Landscape & Urban Design Issue 33 2018 | Page 64

PLASWOOD INCREASED DEMAND FOR RENEWABLE PRODUCT Demand for Plaswood – recycled plastic lumber and furniture - is on the increase as specifiers, architects, landscape designers, construction companies and many more realise the benefits of the sustainable, eco-friendly substitute for non- renewable materials, such as wood, concrete and steel. Plaswood lumber is strong, durable, waterproof, maintenance free, versatile and 100% recyclable. Made in the UK from 100% recycled plastic the product supports the circular economy and is not a wood composite like many other plastic wood products on the market. Plaswood’s roots date back to the 1980’s. Today it is manufactured by RPC bpi recycled products, Europe’s largest plastic recycler, at its dedicated factory in Dumfries, Scotland. The company boasts an annual recycling capacity in excess of 150,000 tonnes of plastic. Today Plaswood is a leading brand providing structural and practical solutions and products such as board walks, revetment walls, jetties, bridges, street furniture, bollards and signage. Plaswood is an ideal material for structures located in harsh or wet environments as it is impervious to all weather conditions and water. Mike Baxter, External Affairs Director, RPC bpi recycled products explains “Demand for Plawood has hit an all- 64 Landscape & Urban Design Issue 34 2018 time high. We serve a broad range recycled for further environmental of businesses across the outdoor consideration. Plaswood is truly a construction sector where Plaswood’s closed loop product for the 21 century. long life qualities make it the perfect wood substitute. Plaswood doesn’t wear, rot, rust or degrade with age but adds real value over the life of the product. It has a clear edge over wooden structures as it requires no annual maintenance.” “As a leading manufacturer and supplier of recycled plastic products we take our environmental stewardship responsibly, operating with due concern for the environment in which we live and work.” Mike continued. “We continually seek to Although robust, Plaswood is flexible in improve our performance by setting the sense it can be formed into virtually objectives and targets combined with any shape and is versatile as it can clear management programmes and be used alongside steel and concrete initiatives to minimise our impact too. The high performance product on the environment. As the market is non-absorbing and weatherproof, for more sustainable landscape and which makes it a more sustainable building materials continues to grow and cost-effective than traditional we are investing and enlarging our building materials. It eco-friendly production facilities to meet the credentials are enhanced as it doesn’t increased demand for our products.” require painting or preservation once fitted, and after usage it can be fully For further product information: www.plaswoodgroup.com