Unlocking Growth in Regenerative Materials: Introducing ROOT to Market
The UK construction sector stands at a pivotal moment in its journey towards sustainability. With an annual value exceeding £140 billion, the industry has both the scale and the responsibility to drive meaningful environmental change. Yet, despite increasing awareness, regenerative materials, those designed to reduce environmental impact while actively restoring natural systems, still represent only a fraction of the market.
A new initiative, ROOT to Market, aims to change that. Launched by Woodknowledge Wales in partnership with procurement specialist Value Match, ROOT to Market is a national procurement Dynamic Marketplace designed to accelerate the adoption of regenerative and low-carbon materials across the built environment.
Backed by a strong consortium, including Reconomy Connect, Morgan Sindall Construction, HLM Architects, Cundall, Planit, Elliott Wood, and Lignum Risk Partners, the platform brings together expertise from across the construction value chain to unlock growth opportunities and enable more sustainable procurement practices.
At its core, ROOT to Market addresses a critical challenge: fragmented supply chains and limited visibility of sustainable materials. By aggregating demand and curating a trusted supplier network, it creates a streamlined pathway for clients to access regenerative solutions at every stage of a project.
Simplifying procurement while driving standards
The marketplace introduces a new way of procuring within the sector. Through a pre-approved, curated supply chain, clients can bypass traditional open-market tendering processes while remaining fully compliant with the Procurement Act 2023.
Suppliers looking to join must complete a robust pre-selection questionnaire (PSQ), including technical requirements. However, the approach is deliberately inclusive. Rather than restricting access, ROOT to Market assesses suppliers based on their current maturity level while actively supporting them to improve over time.
This balanced approach ensures high standards without creating unnecessary barriers, particularly for SMEs and regional producers who play a vital role in diversifying and strengthening the supply chain.
Driving circularity and social value
The launch of ROOT to Market comes at a time when the UK’s circular economy is gaining real momentum. Importantly, ROOT to Market embeds circular principles directly into its design. As a not-for-profit organisation, it reinvests surplus funds into:
- Local communities
- Skills development
- Supply chain capacity building
This ensures that every project procured through the marketplace delivers not just environmental benefits, but also lasting social and economic value.
Reconomy Connect’s role in accelerating change
As a proud supporter of ROOT to Market, Reconomy Connect is playing a key role in advancing the transition to a truly circular built environment.
Jamie Roberts, Divisional Director for Construction, Housebuilding & Infrastructure at Reconomy Connect comments:
‘’Reconomy Connect, a brand by Reconomy, the international circular economy specialist, is proud to support ROOT to Market Dynamic Marketplace as part of our mission to accelerate the transition to a truly circular economy.
By maximising re‑use, recovering value from materials, and preventing waste across the built environment lifecycle, we can help ensure resources are kept in use for longer and unlock the full potential of regenerative materials in UK construction.
With the sector continuing to face fragmented supply chains and complex waste streams, ROOT to Market provides a platform to scale regenerative materials, delivering significant environmental and economic benefits.”
Enabling a regenerative future
ROOT to Market represents more than just a procurement platform, it signals a shift in how the construction industry approaches materials, value, and responsibility.
By making regenerative supply chains more visible, accessible, and scalable, the marketplace is unlocking new opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
For clients, it simplifies the journey toward low-carbon construction.
For suppliers, it opens the door to new markets and long-term development.
For the industry, it provides a practical framework for delivering on net zero and circular economy ambitions.
As ROOT to Market goes live and actively seeks projects, the opportunity is clear: to redefine what “business as usual” looks like in UK construction and to build a future where sustainability is not the exception, but the standard.
You can access the Dynamic Marketplace here.