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Plaster

Plaster

including lime and plasterboard

Plaster, lime and plasterboard are among the most widely specified materials in interior construction, providing essential surface finishes, fire protection and acoustic performance. While these materials are often considered relatively low impact compared with concrete or steel, their environmental performance varies significantly depending on raw material extraction, manufacturing processes, recycled content and end-of-life management. Careful specification can help reduce embodied carbon, improve indoor air quality and support circular economy objectives.

Approximately 100 million tonnes of gypsum are used globally each year, primarily for plaster and plasterboard manufacture. Increasingly, manufacturers are incorporating recycled gypsum and designing products that can be recovered through take-back and closed-loop recycling schemes.  Source: European Gypsum Industry (Eurogypsum)

Key Points

Lime and gypsum-based plasters

These generally have lower embodied carbon than cement-based plaster products.

Plasterboard

Typically made from gypsum and paper. Natural gypsum is mined in the UK, alternatively synthetic gypsum is made as a byproduct at coal fired power stations. Plasterboard is widely recyclable where clean gypsum waste can be separated from paper liners.

Gypsum plaster 

Produced by heating naturally occurring gypsum rock or synthetic gypsum to remove moisture before rehydration during application. It is widely used for internal wall finishes due to its smooth appearance, ease of installation and inherent fire resistance.

Plasterboard is easily broken and damaged

Especially during transport and construction. Additionally, wasted plasterboard offcuts are assumed to account for 5-30% of new plasterboard production.

Toxic Fumes 

If sent to landfill, gypsum in plasterboard can give off toxic fumes when disposed of alongside biodegradable waste. It should therefore be separated or recycled where possible.

Natural gypsum is extracted through quarrying

Compared to synthetic gypsum which can be recovered as a by-product from industrial processes. Increasingly, recycled gypsum recovered from construction waste is incorporated into new plaster and plasterboard manufacture, supporting circular material flows. Designers should prioritise suppliers that disclose recycled content, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and responsible sourcing certifications.

Recycled Gypsum

Specifying products with recycled gypsum content can reduce demand for virgin mineral extraction.

Lime plasters absorb carbon dioxide 

During curing (carbonation), partially offsetting emissions from manufacture. Lime plaster has been used for thousands of years and is increasingly specified in sustainable buildings because of its breathability, durability and compatibility with traditional construction.

Combining hemp and lime (hempcrete)

This bio-composite building material made by wet-mixing hemp shiv with a lime-based binder (usually natural hydraulic lime or formulated lime mixes) and water. While not a load-bearing material like traditional concrete. 

  • It is a thermal insulator and moisture regulator due to its porous structure so it helps the indoor climate - regulates humidity and air quality and inhibits mould.
  • The lime binder hardens over time, binding the hemp shiv into a lightweight, breathable composite. 

Be aware 

Fresh lime is highly alkaline and may cause skin burns or eye irritation. Appropriate gloves, eye protection and protective clothing should always be worn. Dust exposure should also be controlled during mixing.

Low-VOC plasters and jointing compounds 

These contribute to healthier indoor environments.

Handling 

Installers should use local dust extraction, suitable respiratory protection and eye protection when preparing surfaces or sanding finished plaster.

Improve recyclability 

Careful storage and installation minimises waste.

Closed loop

Plasterboard is one of the few interior finishing materials capable of closed-loop recycling. Manufacturers increasingly offer take-back schemes for offcuts and demolition waste.

RESOURCES

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