Toolkit launched to help reduce packaging waste in the construction industry

The ZAP project, funded by the Ecosurety Exploration Fund, was launched by the Alliance for Sustainable Development (ASBP) to help reduce the quantity of avoidable packaging plastic waste in construction, much of which is not recycled.

The construction industry as a sector is the second-highest consumer of plastics. Approximately 55,000 tonnes of plastic waste come from UK construction sites every year, of which it is estimated 35,000 tonnes is packaging. Less than half of this plastic packaging is sent for recycling with the majority being sent to landfill or incineration for energy recovery.

Addressing the problem

To combat this issue, the ZAP project aims to help generate a better understanding of and reduce packaging waste, minimise contamination of materials collected for recycling and explore end-of-life scenarios and innovative solutions.

ZAP project partners include ASPB, Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST), award-winning architects Cullinan Studio and leading construction firms Mace and Morgan Sindall. BOST and Cullinan studio recently worked alongside the ZAP project to use the redevelopment of the Marlborough Sports Garden in London as a case study. This helped to understand how to efficiently design a space which minimises packaging waste during construction and operation.