Why Lead?

Lead is very economical to extract, process and recycle. This is why its strengths can be exploited in many fields.

• Lead melts at approximately 327˚C, making it extremely economical to extract, process, and recycle. 100% of the lead used by Calder Industrial Materials comes from recycled sources.
• Lead resists corrosion and does not react with other chemicals or substances readily, remaining substantially unaffected by even harsh environmental conditions. This makes it ideal for corrosion protection and for use in chemical engineering processes such as electroplating and electrowinning.
• Lead’s low melting point and unreactive nature have the further advantage of making lead almost infinitely recyclable.
• Lead as a high density and specific gravity, which makes it ideal for radiation shielding against ionizing radiation, as acoustic insulation, and as ballast where high weight/volume is important such as in ship and submarine stabilisation and industrial vibration control.
• Lead is UV and weather resistant, and in sheet form can be easily worked cold by hand. Because it resists corrosion lead used in roofing and other applications does not leach into the surrounding environment, and can be safely, easily, and efficiently recycled.

Sustainability

• Lead is a highly sustainable material thanks to its long service life and chemical properties that promote ease of recycling. Indeed, more than 95% of lead is collected and recycled across the UK and EU, and unlike many other metals the rate of lead recovery from the recycling process is nearly 100% and it can be recycled repeatedly without loss of performance.
• 100% of lead sheet used by Calder Lead comes from recycled material. None of our lead comes from primary mining sources.
• It is very well suited for use in applications that require little maintenance over long periods, and many historical buildings have used lead in the construction of their roofs or façades which have remained in good working condition for centuries.
• Lead’s low melting point means the process of recycling is comparatively energy efficient – approximately one-third of the energy needed to extract lead from its ore.
• Lead sheet has the lowest carbon footprint of all competing roofing materials. The lifetime of lead sheet frequently exceeds 60 years and can be longer. Such durability makes lead a cost-effective solution as lead sheet lasts on average three times longer than its construction alternatives.
• Research has shown no environmental risk related to water run-off from lead sheet.
• There is extensive and effective UK and EU legislation that covers the entire lifecycle of lead.
• Less energy means lower price and less impact from energy cost inputs.
• With proper handling the health risks to people working with lead are very low.