Blog
Sustainable access: Smarter products for a cleaner future
09 June 2025
Paul Thompson
Technical Specification Manager When we think about the future of civil engineering, we don’t just see roads, covers and chambers - we see an opportunity to reduce carbon, prevent pollution, and protect our environment from the ground up. We’re building sustainability into everything we design, supply and support. Whether it’s recyclable materials, longer-lasting covers or solutions that stop pollutants entering our drainage systems, we believe smarter infrastructure is key to a cleaner tomorrow. And it all starts right here. Right now. Right beneath our feet. Top blogs
Sustainability in steelOur steel access covers are a great example of how sustainable thinking can be built into everyday products. Manufactured from 100% recyclable steel, they’re designed to last, with excellent corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. Available in a variety of solid top, block infill and recessed tray options, our steel covers help clients meet sustainability goals without compromising on quality or compliance. Why choose steel?
Stopping odour and flood risk at the sourceUncontrolled odours, air escape and water ingress are more than just a nuisance - they’re a risk to public health, the environment and infrastructure performance. That’s why our sealing systems are engineered to stop these problems at the surface.
Flood and odour controlRetrofittable sealing platesUnite manhole covers are fully compatible with our range of No Leak and Low Leak sealing plates, thanks to the built-in internal accessory receiver. This internal skirt provides a sealing face to mate with different specifications of seal plate, depending on the application requirements (only available on products with reference ending in "/KUE"). This simple solution provides easy, effective and retrofittable flood and odour control to access chambers. It does not need to be specified at point of order, unlike nearly all flood and odour plate alternatives. Achieves compliance to Class 3 leak tightness performance in accordance with Table 1 of Section 2 within WIS 4-26-01 when fitted with no leak (/NL) sealing plate. Ironwork designed to last longerManhole cover failures lead to disruption, operator risk and costly replacements - and they carry a carbon cost too. That’s why our Unite and Highway manhole covers and gully gratings are engineered for resilience. Certified to BS EN 124 and CD 534, they’re built to eliminate common modes of failure and deliver the longest life and lowest whole-life cost in their class. The result? Less replacement, less waste and a better return on your environmental investment.
The Sea Starts HereThe fight against pollution begins on our streetsEvery year, thousands of tonnes of plastic and pollutants enter our waterways from the roads we travel on every day. Oil, rubber, litter and microplastics gather on road surfaces, and are washed into drainage systems by rain - ultimately finding their way into rivers, seas and oceans. That’s why we launched our Sea Starts Here campaign. It’s a simple message with a powerful impact: what goes down the drain can end up in the sea. By working with local authorities, developers and communities, we’re helping to raise awareness - and, crucially, take action. Our product innovations are designed to support this mission. Solutions like the Armadillo Silt Shield help trap debris at the surface before it enters the drainage system. Sealing plates prevent water and pollutants from escaping chambers, and eco-friendly steel and ironwork choices reduce lifecycle emissions and waste. Together, our products help:
From awareness to actionOur infrastructure choices have a real impact - on carbon, on communities, and on the health of our rivers and seas. By choosing Wrekin’s sustainable access & drainage solutions, you’re investing in more than just covers and gratings. You’re contributing to a cleaner, smarter and more resilient future - one installation at a time. Let’s build a better world together. Because the sea starts here. Latest news and blogs |
