On Tuesday 26th November, Material Index attended the launch of the first-ever Habitat for Humanity ReStore in the UK. This pioneering retail initiative in Romford aims to provide accessible and affordable home improvement materials, whilst reducing landfill waste and championing the circular economy. With the patronage of HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the event celebrated the store opening and valuable collaborations between Habitat for Humanity GB and partners, including Material Index.

The launch event featured encouraging speeches from key figures, including HRH The Duke of Gloucester, Henrietta Blackmore (National Director of Habitat for Humanity GB), Nicola Barclay (Chair of the Board of Trustees), and Karla Rednall (Director of Retail). These leaders emphasised the ReStore mission to provide affordable, sustainable solutions to the local community, and targets to divert 300 tonnes of materials from landfill each year. The store opening in Romford is joining over 1,000 Habitat ReStores to be successfully operating across the globe.

Material Index is proud to have supported this initiative. The successful launch of the UK’s first Habitat ReStore has already meant many materials have been recirculated and reused within the local community, with a highly anticipated)second UK ReStore coming soon! Let’s celebrate this remarkable achievement and continue to champion solutions for people and planet.

The store, located at 8-16 High Street in Romford, is already making significant impact by providing affordable upcycled furniture and home improvement supplies, which supports Habitat for Humanity’s broader mission of creating safe, affordable housing and addressing homelessness through their ‘Empty Spaces to Homes' programme.

This is more than just a retail outlet; it’s a local hub for community upliftment, connection and accessible and sustainable alternatives. For Material Index, the collaboration with ReStore showcases our deep commitment to material reuse, and underscores the significant social impact that can be realised through diverting materials from traditional waste streams. Enabling reuse at scale through partnerships such as this, highlights the intrinsic contribution social value has to a circular transition in the construction industry that we’re leading.