However, plastic has a reputation as a non-recyclable and environment unfriendly material. It is in this context that the campaign to recycle plastic and produce construction products from recycled plastic assumes great significance.
Wall claddings, soffits and fascias can be made from recycled plastic. Other construction products being made from recycled plastic include damp proof membranes, water drainage, pipes and ducting, kerbstones, roofing materials, piling and ground stabilization, scaffolding planks, decking and flooring products and fencing.
Sources for Recycled Plastic Raw Materials
Post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste is the main source of recycled plastic. Sometimes, this recycled plastic is blended with recycled wood to make a wood-polymer composite.
Plastic bottles, bags and wrapping film provide recyclable polyethylene. CD cases, vending cups and food packaging yield polystyrene for recycling. Recyclable PVC is obtained from windows and industrial products.
Why Use Recycled Plastic Products?
Definite business benefits can be obtained from using recycled plastic products.
COST: Recycled plastic products are durable and long-lived, do not need much maintenance and do not suffer from such problems as rot. Hence, the lifetime costs of recycled plastic products will be lower and they will be excellent value for money.
STRENGTH AND VERSATILITY: Plastic has high strength-to-weight ratio. Light products mean easier handling, often eliminating mechanical handling aids and still complying with Health & Safety regulations. Plastic is versatile with a wide range of construction products being made with recycled plastic. You could get much of your requirements in the form of recycled plastic construction products.
The products also typically meet standards specifications.
PREFERENCE IN TENDERS: Public sector contracts are easier to win if you can show that you are using environmentally sustainable products. Even private sector organizations are beginning to give preference to contractors with a reputation for using recycled products.
CONTRIBUTION TO ENVIRONMENT: By using recycled plastic products, you are telling the world that you care for the environment. This can go a long way in generating goodwill that can benefit your business.
Recycled plastic products require little maintenance and upkeep, are inert and do not pollute water bodies or soil, and can be fully recycled at the end of their lives.
By using recycled plastic products, you are creating a demand for more recycled plastic raw materials, removing them from polluting places.
Conclusion
Recycling used plastic consumer and industrial products is a reality now. Many plastic product manufacturers use recycled plastic as raw material, sourcing their requirements from plastic waste such as bottles, CD cases and discarded industrial plastic products.
Many recycled plastic products are used by the construction industry. These include wall claddings, soffits and fascias as well as fencing, drainage, kerbstones and roofing products.
You can get concrete business benefits by creating a reputation for using recycled products. These include preferences in tenders and business goodwill.
