Sustainable Materials in Conveyor Belts: The Future of Eco-Friendly Bulk Handling

Introduction

As the world shifts toward sustainability, industries are under pressure to reduce environmental impact without compromising productivity. One area seeing rapid innovation is the use of sustainable materials in conveyor belts. From recycled polymers to energy-efficient fabrics, these materials are helping businesses meet environmental targets while maintaining operational efficiency.

Why Sustainability Matters in Material Handling

Conveyor systems are critical in industries such as mining, recycling, and manufacturing — but they traditionally rely on resource-intensive materials. By adopting more sustainable alternatives, companies can reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and improve their green credentials.

Emerging Eco-Friendly Conveyor Belt Materials

  1. Recycled Rubber Compounds
    Some manufacturers are now using recycled rubber in conveyor belts without compromising strength or flexibility. This reduces the need for virgin rubber and diverts waste from landfills.
  2. Bio-Based Polymers
    Bio-based belts made from plant-derived polymers offer a renewable option. While still in early stages, they show promise in low-load applications such as packaging and warehousing.
  3. Energy-Efficient Fabrics
    Belts with low rolling resistance reduce power consumption in high-throughput systems. Hoverdale offers materials that reduce friction and extend belt life, aligning with energy efficiency goals.

Benefits of Sustainable Belting Solutions

  • Lower Energy Costs: Materials designed to reduce rolling resistance consume less power.
  • Compliance with Environmental Standards: Helps meet ISO 14001 and other sustainability certifications.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Less raw material extraction and more efficient transport systems.
  • Positive Brand Impact: Being seen as an eco-conscious supplier can win new business.

Hoverdale’s Commitment to Sustainability 
We continuously evaluate material performance and lifecycle impact to help clients make greener choices. From belt cleaners that reduce waste to vulcanising services that extend belt life, our solutions support circular economy goals.

Conclusion 
Sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s a business imperative. By switching to more eco-conscious conveyor belt materials, industries can cut costs, reduce emissions, and prepare for a greener future. Hoverdale remains committed to offering innovative, efficient, and sustainable belt solutions.

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MATT BEVERLEY

A time served Mechanical engineer Matt’s background includes many high-profile projects within the Automotive Industry: The Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Spyker Le-Mans racing teams, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Airbus A380. This history and knowledge of complex manufacturing and engineering projects have been transferred and further developed into the bulk material handling sector. Matt has work in Europe, North America, Indonesia, and China

He joined the bulk solids and bulk handling industry in 2019 as Managing Director of Hoverdale UK Ltd and subsequently completed a Management buyout in July 2020. The business has grown yearly, increased employment, its customer base, and worldwide reputation, and disrupted the market with groundbreaking innovative technology. Since Matt took over Hoverdale, the company has filed four patents for innovation; one was granted in 2023 for a design to improve bulk handling. The success had been driven by delivering tailored solutions to the waste recycling sectors that keep material flowing out and money flowing in.

Awards Include

  • 2024 – Shapa company of the Year
  • 2024- Shapa Innovation in Technology
  • 2024- MHEA Engineer of the year
  • 2021 – MHEA Innovation of the year
  • 2021- IMechE Innovation award

Current Positions Include.

  • Group Chairman Hoverdale UK Ltd
  • President (MHEA) Material Handling Engineers Association
  • Vice Chairman: IMechE Bulk Material Handling Committee
  • Council Member: (SHAPA) Solids Handling & Particle Association
  • Member: Chartered Management Institute

Matt has been happily married to Julie for 22 years and has 4 children, 3 of which are involved within the Hoverdale group of companies. He is an RFU level 2 qualified coach and referee having been in several head coaching roles at various age groups from under 6’s to adults for his local team Nuneaton RFC. He believes in the core values that rugby teaches of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship and try’s to carry this through in his day to day business activities. He is passionate at brining the next generation of young, diverse engineers into the sector through promotion of apprenticeship scheme and further education routes.

DAVID BARTER

David is an experienced leader, with a background covering Operations, eCommerce, Finance, Compliance, HR and IT. His career spans Banking, Retail and Engineering, spending the majority of his career working for ALDI as they grew to become 4th largest supermarket in the UK, including seven years on their UK board as Managing Director of IT and eCommerce.

David joined Hoverdale’s Senior Management Team in 2023 to seek a fresh challenge in a completely different industry sector. He has applied his approach to Process Improvement, Efficiency, Customer Service and Teamwork to great effect during Hoverdale’s sustained growth.

Married to Jane, with three adult sons between them, David volunteers on the board of the Nottingham Playhouse theatre as well as his local rugby and football clubs. Any spare time he spends enjoying walks with their Golden Retriever, Buzz, who is also regularly seen in the Hoverdale office.

BEN DUCHESNE

Ben is a time serviced field service engineer in the busy waste and recycling sector, who’s career moved into to managing service teams and beyond. Originally beginning his career with a HGV repair and maintenance apprenticeship with IVECO, from there travelling and working in multiple countries moving towards waste processing shredders.

Ben joined the Hoverdale team in September 2024 seeking to apply his extensive knowledge to a new area. His values and ethics fit perfectly within the Hoverdale ethos.

He is happily married to Kristina, with 4 wonderful young children; 14, 11, 8 and 5. We the children he doesn’t get much spare time. He is a family man, who enjoys spending as much time with them as possible.