What Cornish Lime does

Cornish Lime, founded circa 1990 and headquartered in Bodmin, Cornwall (Brims Park, Old Callywith Road, PL31 2DZ), is the UK's largest manufacturer and supplier of lime-based building materials, with a 30+ year heritage in building conservation and restoration. The company manufactures and distributes a broad portfolio including Lime Putty matured for a minimum of four months, Quicklime, Natural Hydraulic Limes (NHL2, NHL3.5, NHL5) under the Cornerstone brand and as regional distributor for Saint-Astier and Otterbein, ready-mixed non-hydraulic mortars, the Cornerstone Drymix range (Newbuild, Performance, Marine, Heritage, Masonry Grout variants), lime renders and plasters (Cornerstone Promix, SuperTherm, Insulating Render), breathable mineral paints (national distributor for Beeck; own Cornerstone Lime Paint and Limewash), sands and aggregates, and associated products (insulation boards, lath, mesh, fibres, pigments, cleaners, tools, PPE). Production is conducted under an ISO 9001:2015-certified Factory Production Control system, with over 1,000 tonnes of stock available and an in-house laboratory for mortar analysis and matching. The company also provides consultancy, custom solutions, and paid training courses/webinars.

Revenue is generated through four principal streams: one-time product sales (unit-priced from £2 to £400+, with VAT-inclusive display pricing and volume trade terms), technical/professional services (charged consultancy, mortar analysis, mortar matching, custom solutions), paid training and free webinars, and a trade account program for repeat professional buyers. Go-to-market is sales-led and hybrid: direct e-commerce on cornishlime.co.uk, a physical retail and collection shop at the Bodmin site, trade accounts for builders merchants, architects, surveyors, and contractors, plus phone/email direct sales. Nationwide UK distribution is operated through a mix of in-house delivery (18-tonne vehicle with crane for Cornwall and West Devon) and third-party logistics partners (Palletforce for pallets, APC for parcels under 25kg), with free collection from Bodmin. Customer segments are intentionally diversified across five groups (homeowners, tradesmen/contractors, architects/surveyors, builders merchants, and other lime companies), and the business combines B2C and B2B motions with an emphasis on technical expertise, specification support, and educational content marketing.

Name

Cornish Lime

Legal name

Cornish Lime

Website

https://cornishlime.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cornish Lime is the UK's largest manufacturer and supplier of lime-based building materials, founded circa 1990 in Bodmin, Cornwall. It produces and distributes lime putty, mortars, renders, plasters, breathable paints, sands, and associated products to homeowners, tradesmen, architects, surveyors, builders merchants, and other lime companies across the UK, also serving as national distributor for Beeck Mineral Paints and Vicat Prompt Natural Cement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Lime Building Materials

NAICS

Lime Manufacturing (327410), Lime and Gypsum Product Manufacturing (3274), Cement and Concrete Product Manufacturing (3273)

SIC

Concrete, Gypsum & Plaster Products (3270), Cement, Hydraulic (3241)

akta.pro primary industry

Cementitious Binders & Additives (Fly Ash, Slag, Silica Fume, Lime) (IMADAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Plaster (Gypsum/Lime/Cement) & Basecoat Systems (IMADAEAC)

Keywords

• Lime building materials
• Building restoration products
• Heritage construction supplies
• Natural hydraulic lime
• Lime mortars and renders

Headquarters

HQ city

Bodmin

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: Sale of manufactured lime products including lime putty, ready-mixed mortars, lime renders and plasters, along with resale of third-party lime binders (Saint-Astier, Otterbein), natural cement (Vicat Prompt), breathable paints (Beeck Mineral Paints), sands, aggregates, tools, and associated products. One-time purchase model with prices ranging from £2-400+ per unit.
2. Technical Services: Charged consultancy services including mortar matching, mortar analysis, and custom solutions for building conservation projects.
3. Training Courses: Paid training courses and free webinars for professional development in lime application and building conservation.
4. Trade Account Program: Trade accounts for professionals (builders merchants, contractors, architects) with potentially preferential pricing and terms.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cornish Lime manufactures and supplies lime-based building materials for building restoration, conservation, and new construction across the UK. Its core products include lime putty matured for a minimum of four months, natural hydraulic limes (NHL2, NHL3.5, NHL5), ready-mixed mortars, renders, plasters, breathable paints, and associated tools and accessories. The company also operates an in-house mortar analysis and matching laboratory and provides technical consultancy for conservation projects.

Product overview

Cornish Lime is the largest manufacturer and supplier of lime-based building materials in the UK, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products for building restoration, conservation, and modern construction. The core product lines include Lime & Binders (Lime Putty, Quicklime, Natural Hydraulic Limes from Saint-Astier and Otterbein, Hydrated Lime, Natural Cement), extensive Lime Mortars (Cornerstone Drymix Mortars, Newbuild Mortars, Performance Mortars, Marine Mortars, Heritage Mortars, and Masonry Grouts), Lime Renders & Plasters (Cornish Lime Putty Mortars, Cornerstone Promix range, Insulating Render, SuperTherm Plaster), Breathable Paints (Beeck Mineral Paints, Cornerstone Lime Paint, Earthborn Claypaint, Limewash), Sands, Aggregates, Associated Products (insulation boards, lath, mesh, fillers, fibres, pigments, cleaners), and Tools & PPE. Cornish Lime serves as regional distributor for St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Limes, national distributor for Prompt Natural Cement, and offers technical consultancy services including mortar matching and analysis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Lime Putty High calcium premium lime putty, guaranteed to have been matured for a minimum of four months. Sold by Cornish Lime as a core lime binder for conservation and restoration work.
• Quicklime High calcium pebble or powder quicklime for making lime putty and hot-mixed lime mortars, supplied as part of the Cornish Lime binder range.
• Saint-Astier NHL2 (The Chalk Lime) White 100% Natural Hydraulic Lime with no additives, distributed by Cornish Lime as the regional distributor for Saint-Astier.
• Saint-Astier NHL3.5 (The Versatile Lime) 100% Natural Hydraulic Lime with no additives, distributed by Cornish Lime for general lime mortar applications.
• Saint-Astier NHL5 (The Roman Lime) 100% Natural Hydraulic Lime with no additives, distributed by Cornish Lime for higher strength lime binder applications.
• Otterbein Calcidur NHL2 Tan natural hydraulic lime with a high free lime content, distributed by Cornish Lime as part of the Otterbein lime binder range.
• Otterbein Calcidur NHL3.5 Tan natural hydraulic lime with a high free lime content, distributed by Cornish Lime as part of the Otterbein lime binder range.
• Saint-Astier Tradiblanc (HL5 - The White Lime) White lime with white cement and plasticisers added, distributed by Cornish Lime for applications requiring a white finish.
• Lhoist Peakstone Hydrated Lime Ultra-fine white high-purity calcitic hydrated air lime powder designated CL90 S, distributed by Cornish Lime.
• Vicat Prompt Natural Cement Fast setting, waterproof, salt-water resistant and completely natural cement manufactured by Vicat, distributed nationally by Cornish Lime.
• Cornerstone Drymix Mortars Proprietary ready-mixed hydraulic and non-hydraulic lime mortars for building and pointing, including Coarse Mortar, Medium Mortar, Brickwork Mortar, Pointing Gun Mortar, and Tamar Blend Mortar variants tailored for various applications.
• Cornerstone Newbuild Mortars Multipurpose hydraulic lime mortars and renders designed for new build construction, including Coarse, Medium, and Cement Free variants.
• Cornerstone Performance Mortars Specialized mortars including Roofline Mix, Scantle Mix, Wintermix, and Fast Set variants designed for specific performance applications.
• Cornerstone Marine Mortars Lime and natural cement mortars for exposed marine applications above water level, including L4, LP6, LP8, P10, P15, P30, P50, and P60 strength variants.
• Cornerstone Heritage Mortars High free-lime mortars for ultra-breathable heritage applications, including MK (Metakaolin) and Trass variants.
• Cornerstone Masonry Grouts Ready-mixed lime grouts for void filling and consolidation of solid masonry walls, available in Ultra-Low, Low, Medium, and High Strength variants.
• Cornerstone Insulating Render Fibred render and plaster to enhance thermal performance and moisture management in a white finish.
• Cornerstone SuperTherm Plaster Ultra-lightweight and low density fibred plaster for the thermal insulation of solid walls.
• Cornerstone Promix Renders and Plasters Traditional renders and plasters including Bonding Coat, Traditional Basecoat, Coarse Basecoat, Fibered Basecoat, Medium Topcoat, Fine Topcoat, and Superfine Finishing Plaster.
• Cornish Lime Putty Mortars and Renders Ready-mixed non-hydraulic lime putty mortars and renders including CLM28F Fibered Coarse, CLM28 Coarse, and CLM35 Fine variants.
• Hot Mixed Mortar CLH28 Easy-to-use light cream ready-mixed coarse hot mixed mortar for building and pointing applications.
• Cornish Lime CLM66 Superfine Putty Finishing Plaster Smooth internal finishing plaster with a superfine texture and refined natural white finish.
• Beeck Mineral Paints National distribution range of breathable mineral paints including Renosil Fine, Renosil Coarse, Beeckosil, SP Plus, Maxil Pro, and associated primers and treatments for external facades and interiors.
• Beeck Renosil Fine Fine external basecoat or topcoat mineral paint distributed as part of the Beeck Mineral Paints range.
• Beeck Renosil Coarse Coarse external basecoat mineral paint to help mask imperfections and cracks on facades.
• Beeck Beeckosil (Fine and Coarse) Vapour-permeable active silicate paint for external facades, distributed as part of the Beeck Mineral Paints range.
• Beeck SP Plus Breathable and durable clear water-repellent coating for preserving porous mineral surfaces.
• Beeck Maxil Pro Internal mineral paint with a lightfast matte finish, distributed as part of the Beeck Mineral Paints range.
• Cornerstone Lime Paint Traditional lime paints with a natural matte finish, manufactured by Cornish Lime as part of the Cornerstone range.
• Earthborn Claypaint Luxurious ultra-matt clay paint for interior walls and ceilings, distributed by Cornish Lime.
• Limewash Pure non-hydraulic limewash for interior and exterior walls or ceilings.
• Construction Sands Versatile sands including Coarse Granite Sand (CLS17), Coarse Limestone Sand (CLS24), Coarse Mudstone/Siltstone Sand (CLS26), Coarse Flint Sand (CLS28), Fine Granite Sand (CLS32), Superfine Silica Sand (CLS33), Coarse Silica Sand (CLS34), Fine Flint Sand (CLS35), and more for mortar matching, rendering, and plastering applications. Over 1,000 tonnes available for immediate delivery.
• Aggregates Aggregates including Concreting Aggregate, Harling Grit, and Horticultural Grit for general building and landscaping projects.
• CELENIT L3AB/A2 Insulation Board Composite wood wool insulation boards for improved thermal insulation and sound absorption, distributed through Cornish Lime as part of the Celenit range.
• Professional Tools and Equipment Professional tools including Brick Pointing Tool Kit, Stone Pointing Tool Kit, Pro Plastering Tool Kit, Starter Plastering Tool Kit, CO.ME trowels, brick jointers, floats, scarifiers, Faithfull tools, Marshalltown products, and specialized brushes for pointing, rendering, and plastering.
• PPE and Safety Equipment Personal protective equipment including waterproof gloves, eyewash solutions, masks, and safety gear for construction work.
• Mortar Matching Service Paid in-house laboratory service to analyze existing mortars and match appropriate products for conservation and restoration projects.
• Mortar Analysis Service Paid laboratory analysis of existing mortars to determine composition and inform appropriate material selection for repair and conservation work.
• Building Conservation Consultancy Paid technical consultancy from qualified in-house staff (builder, industrial chemist, surveyor) for product selection and support on building conservation projects.
• Custom Solutions Service Paid bespoke product formulation and custom solutions service for unique building conservation project requirements.
• Kiln Dried Sands Service Paid processing service to provide kiln-dried sands tailored to specific project requirements.
• Training Courses and Webinars Paid training courses and free webinars providing professional development in lime application and building conservation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 30+ years of expertise in building conservation
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Saint-AstiercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCornish Lime serves as the regional distributor for St. Astier Natural Hydraulic Limes, offering their NHL2, NHL3.5, NHL5, and Tradiblanc products alongside their own manufactured lime offerings. This partnership extends product availability and brand distribution across the region.
• Beeck Mineral PaintscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCornish Lime serves as the national distributor for Beeck Mineral Paints, offering their full range of breathable mineral paints including Renosil, Beeckosil, Maxil Pro, SP Plus, and associated primers and treatments. This is a nationwide distribution partnership.
• Prompt Natural Cement (Vicat)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCornish Lime serves as the national distributor for Prompt Natural Cement manufactured by Vicat. This fast-setting, waterproof, salt-water resistant natural cement is distributed nationwide through Cornish Lime's sales channels.
• OtterbeinminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCornish Lime distributes Otterbein lime products including Calcidur NHL2 and NHL3.5 natural hydraulic limes, offering additional options within their lime binder range.
• CelenitminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCelenit wood wool insulation boards are distributed through Cornish Lime as associated products for building insulation applications.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Saint-Astier: French Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) manufacturer whose products Cornish Lime distributes in the UK. Saint-Astier is both a key supplier and a benchmark competitor in the UK's NHL market.
• Lhoist: Global lime giant producing quicklime, hydrated lime, and lime-based products across construction, environmental, and industrial markets. Lhoist is a broad incumbent in lime manufacturing and a scale competitor to niche UK specialists.
• Vicat: Major French cement and lime producer whose Prompt Natural Cement is distributed in the UK by Cornish Lime. Vicat is a broad incumbent in hydraulic binders and a competitive reference point.
• Marshalls: UK-listed building materials group with broad coverage of hard landscaping, aggregates, and concrete products. A broad incumbent in UK building materials distribution with overlapping merchant and contractor channels.
• Heidelberg Materials: One of the world's largest building materials manufacturers producing aggregates, cement, and lime. A broad incumbent whose lime and aggregates products overlap with Cornish Lime's range across broader construction markets.
• Otterbein: German manufacturer of natural hydraulic limes (NHL) and other lime products, distributed in the UK by Cornish Lime. Operates as a peer in the broader European lime-manufacturing landscape.

Direct peers

• Ty-Mawr Lime: Welsh-based specialist in lime building products, breathable plasters, and natural insulation for heritage and sustainable construction—directly comparable to Cornish Lime in target market, product range, and educational/training-led GTM.
• Singleton Birch: One of the UK's largest independent lime producers and a primary direct competitor to Cornish Lime in manufactured lime products, including quicklime, hydrated lime, and lime-based mortars for construction and environmental applications.
• Lime Green: UK manufacturer of lime-based products including lime putty, mortars, renders, and plasters for the heritage and eco-building sectors—directly overlapping product range and customer base with Cornish Lime.

Emerging players

• Beeck Mineral Paints: German specialist manufacturer of breathable silicate mineral paints, distributed nationally in the UK by Cornish Lime. A peer in the breathable-paints category serving the heritage and sustainable construction segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Cornish_Lime
• Facebookfacebook.com/cornish.lime
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cornish-lime

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cornish Lime