Case Studies

Material Index was appointed to deliver procurement for Arbeit Studios' mixed-use workspace and coworking hub at Lisson Arches, North West London, with a focus on low-cost, low-carbon materials.

Through our reclaimed marketplace, sourcing from commercial strip-out projects and reconditioning trade partners, we supplied 261 salvaged spot track lights, 30 preowned office chairs, reclaimed RAF floor boxes, secondary plywood storage seating units, high stools, salvaged TVs and speakers, supporting the creation of a flexible and well-equipped creative environment.

By procuring secondary materials, the project achieved significant embodied carbon savings and supported a circular approach to commercial procurement.

This project is ongoing, due for completion Winter 2026.

Material Index was appointed to deliver a turnkey procurement solution for Structure Tone's temporary site set-up office, with a focus on protecting project margins through high-quality, low-carbon materials.

Through our reclaimed marketplace we supplied 45+ high-quality salvaged office chairs quickly and efficiently. This procurement supported the creation of a professional, ergonomic working environment for the site team while meeting strict environmental and financial targets.

By procuring secondary materials over new alternatives, the project achieved significant embodied carbon savings and avoided the high footprint associated with the manufacture of new steel, plastic, and timber. This partnership demonstrates that the circular economy is a practical, scalable standard for the UK's leading contractors, resulting in cost savings of up to 60% compared to new procurement.

Material Index was appointed by Overbury Plc to manage the procurement of affordable sustainable site set-up materials across a portfolio of high-profile London commercial fit-out projects, including 1 Broadgate, 10 Coleman Street, and 76 Southbank. The objective was to furnish professional, high-functioning site set-up offices while adhering to strict sustainability targets and protecting project margins.

Through our marketplace we have supplied secondary carpet tiles, salvaged commercial lockers, used office desks, and high-spec second-hand office chairs to date. For the 1 Broadgate site office, the logistical capability of the platform was demonstrated through the salvage of 91 desks from a central London strip-out. Material Index managed the end-to-end process: dismantling the assets, providing secure storage for two months, and coordinating a palletised delivery to align with the project timeline.

By procuring secondary materials, these projects achieved significant embodied carbon savings and supported a circular approach to procurement. The 'Just-in-Time' delivery model ensured high-quality pre-use office furnishings were reused rather than discarded, bypassing several tonnes of CO2 associated with new manufacturing.

This partnership highlights a shift toward circularity as a functional, cost-effective reality for the UK's leading contractors, and showcases how a sustainable site-set up can actually improve margins by delivering considerable cost savings.

Through the Material Index Marketplace, Newpark Real Estate sourced reclaimed Kingspan RMG RAF floor panels for delivery to County Dublin, Ireland, a smooth process with excellent communication throughout.

This procurement enabled the team to secure materials unavailable in Ireland and deliver the country's first project to build four timber-framed structures together.

"Through the Material Index Marketplace, I sourced reclaimed Kingspan RMG RAF floor panels for delivery to County Dublin, Ireland, a smooth process with excellent communication, and Venetia was brilliant throughout. Her support enabled us to secure materials unavailable in Ireland and deliver the country's first project to build four timber-framed structures together." — Mary Flood, Newpark Real Estate

Material Index was appointed by 8build to deliver a circular procurement solution for their latest project's site set-up office, focusing on high-quality, second-hand assets to meet ambitious sustainability and budgetary targets.

Through our reclaimed marketplace we supplied secondary carpet tiles, second-hand office desks, used pedestals, salvaged office storage units, and pre-owned fridges. This diverse range of products ensured the site office was fully equipped to professional standards while avoiding the financial and environmental costs associated with new furniture.

By choosing reused construction site equipment, the project bypassed the substantial embodied carbon footprint of manufacturing new steel, timber, and plastics, directly contributing to 8build's net zero construction goals. In addition to the carbon savings, the immediate availability of stock from the Material Index marketplace allowed for accelerated mobilisation, helping to keep the project on schedule.

This collaboration highlights 8build's commitment to sustainable procurement and net zero construction. It also proves that circular procurement isn't just environmentally responsible; it's commercially viable, and that high-quality reclaimed commercial furniture can serve as the practical standard for efficient construction site mobilisation across the UK.