On-Site SMR Mixing & Sustainable Reinstatement
Transforming excavated arisings into high-performance, low-carbon backfill – directly at source. Cappers SMR delivers mobile or depot-based SMR production that cuts cost, reduces carbon, and improves reinstatement quality.
about us
Cappers SMR is part of the Cappers Group – a trusted Scottish civil engineering and utility contractor with over 22 years of excavation and reinstatement expertise.
We specialise in the on-site production and supply of Structural Material for Reinstatement (SMR): a sustainable, engineered backfill created by upcycling excavated materials.
Our mobile SMR systems turn waste arisings into specification-compliant backfill that improves performance, reduces programme time, and significantly cuts carbon emissions.
Sustainable, circular-economy materials
Focused on long-term partnerships and value
22+ years of real-world reinstatement experience
Mobile on-site or depot-based production
Verified strength and compaction results
What is
Structural Material for Reinstatement (SMR) is a controlled, engineered non flowable material used to reinstate utility excavations in roads, and footpaths and creation of hard standing areas and haul roads. Instead of relying on imported recycled or Type 1 aggregate, SMR blends excavated arisings with a specialist eco-binder to achieve superior strength and compaction values.
The result is a reinstatement material that:
- ♻️ Enables circular-economy construction
- 💸 Eliminates most tipping and haulage costs
- ⚡ Speeds up programme delivery
- 📊 Provides full verification and traceability
- 🌍 Significantly reduces carbon footprint
SMR delivers high performance while turning waste into a valuable asset.
How It Works?
Assessment & Sampling
We attend site, assess excavated materials, and take representative samples for testing and mix design.
Set-Up & Calibration
Our compact mobile SMR mixers set up on your site or depot in 30 minutes. Binder dosage are calibrated to your project material specification. Weights and mix strength calibrated using state of the art volumetric laser scanning camera technology.
Processing
Excavated arisings are screened and processed through the mixer with controlled eco-binder dosing, producing consistent, high strength engineered backfill.
Installation
The SMR is installed into the excavation and compacted in layers as per SROR/SROH standards, forming a high strength backfill solution.
Every batch is fully verified and traceable
Following strict WRAP protocol every batch is compaction tested and cube strength tests taken on 7 and 28 days by Cappers SMR.
The Problem?
Traditional reinstatement relies on a linear, waste-heavy process:
• Excavated material is removed from site
• Lorries transport waste to landfill or recycling
• Vehicles return empty or travel to quarries for Type 1
• Quarried aggregate has a major carbon footprint
• Imported materials are used to reinstate the excavation
• More HGV movements → more cost, more emissions, more disruption
Result:
High carbon. High cost. High waste.
A process that is linear, inefficient, and carbon-intensive.
The Solution?
Our mobile on-site system replaces this entire cycle.
• We bring a compact SMR mixing plant to your site
• Excavated arisings are screened, and crushed where required
Materials are engineered into SMR and reinstated immediately
• Performance exceeds virgin or recycled Type 1
• No imported aggregate, dramatically fewer lorry movements
• Faster reinstatement and improved programme certainty
Result:
Circular, compliant, high-performance reinstatement with major cost and carbon savings.
Key Benefits
Carbon Savings
Fewer lorry movements and reduced quarrying demand lead to significant CO₂ reduction.
Circular Economy
Excavated arisings are reused on-site — lowering waste and eliminating imported materials.
Superior Performance
Produces stronger, more uniform reinstatement than traditional Type 1.
Programme Efficiency
Less transport → fewer delays → quicker installation and faster project completion.
Social Value
Reduced HGV traffic improves road safety and minimises disruption to communities.
Compliance
Fully aligned with utility, highways, and sustainability targets and New Roads & Street Works Act 1991 (May 2023 5th edition)
Collection & Supply Options
Choose the option that suits your project:
On-Site SMR Production
We bring our mobile mixer to your project site, depot or hub, delivering immediate, verified SMR produced from your own arisings.
Depot-Based SMR Supply
Clients can tip arisings and collect ready-mixed SMR from:
• Our main Blackridge depot
• Satellite mixing depots across Central Scotland
• Clients own depots and hubs
A flexible, cost-effective alternative for projects not requiring on-site production.
Our Mission
Our mission is to set a new standard in reinstatement. One that values sustainability, performance, and innovation equally.
Cappers SMR helps clients upcycle materials, reduce environmental impact, and achieve Net Zero goals without compromising quality, safety, or programme delivery.
We are committed to delivering a reinstatement solution that is efficient, sustainable, and dependable. Our goal is to support clients with a process that is simple, predictable, and aligned with long-term performance and environmental objectives.
Faster, Smarter Delivery
SMR allows reinstatement to progress immediately — avoiding delays caused by haulage, tipping, or waiting for imported materials.
Cost Efficiency
Upcycling arisings reduces transport, disposal, and aggregate import costs, helping clients manage budgets more effectively.
Sustainability Built In
Every mix reduces carbon emissions, supports circular-economy outcomes, and contributes directly to corporate Net Zero commitments.
Guaranteed Quality & Compliance
Each batch is tested, verified, and compliant with NRSWA and SROR standards — ensuring durable, reliable reinstatements every time.
Get In Touch
Got a question or urgent request? Contact us now and we’ll respond promptly.
discuss SMR solutions for your project now
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