Material FAQ
What is a material exchange platform?
A material exchange platform facilitates the buying, selling and trading of materials.
At Material Index, we connect contractors, demolition teams, suppliers, resellers, architects and charities to buy, sell, and trade reclaimed building materials, reducing construction waste and promoting sustainable building practices.
Material exchange platforms are also referred to as: material marketplace, excess material exchange, material brokerage, material reuse, material reclamation, circular materials, material brokering services, material reuse centre, building material reuse and ESG reuse marketplace.
What are the benefits of reclaimed building materials?
Reduce construction waste. 60% of all UK waste comes from the construction industry. Re-using building materials will reduce landfill and other waste stream contributions.
Lower carbon. Lower the carbon footprint of your project by reusing materials, reducing emissions associated with raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transport (embodied and whole life carbon).
Lower project costs. Save money by selling reclaimed materials at the end of a building's life, or by sourcing high-quality reclaimed and refurbished materials.
Achieve up to 6 BREEAM credits.
Contribute to a more circular economy and towards a net-zero future.
Who can use the material exchange platform?
Demolition Contractors - Providing alternative waste streams for unwanted building materials
Developers - Offering easy material reuse in construction and net-zero property development
Contractors - Supporting sustainable construction solutions and sustainable building materials
Designers and Architects - Aiding low-carbon commercial retrofitting and sustainability in office fit-out
Trade Partners - Connecting reclaimed building materials to end users
Suppliers and Manufactures - enabling take-back schemes
Fit-out Teams - streamlining sustainable commercial office fit-out
Project Teams - Facilitating circular economy and ESG in real estate
What type of materials can be exchanged?
Our team can broker any building material. From bricks, MEP and architectural salvage, to FF&E.
Head to Material Specification to learn about the range and type of reclaimed materials we can offer.
If you are a manufacturer, salvage business, specialist contractor or distributor, head to our Trade Partner page to join our network.
How do I source or buy second hand materials?
Our Material Index marketplace allows users to search for reused materials. Items can be filtered by category, availability, quantity, quality, timeframes, and dimensions. Once an enquiry has been made one of our team will be in contact to discuss logistics, costs and the finer details.
Alternatively, email materials@material-index.co.uk with your enquiry. Please include product/material details, timeframes, logistics requirements and delivery address.
Please email materials@material-index.co.uk to sign up for a demo/introduction or to receive our weekly material newsletter.
Do you offer logistics, transport or storage?
Material Index offers a range of enabling services with expertise in storage, logistics and deconstruction to connect the dots, and ensure more materials are reused.
How do I ensure the quality of reused materials?
We provide detailed material descriptions, images, and verification options. Additionally, we can provide samples and site visits.
I have materials to donate. How do I do this?
If you want to donate second hand materials, please get in touch by emailing materials@material-index.co.uk .
Are second hand materials under warranty?
Warranties for reclaimed building materials vary depending on the supplier, material type, age and condition. We welcome discussions about specific items or materials, as each situation is unique.
Where can I sell second hand building materials?
If you're looking to sell materials from a site you are clearing, we offer a material reclamation service. Please contact audits@material-index.co.uk for a material reclamation audit. To become a Trade Partner please contact materials@material-index.co.uk.