At Kenson Highways, sustainability is not just a goal — it is an integral part of our operational ethos. In line with our commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting the circular economy, we are proud to announce a successful partnership with Cusack, a leader in sustainable manufacturing solutions.
Together, we are giving end-of-life traffic management materials a second life — converting used cones and other recycled plastics into new traffic cones, signage, and even wheelie bins. This collaboration demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand to create real-world environmental and economic value in the highways sector.
A Circular Approach to Traffic Management Materials
Rather than disposing of damaged or aged cones and signage, the Kenson-Cusack partnership has implemented a structured and efficient recycling process that repurposes these materials for future use.
The process involves several key stages:
- Collection and Sorting: Used cones are collected and loaded into a dedicated recycling hopper.
- Stage One – Shredding: The cones undergo an initial shredding phase to break down the material.
- Stage Two – Grinding: The shredded materials are then further ground into finer particles.
- Material Reuse: These particles are transformed into raw materials suitable for manufacturing new traffic management products.
Environmental Impact: Tangible Results
On 30 January 2025, Kenson Highways received one of its largest Recycling Certificates to date — a milestone that highlights the effectiveness of this initiative.
- 380 kilograms of materials were successfully recycled
- Resulting in a carbon saving of 893.38 kilograms of CO₂
To put this into context:
- A single kilogram of CO₂ equates to approximately 6.7 kilometres of travel in a modern petrol vehicle.
- This means the carbon saving achieved through this recycling effort is equivalent to 10 round trips between Redbridge and Manchester Piccadilly Station (a 291-kilometre journey).
- Alternatively, it represents the energy required to produce over 14,300 cups of tea — an everyday comparison that makes the impact more relatable.
Leading the Way in Sustainable Highways Delivery
These efforts are more than just statistics — they reflect Kenson Highways’ broader commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and our contractual obligation to support net zero targets.
By actively investing in circular economy initiatives and partnering with like-minded organisations such as Cusack, we are not only reducing waste and emissions but also setting new benchmarks for responsible infrastructure management across the highways sector.
This is a clear demonstration of how small operational changes can deliver significant environmental outcomes, and how industry collaboration can lead to scalable sustainability solutions.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to expand our recycling and carbon reduction initiatives, Kenson Highways remains focused on driving meaningful change — one cone, one sign, and one innovation at a time.
We believe that sustainable infrastructure is the foundation of a resilient future, and we’re proud to be playing our part.
