Home Property & Construction Caddick Construction working to eliminate single-use plastics across the business

Caddick Construction working to eliminate single-use plastics across the business

Caddick Site Manager Josh Hebditch

Caddick Construction, the family-run Yorkshire-based construction company, is aiming to become a single-use plastic free workforce by 2022.

The first initiative to be adopted as part of its sustainable strategy has seen hundreds of re-useable water bottles already distributed free across the company – potentially saving tens of thousands of plastic bottles and cups from ending up in landfill every year.

The construction firm has given 500ml reusable aluminium drinks bottles to all of its employees, as well as removing all plastic cups next to water coolers. It will also be encouraging sub-contractors across all of its sites nationwide to focus on reducing plastic waste.

The move comes as the Government continues to explore a number of initiatives to reduce the use of single-use plastics at the same time as public awareness has reach all time high, thanks to social media and programmes such as the BBC’s Blue Planet II. Last year, the Environmental Audit Committee found that the UK throws away 2.5 billion plastic cups every year and we also use over 3 billion plastic bottles annually, with 40% of those ending up in landfill.


Ian Plowman, Operations Director at Caddick Construction, said: Staying hydrated and focused is especially important in construction, and so we want to ensure that our whole workforce can enjoy a drink throughout the day without it costing the earth in plastic waste. The staff have all been embracing the changes.”

He added: “Caddick Construction has always been committed to its sustainability targets, and we’re excited to take another step towards eliminating plastic waste. The construction industry as a whole has made huge strides in recent years in tackling other forms of environmental damage, and with plastic waste in the public eye, it’s a logical next step for the company.

Caddick Construction and Caddick Civil Engineering are the operational arms of Caddick Group PLC. Offering more than 35 years’ experience across a range of market sectors including commercial, education, industrial, leisure, refurbishment, residential, care, retail, mixed use and fit out. The Group employs almost 500 people and its turnover exceeds £150 million.

Caddick Construction was recently named the Best Main Contractor to Work With (£50m-£250m turnover) by Construction Enquirer, and was recognised as a considerate constructor and the Considerate Constructors Scheme’s National Site Awards.