October 5, 2016
New size plasterboard cuts construction waste
The amount of plasterboard waste could be reduced by at least 1200 tonnes a year after British Gypsum announced it is now making the product available in 2300mm lengths.
The move follows Barratt Developments revealing that it and other housebuilders had to previously buy 2400mm lengths of the standard 12.5mm-thick plasterboard and then cut 100mm off it.
The cost of the surplus plasterboard runs into thousands of pounds a year and greatly increases the amount of waste produced by the construction industry. 
The new smaller-sized plasterboard will also help reduce housebuilders’ carbon footprint, reducing the transport and recycling of waste.
It also means British Gypsum can use smaller pallets to transport it, so saving on timber.
After using the new size on schemes across two divisions, Barratt Developments has instructed its plastering contractors to use it wherever possible.
Other housebuilders are now speaking to British Gypsum about putting the product on trial too.
Daniel Smith, group commercial operations director at Barratt Developments, said: “We had highlighted the need for a 2300mm plasterboard size before but working in isolation made this impractical.
“By collaborating with other housebuilders, we were able to demonstrate the new size had industry-wide appeal which made it worthwhile.”
Ian Winroth, business development director at British Gypsum, added: “It’s fantastic to see the serious public commitment Barratt has made to reducing the amount of waste created and to improving recycling rates.”
As part of its sustainability strategy, Barratt Developments it is aiming to reduce its waste output by 2% a year.
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