Reclaimed Brick Company has become the first reclaimed brick supplier in the UK to have its range of reclaimed bricks independently tested and verified to British Standard BS EN 771-1, marking a major advancement for quality assurance and confidence in the reuse marketplace.
The achievement represents a significant step forward for the reclamation industry, which has long advocated for the recognition of reclaimed materials as high-performance, low-carbon alternatives to new products. Third-party testing to BS EN 771-1 — the key performance standard for masonry units — provides architects, contractors, and specifiers with measurable, trusted data on the durability and suitability of reclaimed bricks for modern construction.
A Breakthrough for the Reuse Sector
Traditionally, reclaimed bricks have been valued for their heritage character, embodied carbon savings, and contribution to circular construction. However, the absence of standardised performance testing has sometimes created barriers for large-scale or highly regulated projects. By pursuing and achieving third-party verification, Reclaimed Brick Company has taken a proactive stance in removing those obstacles.
The testing process includes assessment of attributes such as:
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Compressive strength
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Dimensional tolerances
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Water absorption
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Frost resistance
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Density and durability
These results allow reclaimed bricks to be considered within the same performance framework as new manufactured units — a milestone that strengthens the case for reuse in both structural and non-structural applications.
Raising the Bar for Traceability and Quality
This initiative aligns with the growing demand for transparency and accountability within the construction industry. As policies, clients, and environmental targets increasingly prioritise carbon reduction, the need for verified, reliable reclaimed materials has intensified.
A spokesperson for Reclaimed Brick Company commented:
“We are proud to be the first reclaimed supplier in the UK to demonstrate that reclaimed bricks can meet recognised British Standards through independent testing. This is a major step for the reuse sector and provides our customers with complete assurance that reclaimed materials can deliver both environmental and performance benefits.”
By investing in rigorous testing, the company not only elevates its own product offering but also helps set a precedent for the entire reclamation industry.
Supporting a Low-Carbon Future
The built environment accounts for a significant share of the UK’s carbon emissions. Reuse of materials, particularly those as carbon-intensive to manufacture as bricks, plays a vital role in reducing waste and cutting embodied carbon. Verified performance testing removes lingering doubts that may have prevented reclaimed brick from being specified on projects requiring strict compliance.
Architects and engineers now have access to reclaimed bricks backed by third-party data — enabling sustainable choices without uncertainty.
A Catalyst for Wider Industry Change
This development is expected to encourage more suppliers, regulators, and industry bodies to reevaluate the role of reclaimed materials in mainstream construction. As sustainability legislation strengthens, Reclaimed Brick Company’s move is likely to be seen as a pioneer’s step in aligning reuse with modern compliance frameworks.
The company hopes the achievement will inspire further collaboration and raise expectations across the built environment sector.
