A solution to the age-old problem of damaged cement bags is being rolled out across the UK next month by Lafarge.
The polyethylene packaging, claimed to be both tear- and weather-resistant and non-reactive with its cement contents, was launched in the Midlands last year following five years of research and development.
Lafarge claims that the Mastercrete Original plastic sack can deliver both cost savings to builders and also reduce cement’s impact on the environment – research has estimated that up to 10 per cent of paper-bagged cement is lost through damaged or burst sacks.
The plastic bags are damp-proof, unlike paper packaging, which soaks up the damp and can be ripped in transit or just while being moved around site.
The plastic bags will appear in the south and west of England in October and in northern England and Scotland in 2007.
