If you work in the construction industry, then you’ll definitely have worked with aggregates before. Aggregates (sand, gravel and crushed rock),, are a core component of almost every aspect of construction.
From being a key ingredient in every concrete mix to being used as a form of decoration in landscaping, aggregates have a wide range of applications throughout the construction industry.
Still, in the past, it has been easy to overlook them and their vital role in construction. Recent shortages have made the construction industry appreciate aggregates more, as we’ve come to see their importance and how they impact almost every area of any given project.
Even as the shortage eases up, prices are rising, and so the construction market is sitting up and taking notice of the importance of aggregates.
Here are some of the key trends in the global aggregates market and how they’re driving changes in the construction market around the world.
Construction Industry Buyers Expect A Range Of Aggregate Solutions
Aggregates come in all shapes and sizes, and while some providers only offer one option, many companies provide a range of aggregates to suit every project. This helps construction companies to improve their efficiency and reduce their administration when buying aggregates for various uses. Suppliers like Hanson offer have various optionss, , so construction companies can purchase everything they need from one company. With such an extensive range of products, large construction companies working on multiple projects at the same time have access to everything they need, when they need it, which helps them to improve their efficiency and get projects completed on time and to the highest possible standard.
Prices Are Rising
As mentioned earlier in this article, prices are rising in the aggregates market, as they are with almost every other sector. The rise in aggregate prices means that construction projects are becoming pricier, as aggregates are a key component in every aspect of construction projects. Whether commercial or residential, costs are rising for construction businesses and projects across the industry, so these costs have to be passed through to property buyers and end service users. Thanks to the rise in the price of aggregates, the entire construction market will endure raised costs, and many companies in the sector may struggle to stick to budgets for their projects. This is particularly true as we head into an uncertain future with the potential for further price hikes in the future.
Demand Is Growing For Landscaping Aggregates
During the pandemic, many individuals turned to their gardens as a form of solace. In the UK alone, homeowners spent an average of £670 on transforming their outdoor spaces in 2021, and this looks set to continue going forward. Many homeowners are eager to adapt their gardens and create a calming, relaxing environment, and this is raising the demand for landscaping aggregates. Additionally, there will probably be a greater demand for decorative aggregates such as boulders, as well as gravel and slate, as these are the most common types of aggregates used in landscape gardening. Therefore, producers in the aggregates market will need to adjust production to cope with this fluctuation in demand for landscaping products. In the construction market, businesses that offer landscaping services might face raised demand for this service and need to ensure that they’re aware of the aggregates they can use and how they can be incorporated into their garden design projects.
New Road Surface Types Are In Development
As well as property construction and landscaping, aggregates are also a key component of road infrastructure around the world. There are many new trends in roadway infrastructure, such as the increasing demand for smart motorways and a greater focus on producing roads that offer better driving performance. Also, many road users and councils are seeking roads that are more durable, making them longer lasting and less susceptible to damage from extreme weather conditions. These developments mean that the aggregates industry is adapting its products to better suit the needs of modern drivers. Many companies are exploring ways to develop products that are specially designed for road use and that will give drivers a smoother ride for longer.
Sustainability Remains A Key Focus
The environment is a key focus for everyone as we start to appreciate our impact on the planet and the fact that our natural resources are not limitless. As such, like almost every market in the corporate landscape, the aggregates sector is exploring ways to make its products more environmentally friendly. Strategies to improve sustainability in the aggregate landscape include increasing the use of recycled materials and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels in areas such as transport, and production. By reducing the carbon footprint of the aggregates sector, companies in this market are able to help lower the environmental impact of all construction projects, which helps the market as a whole to be more sustainable and align itself with the views of modern consumers.
Recycled Aggregates Are Becoming More Prevalent
Another way in which the aggregates market is becoming more sustainable is by using recycled aggregates to reduce waste. Recycled aggregate is a term used to describe crushed cement and other stone debris from old construction sites that are reused in other construction projects. Recycled aggregates are cost-effective to produce, as they are made from material that would otherwise go to waste, so they can help to reduce prices for some construction projects. Recycled aggregates not only reduce waste but also require less energy to produce, and can provide the same level of performance quality as virgin newly mined aggregate products. So, it’s likely that these products will become even more popular with construction companies and project managers in the years ahead.
Growth Is On The Horizon
Aggregates remain a key part of the construction market and are vital for the success of almost every project. Looking to the future, the global aggregates market is projected to grow up 5.72% over the next 8 years, as construction remains a core priority for many governments and business leaders looking to grow their infrastructure. Whether it’s commercial projects or new homes, construction is becoming increasingly important as populations rise and industries change. As aggregates are vital components of every construction project, we can expect significant growth over the years to come. Even with the uncertainty in global markets and the possibility for further price rises, the construction market remains a vital part of the global economy, so aggregates will remain a vital product moving forward.
