Demand for recycled aggregates set to rise in 2004

The new standards, which come into force in June 2004, allow for the use of recycled and secondary aggregates in more high value applications than the British standards they replace.

The standards will see recycled aggregates able to use the “CE” marking, which will permit them to be used for projects funded by public money under the European Public Procurement Directive.

Commenting on the new standards, WRAP's aggregates technical adviser John Barritt said: “The introduction of the new European Standards will be the biggest thing to happen to the aggregates industry for many years. Buyers, specifiers and suppliers will have to get used to doing business differently. This will undoubtedly include buying more recycled and secondary aggregates for higher value uses such as sub bases, concrete and asphalt.”

Members of the Quarry Products Association and the Highways Agency will begin to prepare for the new European standards from January 1, 2004.

Robert Dudgeon from the Highways Agency (HA) said: “The Highways Agency decided to change their specifications to incorporate the new European Standards in one go, rather than doing it in bits and pieces. The HA has a good track record of allowing the use of recycled and secondary aggregates.”

Other changes arising from the new standards will be new grading terminology and new sieve sizes, leading to a change in the way aggregates are purchased. A new ‘flakiness’ test and a new index of test results will also be introduced, meaning that buyers will need to specify a different flakiness index for the aggregates they require.

Mr Baritt said: “WRAP is undertaking a number of awareness raising initiatives to help people manage their way through this transition period. In December 2003 we will up-date the technical notes and purchase order details which can be downloaded from our free information service AggRegain to ensure they conform to the new standards. However, AggRegain already has useful information on there to help the transition and should be the first port of call for anyone concerned about the changeover.”