MKM in bulk bag recycling first

Builders merchant chain MKM Building Supplies has launched the UK’s first 100% recycled, fully recyclable bulk bag.

Developed in partnership with Centurion Industrial Packaging, the new MKM bulk bags are made entirely from recycled polypropylene, including the stitching and labelling, offering a market-first solution that minimises landfill, helps customers cut waste and smashes the current environmental regulation requirements.

Head of building materials, Ric Bauer said: “We’ve gone from 30% recycled content to 100% across all 135 branches. It’s better for customers, better for compliance, and better for the planet. This isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about leading the industry forward. 

“Most industry-standard bulk bags contain just 30% recycled content—the legal minimum. MKM’s new bags fully realise that potential by using 100% recycled polypropylene, which means diverting significant plastic waste from landfill and reducing the demand for virgin materials.”

Independently strength-tested in the UK, the bags meet rigorous safety standards. While designed for single use in line with industry safety regulations, they remain robust enough for a variety of secondary uses by landscapers and homeowners.

MKM is already distributing 65,000 bags per month across its 135 branches, with projections that 800,000 fully recyclable bags will be used each year as the business scales. An initial bulk order of 250,000 100% recycled bags has been secured from Centurion to ensure continuous supply and protect against global shipping disruptions.

Although older 30% recycled content bags remain in limited circulation at some branches – due to legacy stock commitments – MKM has now ceased all purchasing of non-100% recycled bags, and stock will be phased out as branches sell through existing pallets.

The switch to fully recycled bags significantly reduces MKM’s environmental footprint, lowering the carbon impact of both materials and waste disposal. In turn, this helps customers with:

• Compliance with new waste separation rules: As of 31 March 2025, all UK businesses with over 10 employees must separate recyclable materials at source.
• Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs): Using recyclable bags supports construction businesses in meeting regulatory expectations and sustainability targets.

 

Bauer continued: “We’ve already exhausted old bulk bag stock from our suppliers. From now on, it’s 100% recycled bags only. As older bags work their way through the system, every MKM customer will soon receive the better, greener option – by default. We’re proud to be out front on this, but it goes without saying we’d be happy if other merchants follow. It’s a brilliant and relatively easy step to better the building industry’s environmental impact.”

MKM holds exclusive UK supply rights to the 100% recycled bag design until 1 October 2025, putting it ahead of national competitors. But the company welcomes wider industry adoption of recycled packaging to drive meaningful change.