CDE to showcase ProPress and clay recovery solutions at Hillhead

CDE will return to Hillhead 2026 to showcase their ProPress filter press technology and demonstrate how advanced wet-processing solutions are helping to transform clay from a waste by-product into a valuable commercial resource.

Designed to support efficient dewatering and material recovery operations, the ProPress is part of CDE’s broader approach to maximizing resource value and improving sustainability across quarrying, recycling, and construction applications.

At this year’s Hillhead exhibition, the company will focus on the growing role of recovered clay in lower-carbon construction and infrastructure projects. With the global cement sector facing increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as calcined clay are emerging as an important alternative to clinker in cement production.

Rather than relying on newly quarried material, CDE’s wet-processing systems are designed to recover clay from existing waste and excavation streams, including overburden, construction, demolition, and excavation (CD&E) waste, tunnelling spoil, and dredged materials.

According to the company, once recovered and processed using washing technology, clay can be repurposed for a range of high-value applications across construction, land engineering, and infrastructure projects. These include use as cohesive fill material, stabilizing layers in road and utility construction, and as impermeable barriers for ponds, lagoons, and landfill operations.

CDE say the continued development of their processing technologies is helping to shift industry perceptions of clay, supporting a move away from disposal and towards resource recovery and material reuse.

At Hillhead 2026, the company aims to demonstrate how innovative wet-processing solutions can help producers unlock new commercial opportunities from previously underutilized waste materials while supporting broader sustainability and carbon-reduction objectives across the construction materials sector.

William Melanophy, CDE’s head of solutions, said: ‘We’re really looking forward to once again showcasing the latest innovations in wet processing for the sand, aggregates and waste recycling industries at Hillhead, which is a flagship event for us.’

Con Gallagher, CDE’s head of business development for the UK and Ireland, added: ‘The UK and Ireland market is hugely important to us. We’ve found that 73% of our customers in this region are repeat customers, which is a testament not only to the quality of our solutions but also to our CustomCare team, who are on hand all day, every day, to ensure our customers get the support they need.

‘When it comes to the ProPress, we’ve seen some customers choose to install our innovation over previous suppliers, proving that the years spent researching and developing this product are valued by our customers. We really welcome the opportunity to connect with customers and industry partners to discuss our latest developments in maximizing the value of clay.’