In a landmark move toward sustainable construction and circular economy practices, Shredall SDS Group, a national leader in secure document shredding, waste management and recycling solutions, has partnered with RG Group, one of the UK’s top construction firms, to deliver a comprehensive Rockwool recycling programme across multiple sites nationwide. Over the past 12 months, the initiative has successfully diverted approximately 100 tonnes of Rockwool insulation material from landfill, with volumes continuing to grow.
Tackling a Complex Waste Stream with a Bespoke Solution
Rockwool—also known as stone wool or mineral wool—is a high-performance insulation material made from volcanic rock such as basalt or diabase. It is widely used in construction due to its thermal efficiency, fire resistance, soundproofing capabilities, and durability. However, its dense, fibrous composition makes it difficult to dispose of responsibly, often resulting in unnecessary landfill waste.
Recognising this challenge, RG Group approached Shredall SDS Group for a tailored recycling solution to manage the large volumes of Rockwool generated across their sites. Shredall SDS Group responded with a scalable, site-specific strategy that aligned with RG Group’s sustainability goals and operational needs.
Nationwide Deployment of Roll-On Roll-Off Infrastructure
To facilitate the recycling process, Shredall SDS Group deployed 40 roll-on roll-off skips (RoRo) and compactors across 10 RG Group construction sites, spanning key UK regions from Newcastle to Bristol. These units were dedicated exclusively to the collection and compaction of Rockwool waste, ensuring efficient segregation and minimising contamination.
Shredall SDS Group’s RoRo service is designed for high-volume waste streams and is ideal for construction environments. The company’s fleet of RoRo containers is equipped to handle a wide range of materials, with flexible scheduling and nationwide coverage that ensures minimal disruption to site operations.
The collected Rockwool is compacted, baled, and returned into the Rockwool closed-loop recycling scheme, where it is reprocessed into brand-new insulation material. This process allows the material to be re-melted and spun into new insulation products, preserving its original performance characteristics while significantly reducing the demand for virgin raw materials.
“We’re proud to support RG Group in achieving their sustainability goals.This initiative not only reduces waste but also contributes to a circular economy by giving Rockwool a second life. It’s a perfect example of how our tailored recycling services can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.” — Nick Williams, Group Director at Shredall SDS Group.
Environmental and Financial Impact
The results of the programme have been substantial. In addition to recycling over 100 tonnes of Rockwool, RG Group has achieved a significant reduction in general waste skip expenditure across participating sites.
Rockwool recycling offers several key environmental benefits:
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Reduces landfill waste and associated methane emissions.
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Conserves natural resources by reducing the need for virgin basalt extraction.
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Lowers energy consumption in manufacturing through reuse of processed material.
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Supports UK and EU sustainability targets, including waste reduction and circular economy goals.
“Working with Shredall SDS Group has allowed us to streamline our waste management while making a measurable impact on our environmental footprint. This partnership is a model for how the construction industry can embrace circular solutions and drive real change.” — Adam Crabtree, Director at RG Group.
Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Construction
This collaboration highlights the growing importance of responsible waste management in the construction sector and sets a benchmark for future industry initiatives. As the UK construction industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this demonstrate how innovation, collaboration, and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.
As part of our business wide environmental commitment, Shredall SDS Group remains committed to helping businesses across the UK reduce waste, improve recycling rates, and meet their sustainability targets through expert consultation, nationwide infrastructure, and industry-leading recycling solutions.
