The global roofing industry faces a mounting issue: shingle waste. Asphalt shingles—long prized for their affordability and ease of use—are now under scrutiny for what happens after their 20–30-year lifespan ends. In 2025, with construction booming across Kerala and India, the question is no longer “How do we build faster?” but “How do we build smarter and waste less?”
At Scaffs India, we’re exploring a shift towards circular roofing systems—where waste becomes a resource, not a liability.
The Problem: Mountains of Shingle Waste
Globally, over 11 million tons of asphalt shingles are discarded each year. In India, as urban and rural developments accelerate, the volume of shingle waste is rising—often ending up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to:
Air and groundwater pollution
Increased carbon emissions
Unnecessary strain on local waste management systems
Traditional 3-tab shingles and even premium materials often lack recycling infrastructure in most regions, including Kerala.
What Is Circular Roofing?
Circular roofing refers to materials and systems designed with their entire lifecycle in mind. Instead of a “take-make-dispose” model, circular design follows a closed loop:
Design for durability and disassembly
Reuse and repurpose end-of-life materials
Enable recycling or upcycling at scale
Use recycled inputs in production
Circular roofing doesn’t just reduce waste—it also lowers energy use, supports green certifications, and can even boost resale value.
Current Shingle Options: Can They Be Circular?
✅ Recyclable Asphalt Shingles
Many modern asphalt shingles—like the Architectural Roofing Shingles offered by Scaffs India—can be recycled into:
Asphalt roads
Roofing mats
Fuel for cement kilns
However, local recycling capacity remains limited. The challenge lies in collection, segregation, and processing.
♻️ Bio-Based Shingles
New materials like hemp fibres, algae-derived polymers, and other bio-resins are entering the roofing market. While not yet mainstream in India, bio-based shingles show potential to fully biodegrade or be composted, opening up zero-waste roofing possibilities.
Explore our recent feature:
📖 Bio-Based Shingles: Can Hemp or Algae Replace Asphalt?
☀️ Solar Shingle Integration
Solar-infused shingles—like Tejas Borja’s Solar Roof Tiles—don’t just produce power during their lifespan. When engineered modularly, they can be disassembled, upgraded, or repurposed, making them ideal for circular design.
The Builder’s Role in Circular Roofing
If you’re a contractor or architect in Kerala, your decisions matter. Here’s how you can adopt circular principles in your roofing projects:
🔹 Design for Disassembly
Choose shingles and roof accessories (like Tejas Borja’s TB-12 tiles) that can be easily separated and sorted at end-of-life.
🔹 Source Recycled or Certified Materials
Work with suppliers like Scaffs India who offer green-certified, recyclable, and long-life roofing products.
Check out our Premium Designer Shingles—engineered for durability and sustainability.
🔹 Offer Take-Back or Disposal Support
Partner with local waste agencies or material recovery services to divert roofing debris from landfills.
What Needs to Happen Next?
India’s roofing industry—and especially eco-conscious builders in Kerala—must collaborate on:
Local recycling infrastructure for shingles
Clear product labeling for recyclability
Incentives for circular design from regulators
Builder training on end-of-life handling
At Scaffs India, we’re advocating for closed-loop roofing ecosystems—from smart product design to responsible disposal.
Final Thought: From Waste to Worth
The shingle waste crisis is not just an environmental issue—it’s a design challenge. By embracing circular roofing, builders and buyers can drive a low-carbon, low-waste future without sacrificing style or performance.
♻ Ready to Build Smarter?
Scaffs India offers roofing shingles and tiles that fit beautifully into a circular construction vision—from asphalt to solar-integrated tiles and everything in between.
👉 Contact our team to explore sustainable roofing solutions for your next project.
At Scaffs India, we provide comprehensive roof inspection and repair services. Our team will assess the damage and ensure your roof is in top condition. Learn more about our roof repair services.
Scaffs India is your go-to expert for premium roofing shingles in Kerala—combining aesthetics, performance, and protection for every project.We invite you to explore some of the beautiful roofing choices.For more information regarding how IKO Roofing shingles can be used for your roofing project, visit our
contact page link here and get in touch. or call +91 96455 55534.