Asbestos Manufacturer Cape (Altrad) Faces Public Scrutiny: UK Government Pushes for £10M Donation to Research

Adam Fox • 5 May 2023

One of the companies that has faced scrutiny for asbestos-related issues

Introduction to the issue: Asbestos and its dangers‍

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until its dangers were discovered. It has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory diseases. Despite being banned in many countries, asbestos is still present in many buildings, and it remains a significant public health issue. One of the companies that have faced scrutiny for asbestos-related issues is Cape (Altrad), a multinational manufacturer with a history of asbestos production.


Background of Cape (Altrad) and its involvement with asbestos


Cape (Altrad) is a multinational company with headquarters in France and operations in various countries. The company has a long history of involvement in the asbestos industry, and it has faced numerous lawsuits and fines related to asbestos exposure. In 2016, Cape plc, the predecessor to Cape (Altrad), was fined £1.2 million for exposing workers to asbestos. The company has also faced legal action from individuals who have developed asbestos-related diseases.


UK Government's call for Cape (Altrad) to donate £10 million to research


In 2021, the UK government called on Cape (Altrad) to donate £10 million to research into asbestos-related diseases. The government argued that the donation was a way for the company to take responsibility for its actions and contribute to finding a solution to the public health issue caused by asbestos exposure. The government also stated that the donation would help to support research into treatment and prevention of asbestos-related diseases.


The significance of the donation in asbestos research


The donation from Cape (Altrad) would be a significant contribution to research into asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos exposure remains a significant public health issue, and research is needed to understand the long-term effects of exposure and develop effective treatments. The donation would help to fund research projects and support the work of scientists and medical professionals.


Cape (Altrad)'s response to the call


Cape (Altrad) has not yet responded to the UK government's call for a donation. However, the company has previously stated that it takes its responsibility for asbestos-related issues seriously and has taken steps to address the issue. The company has also stated that it is committed to supporting research into asbestos-related diseases.


Public reaction to the issue


The call for Cape (Altrad) to donate £10 million to research has generated significant public interest and debate. Many people have expressed support for the government's call, arguing that companies that have profited from asbestos production have a responsibility to contribute to finding a solution to the public health issue caused by asbestos exposure. Others have criticized the government for not doing enough to hold companies accountable for their actions.


Historical context of asbestos-related issues and lawsuits


Asbestos-related issues and lawsuits have a long history, dating back to the early 20th century. Asbestos was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the dangers of exposure were discovered in the 1960s. Since then, many countries have banned or restricted the use of asbestos, but it remains a significant public health issue. Numerous lawsuits have been filed against companies involved in asbestos production and use, and many individuals have received compensation for asbestos-related diseases.


The future of asbestos use and regulation


The use of asbestos is still legal in many countries, although it is banned or restricted in others. The future of asbestos use and regulation remains uncertain, with some countries phasing out its use and others continuing to use it. The development of alternative materials and technologies is essential to reduce the risks of asbestos exposure and protect public health.


Other companies involved in asbestos production and their responsibilities


Cape (Altrad) is not the only company that has faced scrutiny and legal action related to asbestos exposure. Many other companies have also been involved in asbestos production and use, and they have a responsibility to take action to address the issue. The companies should contribute to research, compensate individuals who have developed asbestos-related diseases, and take steps to reduce the risks of exposure.


Conclusion: The importance of holding companies accountable for their actions


The call for Cape (Altrad) to donate £10 million to research into asbestos-related diseases is an important step in holding companies accountable for their actions. Companies that have profited from asbestos production and use have a responsibility to take action to address the public health issue caused by exposure. The donation from Cape (Altrad) would support research into treatment, prevention, and understanding of asbestos-related diseases. It is essential to continue to hold companies accountable for their actions and take steps to protect public health from the risks of asbestos exposure.


by Adam Fox 9 April 2025
Asbestos and the Circular Economy: Why It's Time to Stop Burying the Problem Twenty-five years after asbestos was banned in the UK, we’re still digging a hole—literally and metaphorically. Every day, across the country, asbestos waste is double-bagged, labelled, loaded into skips, and driven to landfill, where it will sit indefinitely, taking up valuable space, creating ongoing liability, and adding to our already bloated environmental burden. And yet, 2025 presents a different path. A smarter one. One that replaces disposal with repurposing, and turns a dangerous waste product into a useful, circular resource. The technology exists. So the question we should be asking isn’t “Can we recycle asbestos?” It’s “Why the hell aren’t we doing it already?” Landfill is Failing Us—But We’re Still Relying On It Let’s start with the basics. There are still over 1.5 million buildings in the UK that contain asbestos, most of them now approaching the end of their useful life. As these structures age or undergo refurbishment, the volume of asbestos waste is only going to increase. Right now, we handle that waste the same way we did decades ago: • Identify it • Remove it (usually under fully controlled conditions) • Seal it in heavy-duty plastic • Drive it to landfill • Bury it • Forget about it Except we don’t forget, do we? Because landfill space is running out. Disposal costs are going up. And the environmental cost? We’re only just starting to count it. There’s a Better Way—and It Already Works Here’s what most duty holders don’t realise: We no longer have to bury asbestos. Thanks to recent advances in thermal treatment technology, we now have a method that can safely denature asbestos, breaking down its fibrous structure and rendering it harmless. Companies like Thermal Recycling in the UK are already proving this is not science fiction. They’re using high temperatures to transform asbestos cement products—like corrugated roofing sheets—into an inert ceramic material that’s completely safe. But here's the best bit: That material isn’t just neutral. It’s useful. It can be crushed and graded into aggregate, which can be used in road construction, paving, and concrete mixes. Instead of creating a waste burden for the next generation, we’re creating a valuable, low-carbon building material. Why Aggregate Matters in the Carbon Equation The production of virgin aggregates—through mining and quarrying—is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. It contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions and destroys natural landscapes. So by replacing some of that demand with recycled aggregate from denatured asbestos, we: • Cut carbon emissions • Reduce dependence on extraction • Shrink the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects • Extend the life of quarries and reduce waste tonnage That’s not just a win for waste management. That’s a win for the entire construction supply chain. And yet most people in the industry don’t even know it’s possible. Why Are We Still Burying What Could Be Reused? As someone who’s worked in asbestos compliance for over 20 years—and now helps business leaders manage risk more intelligently—I’ve seen the same patterns play out time and time again: • “We’ll just do what we’ve always done.” • “This project’s tight on budget—landfill’s cheaper, right?” • “We’re just following the usual route—it’s less risky.” Let’s be honest. That mindset is outdated, short-sighted, and lazy. Cost may always be a factor, but the belief that landfill is “cheaper” needs to be challenged. Once you factor in: • Long-term environmental costs • Reputational risk • Rising disposal fees • And the public pressure for sustainable practices Thermal recycling is already starting to make sense. Especially when the output is something usable, not something buried. Licensed Contractors: You Don’t Get a Free Pass Either This isn’t just about clients or duty holders. Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s) have a moral obligation here too. And I say that not from a place of opinion—but from first-hand experience, day in and day out for over two decades. Too often, LARCs put profits over progress. They default to landfill because it’s faster, easier to price up, and keeps their margins clean. They know the alternatives exist—but they don’t explore them, let alone offer them to their clients. When you hold a licence from the HSE, you’re not just a business—you’re a guardian of public health. That comes with responsibility. Choosing the most sustainable, forward-thinking disposal route should be part of that. Especially when the technology is available, proven, and legal. It’s time for the industry to stop hiding behind what’s convenient and start leading from the front. A Moral Obligation for Everyone Involved Whether you’re a: • Local authority managing public buildings • Developer under pressure to go green • Commercial landlord looking to reduce liability • Or a licensed contractor with influence over disposal routes —you have a responsibility to look beyond the cheapest or fastest option. If there’s a proven, safe, and more sustainable way to manage asbestos, you have a duty to understand it before choosing to ignore it. Because let’s be honest: “We didn’t know” isn’t going to wash when the public starts asking why we’re still filling landfill sites with a problem we already have the technology to eliminate. So What Can You Do Differently? No one’s asking you to overhaul your entire waste strategy overnight. But you can—and should—start asking better questions: • “Is landfill our only option here?” • “Could this waste stream be recycled instead of buried?” • “What suppliers, contractors, or experts do we know who can help us explore this?” You don’t have to be a global pioneer. But if you’re in a position of responsibility, you should at least be aware that the old way isn’t the only way anymore. Final Thought: The Future Is Circular—Whether You Join In or Not Asbestos will be with us for decades to come. That’s a fact. But how we handle it—and whether we choose to keep repeating the past or do something smarter—is up to us. Thermal recycling and other denaturing technologies offer a rare opportunity to do something that actually moves the industry forward. Not just ticking the compliance box. Not just burying the problem. But solving it—and turning it into something useful in the process. If you’re involved in asbestos management in even the slightest way, ask yourself this: Are you part of the problem, or part of the solution?
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