How to use recycled plastic products in building and construction

The construction industry, in some form or another, has existed since the earliest records of mankind. From the building of the pyramids to the Burj Khalifa, countless workers have used an exorbitant amount of materials to erect such large-scale buildings, but are we still using the same types of materials today? Starting with traditional materials like wood, and moving to the widespread use of plastic in the 1960s, the evolution of building materials has long been a way for the industry to innovate and grow.

In the 21st century, there is increased pressure to deliver construction projects using materials that are not only cost-effective but also climate-effective. Construction materials must now be chosen in consideration for the environmental impact they cause. As owners and developers face more and more scrutiny from eco-conscious consumers, their decisions around construction contracts are likely to be influenced by whether a company is making choices that support the fight against climate change. 

Recycled plastic products, however, might be the solution that balances sustainability and performance. Despite the common understanding around the environmental impact of plastics, recycled plastic products are actually more sustainable than traditional ‘natural’ materials like wood.

Read on to learn about how recycled materials can be used in the construction industry and why they are taking the industry by storm.

Get enthusiastic about recycled plastic

The construction industry has benefited from the widespread use of plastic for years, as it outperforms traditional building materials. However, its devastating impact on the environment has made it an irresponsible choice in the wake of the current climate crisis.

Recycled plastic products are a sustainable alternative to virgin plastics, without compromising on the efficacy or quality of the product. Compared to traditional materials like wood, they are stronger, more durable and don’t need to be replaced due to rot, splintering or cracking. 

Wooden building materials are often difficult to dispose of responsibly, as they are either treated or mixed with laminates to achieve a performance similar to plastics. This process means they are often unsuitable for recycling and so end up in landfills. The construction solutions offered by Centriforce, on the other hand, are made from 100% recycled plastic that contributes to the circular economy, helping divert plastic waste away from landfills. 

• Recycled plastic has a 5 times longer life compared to wood which can rot, splinter and crack.
• Recycled plastic can be recycled again, while treated wood materials must be disposed of after use.
• Recycled plastic is a cost-effective material, as products don’t need regular replacement or maintenance.

More than plastic

Recycled plastic products are just as versatile as plastic; they are waterproof, chemical resistant, and impact resistant, making them a low-maintenance and long-lasting construction material. 

In addition to its quality, the sustainability benefits of recycled plastic are a definite draw for the industry. If all plastic were recycled instead of going to landfill, 30 to 150 million tonnes of CO2 would be saved each year, resulting in a major positive impact on the planet and helping us reach Net2050.

Construction, not reparation

The nature of construction often means there is some expected destruction during the process, especially when using ground-heavy tools and machinery, so it’s important to use ground protection to ensure this isn’t damaging on a larger scale. Repairs are expensive and the damage to surfaces could extend to damage to your business’ reputation. 

At Centriforce, we offer a range of recycled plastic products specifically designed for the construction industry.

Stokbord® Road Shield

Whether it be heavy machinery, rubble or debris, the Stokbord® Road Shield offers high tensile strength and helps keep mess to a minimum. The recycled plastic sheet features ergonomic handles and round corners for seamless installation, providing effective protection against damage to the ground.

For more insight into how best to minimise damage to road surfaces read here.

Stokbord® Sheet

This versatile and durable sheet is ideal for the construction sector as it can be used to protect the ground from heavy machinery. It is easy to clean and virtually maintenance-free, keeping costs low without compromising on high performance. More recently, Stokbord® Sheet has been used as a wall protector.

Stokbord® Floor Shield

Construction projects take place indoors and outdoors. Whether renovating a house or carrying out restoration work on a historic building, the Stokbord® Floor Shield is a great option for internal protection. Made from 100% recycled plastic, reusable and featuring anti-slip markings to increase safety on site, the sheet can help protect internal floors from scratches, dents and marks. 

Able to be used time and time again thanks to its inherent durability and impact resistance, the Stokbord® Floor Shield is a cost-effective, environmentally friendly solution that outperforms traditional plywood protective sheets. 

The Stokbord® Floor Shield has been tried, tested and trusted by the industry. 

Read about why it was selected to help protect the floor for a social media giant during internal office renovations here.

Recycled plastic products are already trusted and valued within the construction industry, and they are only going to become more popular due to the plethora of benefits they bring to the sector. With unbeatable performance combined with a positive sustainable impact, it’s no surprise that recycled plastics are chosen more by construction companies and developers all the time.

Interested in finding out more? Learn about the recycling process  carried out at Centriforce, or speak to one of our experts today to find the best solution for you.