Plastic lumber, poly-wood, permo-wood, envirowood, poly lumber and eco-lumber are all names for the same great product - no matter what you call it - it all still refers to the revolutionary material that is transforming the casual and patio furniture industry. Poly wood is both environmentally friendly and economically viable.
Constructed from recycled milk jugs and plastic containers, recycled plastic lumber is formed into many of the profiles you would expect from traditional lumber. This feature allows it to be sawed, cut and screwed much the same as wood lumber. It is now being used for decking, railings, picnic tables, benches, patio furniture and even childrens playground equipment. Consumers can rest assured that the use of recycled poly lumber helps to keep billions of pounds of recyclable plastics from entering our every growing landfills. Due to increased environmental awareness post consumer plastic bottle recycling has dramatically increased over the past ten years from 234 million pounds to over a staggering 1.5 billion pounds.
Traditional hardwood lumber is often treated with hazardous chemicals to ward off possible insect attacks. It also will over time need sanding and some type of refinishing and will also start to rot if left out in the elements for prolonged periods of time. On the contrary, plastic lumber contains no hazardous chemicals and can not leak or contaminate the soil nor does it require any maintenance beyond cleaning as needed which usually just requires hosing off.
Recycled plastic lumber is built to withstand all of the elements from frosty winters, to tropical sun and salty, windy coastal weather. This plastic lumber is weighty and not to be confused with a thin plastic product that his formed and molded into chairs that you find at many home supply stores. Poly lumber is actually formed into 2x4's, 2x6's and the like to then be cut, screwed and assembled into furniture that will adorn your patio, deck, poolside or garden. New applications for this product are being thought up every day. The most recent suggestion was for an artificial reef which would have a life span of 60 years submerged in the ocean.
Recycled plastic lumber is an economically viable alternative to traditional hardwood lumber. It is built to last a lifetime so there will be no replacing your splintering, bug infested or rotting patio furniture in a matter of years. Recycled plastic lumber is a friend to numerous environmental issues such as deforestation. By using recycled products for furniture you are helping to reduce the use of our forests and precious air filtering trees for our day to day needs! We all know that our forests and trees play a major role in helping prevent global warming.
Therefore, recycled plastic lumber is quickly becoming a resource that is sought out in all types of applications with both environmental advantages as well as economical advantages. Recycled plastic lumber is definitely a product worth looking into with virtually no maintenance the advantages of this environmentally friendly product is undeniable.
Made From Recycled Plastic
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.
Both Donna Reed & Alan Matchett are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Donna Reed has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Appliances, Environment and Home Appliances. Donna Reed is an active environmentalist associated with Green Peace and the Sierra Club. Her focus on environmental issues has turned to the recycling industry and products that are made from recycled plastics.. Donna Reed's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
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