Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a vital consideration in the construction industry. Every material and process is being re-examined through the lens of environmental impact. Sealants are no exception. The decision to use foil sausage sealants versus traditional plastic cartridges might seem minor, but it has far-reaching consequences. Choosing the right format can dramatically influence waste output, on-site efficiency, and the overall environmental footprint of a project.

This blog delves into the environmental and operational differences between foil sausage sealants and tube cartridges, providing insight into why many industry professionals are making the switch. By understanding these differences, FixFirm customers can make informed decisions that not only benefit their projects but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

1. Waste Reduction and Disposal Advantages

Foil Sausage Sealants:

Less plastic waste: Traditional tube cartridges rely on rigid plastic casings that often end up in landfills. Foil sausages, on the other hand, use a thin, flexible layer of foil that compresses significantly as it empties. One great example is the 600ml White F/RM Intumescent & Acoustic Sealant – Foil Sausages, which delivers high performance while generating significantly less plastic waste.

600ml White F/RM Intumescent & Acoustic Sealant – Compact, efficient, and eco-conscious.

• Easier disposal: This reduced bulk means less waste volume, which is beneficial for on-site waste management and landfill reduction.
• Lower landfill taxes: By generating less waste, contractors can cut down on disposal costs associated with high-volume construction waste.

Tube Sealants:

• Higher waste levels: Each empty cartridge represents another piece of single-use plastic headed for disposal.
• Non-compressible plastic cartridges: Rigid plastic takes up more space in waste bins and contributes to higher disposal volumes.

2. Efficiency in Application

Foil Sausage Sealants:

• Larger volume per unit: Available in sizes up to 600ml, foil sausages reduce the need for frequent reloading compared to standard 300ml cartridges. Products like the White MS Polymer Multi Adhesive & Sealant – 600ml Foil Pack Sausage are designed for maximum output with minimal changeover during use.

White MS Polymer Multi Adhesive – Ideal for efficient, all-purpose sealing jobs.

• Minimal residue: Nearly all the sealant can be dispensed from a foil pack, unlike tubes that often leave behind unused product.
• Smooth flow: When paired with a barrel gun (a heavy-duty applicator compatible with foil sausages), foil sausage sealants offer consistent, easy application, reducing operator fatigue.

Tube Sealants:

• Smaller capacity: With less volume per tube, more frequent cartridge changes are needed, increasing downtime.
• More leftover product: Rigid cartridges often retain a portion of the sealant that can’t be easily dispensed, leading to waste.

3. Cost and Transport Benefits

Foil Sausage Sealants:

• Lower packaging costs: Foil packs are less expensive to produce and transport.
• Reduced transport emissions: Their compact, lightweight design allows more units per shipment, cutting down on fuel usage and emissions.
• Better storage efficiency: More product can be stored in the same space compared to rigid cartridges.

Tube Sealants:

• Higher transportation impact: Bulkier and heavier, traditional cartridges require more fuel and space for transport, contributing to a larger carbon footprint.

4. Shelf Life and Longevity

Foil Sausage Sealants:

• Improved durability: Airtight foil packaging protects sealant from air and moisture, preventing premature curing and extending usability.
• Stronger barrier properties: This results in less spoilage, helping contractors save money on wasted product.

Tube Sealants:

• Shorter shelf life: Plastic cartridges can allow air infiltration once opened, leading to faster curing and waste if not used quickly.

5. Environmental Impact

While FixFirm offers a versatile barrel gun suitable for foil pack sealants, industry leaders like Makita and Metabo also provide heavy-duty caulk guns tailored for high-volume applications. These tools are designed to handle the demands of foil sausage sealants, ensuring smooth and efficient dispensing on construction sites.

Foil Sausage Sealants:

• Plastic reduction: By significantly cutting down on plastic use, foil sausages offer a more sustainable solution.
• Lower carbon footprint: Fewer emissions from production, transport, and disposal mean foil packs align better with sustainability goals.
• Regulatory alignment: Using foil sausages can help contractors meet the Waste Regulations (England and Wales) 2011 and support Climate Change Act 2008 targets.

Tube Sealants:

• High plastic reliance: Continued use of traditional cartridges contributes to the growing challenge of plastic waste in the construction industry.

6. Equipment Considerations

Foil Sausage Sealants:

• Barrel gun required: A minor adjustment for some, barrel guns are reusable, durable, and low-maintenance.
• Improved application experience: Once adopted, many operators find barrel guns and foil sausages offer a superior dispensing experience.

Tube Sealants:

• Familiar tools: Standard caulking guns are widely, however, their environmental and operational drawbacks are becoming harder to overlook.

Format Face-Off: Foil vs Tube

The table below offers a quick glance at how foil sausage and tube sealants stack up across key metrics.

FixFirm’s Commitment to Sustainability

At FixFirm, we’re dedicated to providing products that meet high performance standards while promoting sustainability. The switch from traditional tube sealants to foil sausages reflects our commitment to reducing waste, improving efficiency, and lowering environmental impact. By choosing FixFirm, our customers align with modern compliance standards and support greener construction practices.

• ISO 14064 certification: FixFirm adheres to rigorous standards for measuring greenhouse gas emissions and removals.
• Carbon reduction plan: We’re working toward carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Energy-efficient upgrades: Our offices and warehouses now feature LED lighting, motion sensors, and electric vehicle charging points.
• Waste tracking and recycling: From reusing packing materials to recycling paper, cardboard, and plastics, we strive to minimise waste.
• Slickstock system: By delivering in reusable trays, this system reduces cardboard box usage and consolidates deliveries, helping our customers improve sustainability on their sites.

Through these efforts, FixFirm demonstrates a commitment to creating environmentally responsible solutions for our customers and our industry.

The construction industry is increasingly held to high environmental and regulatory standards. From waste reduction targets to energy efficiency goals, builders must navigate a complex set of requirements, regulations and guidelines. FixFirm’s sustainability initiatives, such as reducing packaging waste, adopting carbon tracking measures, and implementing energy-saving upgrades, not only demonstrate environmental responsibility but also help construction companies align with these legal requirements. In this section, we’ll explore how FixFirm’s efforts support compliance with key UK regulations and standards, ensuring that your projects remain both environmentally sound and fully compliant.

1. Waste Regulations (England and Wales) 2011

• Requires businesses to follow the waste hierarchy: prevention, reuse, recycling, and disposal as a last resort.
• FixFirm’s efforts to reduce packaging waste, recycle materials, and promote reusable options support compliance with these regulations.

2. The Environmental Protection Act 1990

• Sets out duties for waste management and prevention of pollution.
• FixFirm’s carbon tracking, waste reduction initiatives, and the use of energy-efficient lighting demonstrate steps toward meeting the Act’s requirements.

3. The Climate Change Act 2008

• Legally binding target for the UK to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• FixFirm’s carbon reduction plan, shift to electric vehicles, and focus on energy efficiency help clients align their projects with this national goal.

4. Building Regulations (Part L and Part C)

• Part L: Addresses energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Part C: Covers resistance to moisture, contaminants, and materials sustainability.
• By providing products and systems that minimise waste and lower energy use, FixFirm enables construction firms to meet these regulatory standards.

5. British Standards for Environmental Management (e.g., ISO 14001)

• While not a legal requirement, adherence to ISO 14001 can enhance a company’s environmental management practices.
• FixFirm’s ISO 14064 certification for greenhouse gas quantification and reduction aligns with the broader goals of ISO 14001, helping clients build confidence in their sustainability credentials.

6. BREEAM and Other Voluntary Standards

• BREEAM and similar frameworks encourage the use of sustainable materials and processes.
• FixFirm’s initiatives—such as the Slickstock system, which reduces cardboard use and delivery frequency—support clients seeking higher BREEAM scores.

By adopting FixFirm’s sustainable solutions, construction companies can demonstrate compliance with these regulations, align with national and industry standards, and contribute to their own environmental and sustainability goals.

Product Spotlight: Sustainable Choices from FixFirm

Looking to make the switch? Here are two top-performing, eco-conscious sealant options trusted by contractors across the UK:

•  600ml White F/RM Intumescent & Acoustic Sealant – Foil Sausages: Designed for fire resistance, soundproofing, and sustainability.
•  White MS Polymer Multi Adhesive & Sealant – 600ml Foil Pack Sausage: A high-performance, multi-purpose sealant with a low-waste footprint.
• 600ml Sausage Foil Pack Applicator Gun: This dual purpose gun is made to a high mechanical standard and with an aluminium tube cartridge holder.

Why FixFirm Supports the Switch

At FixFirm, we strive to provide our customers with products that meet both high performance standards and sustainability goals. The move from traditional tube sealants to foil sausages is a small change that delivers big results: less waste, lower costs, improved efficiency, and a smaller environmental footprint. By choosing foil sausage sealants, FixFirm customers can stay ahead of industry trends and meet modern compliance standards with ease.

Need a Different Sealant? Let’s Talk

Can’t find the exact sealant you need in our current range? Get in touch! Our technical team is ready to recommend the right product or arrange a bespoke solution tailored to your project requirements.

Contact us today to discuss your sealant needs and discover how FixFirm can help you build greener, smarter, and more efficiently.