The industry overall undoubtedly experienced a more challenging second half of the year than was originally anticipated, and British Gypsum experienced softer market conditions in the final quarter of 2024 as the mid-year trend across our principal sectors continued.

While there is increased optimism for the year ahead, it is widely acknowledged that it is unlikely the industry will see any noticeable levels of recovery until the second half of 2025. As ever there will be close eyes on the performance of the house building sector, which is unlikely to see a significant recovery until interest rates fall further and consumer confidence begins to return.

Despite not currently recovering as strongly as anticipated, the industry is delivering initiatives which aim to minimise waste, re-use materials, and tackle emissions to reduce environmental impact, which will remain a crucial area of focus across the supply chain. How we build directly impacts the sustainability of our built environment. To reduce embodied carbon, the industry demands building products that reduce emissions from the source. That means prioritising the use of low-carbon materials which includes maximising the use of recycled materials where possible.

As a key supplier to merchants in the industry, we’re proud to be making our own contribution. We recently unveiled a first for our industry, with a UK-manufactured plasterboard made from 100% recycled gypsum. Solutions like this make it possible for the industry to prioritise sustainability while consistently delivering on quality and performance.

Of course, embodied carbon isn’t exclusively related to the products used on site. It’s also about how they get there, encouraging broader thinking when it comes to sourcing materials, prioritising those that are locally manufactured and responsibly transported. Here, initiatives such as The Pallet LOOP are revolutionising the industry’s commitment to reusing distribution materials and removing waste from the supply chain to achieve a lower carbon future. In support of this, we have recently expanded the range of products that are delivered on re-usable LOOP pallets.

As the industry continues to adapt and evolve throughout 2025, we’ll be ready to provide support through our proven product portfolio, equipping merchants and their customers with the solutions needed to create a stronger, more sustainable construction industry.