reuse of materials means less reliance on virgin product, and is something that plaster and plasterboard supplier British Gypsum is taking very seriously.
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n the evolving landscape of construction materials, one latest innovation, Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100, from British Gypsum, is the first UK-manufactured plasterboard made from 100% recycled gypsum. As Phillip Sant, plant manager, explains, it represents a significant milestone in the group’s 2030 sustainability objectives. “By transforming waste material into high- performance plasterboard, we are reinforcing our commitment to the circular economy and helping our customers meet their own environmental goals,” he says.
Driving change
As part of the company’s journey to Net Zero by 2050, it is actively reducing its reliance on virgin raw materials and maximising the use of recycled content. This breakthrough pushes the boundaries of sustainable manufacturing, while still ensuring that our products meet the high standards expected by the industry. Sant explains: “Traditionally, gypsum plasterboard production has depended solely on virgin gypsum materials. However, through a new industrial process, British Gypsum now can turn waste plasterboard collected from construction sites into high-quality, recycled plasterboard. In doing so, we are not only reducing waste but also helping construction companies achieve their own sustainability targets by providing a reliable solution for waste management and supporting the use of environmentally responsible building materials.”
Performance and sustainability He says that the development process focused on two key challenges: maximising recycled content while maintaining premium performance. Through extensive research and development, we’ve created a seamless manufacturing process that integrates recycled gypsum to produce boards that match traditional materials in every aspect of performance.
British Gypsum’s Gyproc SoundBloc plasterboard is widely used in commercial buildings, including hospitals and schools – sectors that are actively pursuing sustainable construction practices. Many of these projects are seeking environmental accreditations, such as BREEAM and LEED, which recognise
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the use of responsibly sourced materials. Sant says that the product delivers sound insulation and durability while offering significant environmental benefits. For specifiers and contractors, this means achieving sustainability goals without adapting existing installation methods or compromising on quality.
“This pioneering new plasterboard required extensive research and development, alongside collaborative efforts with suppliers to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality recycled gypsum. By addressing variations in waste material, we have provided our customers with a reliable and sustainable alternative to traditional plasterboard,” he says. Sant adds that businesses can now meet increasingly stringent environmental standards in commercial and public sector builds while simultaneously gaining a competitive advantage through demonstrable carbon reduction strategies. This approach directly supports corporate social responsibility objectives and has the potential to reduce long-term lifecycle costs through more sustainable material choices.
A step towards Net Zero “We continue to advance our sustainability commitments, and Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100 is just one of many initiatives supporting our journey towards Net Zero Carbon by
2050. Earlier this year, we became the first UK construction materials manufacturer to partner with The Pallet LOOP, a circular economy initiative designed to reduce avoidable pallet waste,” Sant adds. “By continuously identifying ways to reduce waste, recycle materials and improve efficiencies, we are not only transforming our own operations but also helping to shape a more sustainable future for the wider construction industry.”
The future of plasterboard With the launch of Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100, the company aims to demonstrate what is possible when innovation and sustainability work in tandem. This product proves that high-quality, high-performance materials can be manufactured with 100% recycled gypsum, paving the way for further advancements in sustainable building practices.
“For our customers, the benefits are clear: there is no compromise on performance or quality, significant sustainability advantages are achieved, eligibility for BREEAM and LEED credits is ensured, and the products contribute meaningfully to a circular economy,” he continues.
“As the construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint, solutions such as Gyproc SoundBloc Infinaé 100 offer a practical, immediate pathway to meaningful change.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2025
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