Specialist aggregates for industry and infrastructure
We supply a diverse range of specialist aggregates designed to meet the specific needs of different sectors, from agriculture and food production to industrial manufacturing and rail infrastructure.
Our high-quality materials are produced to exact standards and are available for delivery across the UK through our extensive supply network. All specialist aggregates from Heidelberg Materials are backed by technical expertise and sustainable sourcing practices.
Whether you require agricultural lime for soil conditioning, rail ballast for track stability, or specialist sands for filtration or manufacturing, we have a reliable, certified specialist aggregate for your application.
Our specialist aggregates
Browse our range of specialist aggregates to find the right material for your application.
Agricultural limestone
Our agricultural limestone, also known as AgLime, is a finely ground calcium carbonate product used to neutralise acidic soils and improve soil structure. It enhances nutrient availability and promotes healthier crop growth, making it an essential material in arable and pastureland management.
Produced to meet Aglime Quality Standard, our AgLime is available in various grades and is suitable for both conventional and precision farming applications.
Rail track ballast
We supply durable, angular rail track ballast produced from high-quality crushed rock. It’s designed to provide railway infrastructure with:
- Stability
- Drainage
- Load distribution
- Long-term performance
Used across the UK rail network, our rail ballast meets the specifications required for mainline, freight, and light rail systems. It’s available in bulk for delivery to rail-connected depots and construction sites.
Builth gold dust
Builth gold dust is a premium decorative aggregate known for its distinctive golden hue and fine texture. It offers both aesthetic appeal and functional performance, and is ideal for:
- Landscaping
- Pathways
- Golf courses
- Heritage restoration projects
As a decorative aggregate supplier, our Builth gold dust is available in both bulk and bagged formats, sourced from select quarries. The aggregate is available in a range of grades for ease of use in commercial and domestic settings.
Animal feed and food-grade aggregates
The animal feed and food-grade aggregates that we produce meet strict hygiene and safety standards for use in livestock nutrition and food processing applications. These aggregates include:
- Calcium-rich limestone
- Other mineral-based aggregates are used as feed additives or processing aids
All of our animal feed and food-grade materials are produced under controlled conditions. They all comply with relevant UK and EU regulations, ensuring quality and traceability throughout the supply chain.
Specialist sands
Our range of specialist sands is tailored for use in industrial, horticultural, leisure, and filtration applications. The materials include sands for:
- Glass manufacturing
- Water filtration
- Sports surfaces
- Equestrian arenas
- Root zone construction
Specialist sands from Heidelberg Materials are produced to precise grading and cleanliness standards. They are available in a variety of specifications to meet the technical requirements of any application.
Sport and leisure aggregates
Our specialist aggregates for the sport and leisure sector are engineered to deliver performance, safety and durability.
We supply high-quality, consistent products trusted by professionals across the UK for:
- Sports sub-base for pitch construction
- Specialist sands
- Aggflow – Sustainable Drainage Solutions (SuDS)
- And more
Whether you are building a sports pitch, a tennis court, or a landscaped leisure space, you’ll find the right aggregate solution for your project from Heidelberg Materials.
Sectors we work with
We supply specialist aggregates to a wide range of sectors across the UK. Heidelberg Materials supports public and private sector projects with high-quality, application-specific materials.
Our experience and technical expertise means we’re able to meet the unique requirements of each industry we serve. Our materials are trusted by contractors, engineers, manufacturers, farmers, and local authorities for their quality, consistency and compliance with UK standards.
Specialist aggregates for every application
Agriculture
Supplying agricultural limestone (AgLime) to improve soil health and crop productivity.
Rail infrastructure
Providing certified rail ballast for mainline, freight, and light rail networks
Food and animal nutrition
Delivering food-grade and feed-grade aggregates for safe, regulated use in food production and livestock feed.
Industrial manufacturing
Offering specialist sands and minerals for use in glassmaking, filtration, and other industrial processes.
Sport and leisure
Supplying decorative and functional aggregates for golf courses, equestrian arenas, parks, and public spaces.
Construction and civil engineering
Supporting infrastructure, drainage, and environmental protection projects with tailored aggregate solutions.
Specialist aggregates FAQs
- What are specialist aggregates?
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Specialist aggregates have technical properties that go beyond those in standard construction aggregates. At Heidelberg Materials, we produce and supply a range of specialist aggregates to meet the demands of particular sectors. These materials include:
- Agricultural lime
- Builth Gold Dust
- Animal feed and food-grade aggregates
The applications our specialist aggregates support is wide-ranging, from soil conditioning and rail track stability to filtration and manufacturing.
- Why is ballast used on railways?
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Rail tracks use ballast for a number of reasons, such as:
- Providing stability and load distribution - it anchors the tracks to prevent movement and maintain the alignment of the rails.
- Ensuring adequate drainage - ballast creates a porous bed, so rainwater can drain away. This prevents high volumes of water accumulating on the track, which could weaken its overall structure.
- Reducing vibration and noise - ballast is made from stone, which helps to absorb the noise and vibrations made by passing trains.
- Where are decorative aggregates used?
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Decorative aggregates, like gravel, slate, and pebbles, are used in both indoor and outdoor settings. These include:
- Gardens (e.g. borders and flowerbeds)
- Footpaths Driveways
- Filler (e.g. around patios)
The specialist aggregates enhance the appearance of a space, as well as:
- Improving drainage
- Protecting plants from harsh weather conditions
- Preventing erosion (in applications such as river defences)
Order the material in bulk or bagged from Heidelberg Materials, a decorative aggregate supplier - please contact us to place your order.
- How much decorative aggregate do I need?
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To understand how much aggregate you need for your project, follow these steps:
- Measure the length and width of the space requiring the decorative aggregate.
- Decide the depth you’d like the aggregate to reach - it’s usually between 30mm and 50mm for decorative purposes.
- Multiply the length by the width by the depth to get the volume of aggregate you need.
Please note, this calculation will give you a volume in cubic metres. Use an online tool to convert the volume to other units.
- What are the typical uses of food-grade aggregates in the food industry?
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Food-grade aggregates typically come as powders or granules. The food industry uses them to change the characteristics of food products, such as their:
- Texture
- Appearance
- Flowability
- Stability
The specialist aggregates can be used as both processing aids (for instance, to add hardness) and functional ingredients (for example, binders).
All of the food-grade aggregates produced and supplied by Heidelberg Materials are produced under controlled conditions to meet strict hygiene and safety standards and comply with relevant UK and EU regulations.
Please contact us for more information on the different types of food-grade aggregates we supply.
- How do you choose the right type of aggregate for a specific construction project?
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There are many different specialist aggregates to choose from for your construction project, from primary aggregates (like natural sand) to secondary aggregates, like crushed concrete aggregate. It’s important you opt for the most appropriate material to meet demands, including:
- Desired technical properties
- Sustainability commitments
- Timeframes
Our guide to construction aggregates has everything you need to know and understand about the different aggregates available and how to choose the right one for your project.
