Two-thirds unaware of CE-marking for aggregates

Survey by McGrath Group reveals lack of awareness of impending Construction Products Regulation

ACCORDING to a survey conducted by the McGrath Group, London-based specialists in recycling and resource management, almost two-thirds of those involved in the construction industry are unaware that recycled aggregates sold in the UK will need to carry a CE mark from July.

Hitherto, CE marking of aggregates was voluntary in the UK but the new Construction Products Regulation (CPR) states that from 1 July 2013, all construction products that have a harmonized standard (hEN) or European Technical Assessment must have the CE marking information either affixed to the product, the packaging or to the accompanying documents, which for bulk-supplied aggregates will generally be the delivery ticket.

This applies to eight categories of aggregate products, including: aggregates for bituminous mixtures and surface treatments; lightweight aggregates; aggregates for concrete and mortar; unbound and hydraulically bound materials; armour-stone; and railway ballast.

The legal responsibilities for the conformity of these products will fall upon the manufacturer, while the enforcement of CE marking will be the responsibility of Trading Standards, who have powers to impose fixed penalty notices and order the withdrawal or recall of non-conforming products from sale.

John Barritt, WRAP’s aggregates technical adviser, commented: ‘Recycled aggregate producers working to the aggregates Quality Protocol should already be producing and testing their aggregates in compliance with the relevant aggregate standard. CE marking formalizes the way this information is presented to customers and should provide greater confidence that aggregates are compliant with specifications.’

Nearly 40 million tonnes of recycled aggregates are produced in the UK each year, accounting for almost 20% of the total aggregates market.

Other findings from the survey include: 

• Environmental compliance is rated a more significant factor than price when choosing a recycled aggregate supplier.
• Almost two-thirds (63%) find secondary material less expensive than virgin aggregates.
• A significant percentage of recycled aggregates are now used for more sophisticated applications than general fill, eg 61% of respondents use recycled material for sub-base, 43% for drainage purposes and 37% for capping layers.
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents use the Quality Protocol when specifying recycled material.
• Nearly two-thirds (62%) of those surveyed do not obtain certification to verify the use of the Quality Protocol when purchasing recycled materials and a majority (60%) do not quality-check consignments of recycled aggregate when they arrive. 

A copy of the survey report can be requested from the McGrath Group by calling tel: 0845 548 5500.

Editor’s Note: The May issue of Quarry Management magazine will contain a detailed article on CPR and CE marking, written by John Bradshaw-Bullock, technical adviser to the MPA’s Aggregates, Slag and Asphalt product groups. It will highlight the key changes and implications for the aggregates industry.