Tarmac has signed a charter produced by The Pallet LOOP.

The charter is an innovative scheme aimed at minimising the consumption of single-use pallets in the construction industry.

Around 18 million pallets are estimated to be used annually in the UK construction sector, but less than 10 per cent are reused. In response, The Pallet LOOP scheme allows manufacturers to pay a deposit for distinctively-branded 100 per cent FSC-certified green pallets, which are used to transport products to construction sites and have been specifically engineered to be more durable and sustainable.

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As LOOP pallets move through the supply chain, a deposit passes from manufacturer to merchant to end user. Once used, stacked and stored, the scheme operator collects the pallets and returns deposits, before repairing pallets as necessary and recirculating them.

Garry Gregory, packed products director at Tarmac, said: "We're committed to working towards achieving a circular economy and our approach to this starts with designing out waste wherever we possibly can across our operations.

"The Pallet LOOP is a positive and effective initiative which is already helping to reduce construction waste by transforming the way in which pallets are used – and turning them into valuable returnable assets. We’re pleased to have signed up and would encourage others from across the construction industry to do the same."