UK · Updated 2026 · Price comparison
Reclaimed vs New Surplus PIR Insulation in Cambridge: 2026 Comparison
Should you buy new or reclaimed PIR insulation for your Cambridge project? In 2026 the answer increasingly leans reclaimed — cost, planning acceptance and embodied carbon all favour it. Here's the head-to-head for East of England buyers.
Cost comparison, 2026
| Grade | Reclaimed | New equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Job-lot | £8.00 per m² | £14.40 per m² |
| Standard | £18.00 per m² | £32 per m² |
| Premium | £28 per m² | £45 per m² |
Quality and spec differences
- Kingspan Kooltherm, Celotex GA4000, Recticel Eurothane — factory-fresh over-orders
- Full 1200×2400 boards, uncut, in original packaging
- Same lambda value (0.022 W/mK) as new merchant stock
Carbon comparison
Reclaimed PIR insulation carries close to zero embodied carbon vs new manufacture. On a Cambridge refurb, choosing reclaimed can offset 3–8 tonnes of CO₂e per property depending on scope.
Planning acceptance in Cambridge
Cambridge planning officers routinely accept and often require matching reclaimed stock inside conservation areas across East of England.
Frequently asked questions
+Is reclaimed always cheaper than new in Cambridge?
Almost always for standard grades. Premium heritage grades can approach or exceed new prices when new equivalents don't exist.
+Is surplus PIR the same spec as new?
Yes — surplus is factory-fresh, just over-ordered. Same BBA cert and lambda value.
+Does reclaimed void manufacturer warranties?
New warranties don't apply. Ex-display and surplus stock retains full warranty when unregistered.