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7 Construction Aggregate Trends to Look Out for in 2026
At a Glance
UK construction faces increasing pressure in regards to aggregate supply, carbon targets, and drainage performance. In 2026, demand is expected to shift toward sustainable and recycled materials, reliable local sourcing, and higher-quality washed products for flood management. These trends will influence costs, project certainty and the long-term environmental impact of projects.
How Aggregate Supply and Demand Will Change in 2026
In the UK construction industry, aggregates for road sub-bases, drainage systems, concrete mixes, and landscaped gardens are important factors. People in the UK use around 5.8 tonnes of mineral products each year. When you examine that number, it is easy to see why aggregates matter and how selecting the right source can impact the entire project. At the same time, recycled and secondary aggregates have hit record volumes as producers invest in modern processing, and government reports emphasise pressure on natural reserves.
Put those two facts together, and you get a year where the choices of the construction industry are more crucial than ever before.
We explore some of the trends to watch in 2026, what they mean on site, which materials to ask for, and how Storefield Aggregates can help you.
1. Rising Demand for Sustainable, Low-Carbon Aggregates
Sustainability and environmental impact are more on the public's mind than ever before. Contractors and clients want to know where materials come from and the environmental footprint of products. This increased awareness of environmental impact is driving a clear interest in sustainable aggregates, products that cut embodied carbon, either because they are recycled or sourced locally. This trend shows up as demand for pre-blended Type 1 recycled, low-carbon sands and responsibly quarried gravels, such as those offered by Storefield Aggregates. Site managers are also increasingly asking for environmental certificates with local deliveries.
2. Use Of Recycled Aggregates
Recycled aggregates keep getting better with advances in crushing, washing and sorting. This is why recycled concrete and brick can now be used in more applications than before.
Reports show that, with correct processing, recycled aggregate concrete can match many performance targets for non-structural and some structural work. On-site, this translates to less waste, fewer trips, and savings on material costs. If you are considering recycled material, ask for tested mixes, grading such as 10mm or 20mm recycled pipe bedding, and a clear statement of what the material contains.
At Storefield Aggregates Telford Way recycling centre, we process construction and demolition waste into pipe bedding, sub-base and washed sands suitable for drainage and roadworks.
3. Focus on Drainage and Flood Management Aggregates
Recent heavy rain has made weather an important factor in scheduling, as such, designers are now adding specifications for roads and housing to reduce flood risk. This makes drainage aggregates a more frequent line item on bills of quantities. Washed 10mm and 20mm aggregates and well-graded sub-bases help keep stormwater moving, reduce ponding and protect utilities.
Designers are specifying attenuation layers, geotextile interface and higher quality pipe bedding more frequently, so it is important that aggregates suppliers can deliver consistent washed product to the right grading with test certificates and environmental paperwork.
At Storefield Aggregates, we supply washed 10mm or 20mm well-graded sub-bases and pipe bedding from local depots, with bulk bags or vehicle delivery. You may also connect with us to request gradings and obtain environmental declarations, such as the Environment Agency’s reports on flood and coastal erosion.
4. Local Sourcing
Local sourcing reduces haulage miles and offers a more timely and cost-effective option. Locally sourcing also supports circular economy goals when local recycling centres return processed materials to nearby sites. For example, if your project is around Warwickshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough or any of the other neighbouring counties, then using a Northamptonshire depot instead of a distant quarry will save you hours on delivery and reduce the environmental footprint associated with haulage.
Storefield Aggregates operates several local depots and a large delivery fleet. That local reach keeps projects on track when traffic or weather causes delays. For more details on depot location and recycling centres, you can connect with our experts.
5. Growth in Decorative and Landscaping Aggregates
Not all sustainable aggregates are about structural and heavy building work. Some are used for garden and landscaping projects as they need neat, durable gravels and clean sand for things like permeable driveways and paths. Homeowners and councils want materials that look good while still being durable, so installers score points with neat finishes.
In 2026, there will be more demand for washed decorative gravels, coloured aggregates and small bulk bags that are easy to move on tight sites, which is exactly what we offer at Storefield Aggregates. We supply a wide range of gravels, aggregates and clean sands in bulk bags and loose loads.
Contact Storefield Aggregates to Purchase Natural and Recycled Aggregates
If you need a dependable supply, contact us at Storefield Aggregates and speak to our experts today. We offer both quarried sand and gravel, along with WRAP-protocol recycled aggregates from local depots.
You can order washed aggregate in 10mm and 20mm gradings, well-graded Type 1 sub-base, pipe bedding and decorative gravels as loose loads or in bulk bags.
Our team can confirm stock, send test certificates and provide environmental information so you can meet planning or SuDS conditions. For deliveries across Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Leicestershire, phone 01536418121 or email info@storefield.co.uk.
Looking Ahead to Construction Aggregates in 2026
Choosing the correct sustainable aggregates and ensuring the supply is reliable is set to become a priority for the vast amount of projects taking place in 2026. Based on what we see on sites and in planning conditions, these are construction material trends that will matter most in the coming year. The industry is treating materials as more than just a line item, prioritising quality materials and sustainable practices.
Today, choices on site shape costs, carbon, and contract success, which in turn, are changing how projects are constructed and delivered.
Recent industry analysis shows the construction sector accounts for around 62% of the UK’s waste stream and still sends a huge share of material to landfill despite high recovery rates. That is exactly the reason why markets are shifting, and demand for recycled construction materials is growing faster than expected.
At Storefield Aggregates, our recycling and quarry facilities already sit where demand meets logistics. We supply WRAP-protocol recycled aggregates and quarried products. We also offer bulk bags and clear advice on washed drainage aggregate for soakaways and SuDS.
For more information, get in touch with us today. Call us on 01536418121 or email info@storefield.co.uk.
