Holcim’s Circularity Survey 2025: Demand for Circularity in Construction is on the Rise
The future of construction is circular
Holcim UK’s latest Circularity Survey reveals a shift in attitudes across the construction sector, with sustainability and circularity now a major focus for businesses across the supply chain.
Conducted with 500 decision-makers from construction sub-sectors including architecture, contracting, local authorities and utilities*, the survey provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving attitudes towards circularity in UK construction and the steps needed to accelerate progress.
Key Findings at a Glance
Commitment to circularity is growing
- 97% of respondents believe embracing the circular economy is important (up from 79% in 2024).
- 58% say it is “very important” (up from 35% last year).
- 57% of businesses now have circularity targets across all operations (up from 21%).
- Only 2% have no plans to introduce circularity targets.
Barriers slowing progress
- 34% cite increased costs from disassembling materials as the greatest challenge they face when looking to adopt circular products.
- 29% point to complexity around circularity as their main barrier.
- 26% highlight a lack of specialist labour as the main reason for slow progress.
Skills and Education: A Critical Need
- 30% of businesses have invested in employee awareness and education over the last year, up from 21% in 2024.
- 31% want more government funding for circularity training.
- 33% would like to see the government prioritise specialist skill development around circular products and practices.
Circularity as a Commercial Driver
- 94% consider access to circular products when choosing suppliers (up from 73%).
- 53% say it’s “very important” (up from 28%).
- 87% are willing to pay more for products and services with strong circularity credentials.
Transparency and Data Matter
- 97% believe it’s important to understand full circularity information on all components and products, compared to 73% in 2024.
- 53% of these consider it to be “very important” (up from 27%).
- 86% consider it easy to access and track this circularity information on building materials, compared to 53% 12 months ago.
Holcim’s Role in Driving Circular Construction
Developing a circular economy through pioneering solutions is central to Holcim’s mission of making sustainable construction a reality in the UK. Our ECOCycle® range of sustainable aggregates, cement and concrete incorporates a minimum of 10% recycled construction demolition materials. This enables new to be built from old without compromising on performance.
To further play our part in the rollout of circular building solutions, we are also aiming for 20% of our products to be made from recycled materials by 2030.
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*Research carried out by Censuswide on behalf of Holcim UK. Sample: 500 UK Decision makers from the following ‘Aggregate Industries’: 50 in Architecture, 50 in Building Contractors, 50 in Building Sub-Contractors, 50 in Contractors for Highways, 50 in Utilities, 50 in Local Authorities, 50 in Engineers, 50 in Haulier Merchants, 50 in Builders (Smaller House & Local), 50 in Self-Builders, aged 18+
