Where Plastic Hides in Construction—and What We’re Doing About It

Plastic Free July is here, and Poynton Bradbury Architects are on board. This month, we’re challenging ourselves and our industry to break the habit of single-use plastics.

The Unseen Plastic Problem 

The construction sector is the second-highest consumer of plastics globally, with the UK construction sector producing 35,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year. This is the equivalent of enough construction stretch wrap to go around the earth’s circumference more than 170 times*.

Packaging waste is a major, often overlooked issue on construction sites—accounting for an average of 34% of total waste by volume. The majority of this waste is generated during the final stages of construction, particularly during fit-out.

In the UK alone, construction generated 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste in 2021—a 45% increase from 2019. Most of this plastic packaging—stretch wrap, tubs, bands, buckets, and bags—is single-use, rarely recycled, and often ends up in landfill or incineration. It carries both an environmental and financial cost. It’s time for our industry to take packaging waste seriously—and for everyone in the chain to play a part. 

*ZAP Toolkit, Alliance for Sustainable Building Products

Taking Responsibility and Doing Better

As architects, we play a crucial role in reducing single-use plastic in construction by influencing material choices and setting expectations early in the design and specification process. We have the ability to prioritise suppliers who offer take-back schemes or plastic-free packaging, and clearly specify alternatives to plastic-based products wherever possible—such as reusable protection materials, bio-based insulation, or non-plastic membranes. 

By embedding circular economy principles into our designs, we can reduce the need for short-life components and encourage disassembly and reuse. Most importantly, we can challenge industry norms by asking tough questions about packaging, advocating for better data and transparency, and working collaboratively with contractors and suppliers to set a higher standard.

Our ‘Plastic Free July’ Pledge

This July, we’re strengthening our commitment to reducing single-use plastics by taking the following actions:

• Reviewing our procurement processes - to prioritise plastic-free and circular alternatives.
• Educating our team - on the environmental impact of plastic waste and sharing practical resources to support change.
• Reviewing single-use plastics in our operations - eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible
• Specifying innovative, low-impact materials - that avoid plastic-based products wherever possible.
• Actively seeking collaboration with sustainably minded clients and projects - such as Honeygar and Creney Farm, to align values and drive meaningful change.

We're proud to be part of the wider effort to create a more responsible and resilient built environment—starting with the choices we make every day.

How to Get Involved

You don’t need to be an architect to take part in Plastic Free July—everyone can play a role in reducing single-use plastics.

Start by identifying everyday items you can swap for reusable or plastic-free alternatives, whether at home, work, or on site. Support businesses and products that prioritise sustainable packaging, and speak up about the changes you’d like to see in your community or industry.  

Share what you’re learning with others, and don’t underestimate the power of small, consistent actions. Together, we can reduce plastic waste and move towards a more sustainable future—one decision at a time.

Useful Resources

https://asbp.org.uk/

https://asbp.org.uk/tool/asbp-interactive-house