Top five uses for recycled plastic sheets

Recycled plastic sheets are revolutionising industries by tackling the longstanding limitations of traditional materials. 

This blog explains the many benefits of recycled plastic sheets, highlighting their superiority over conventional plywood.

Why Choose Plastic Sheets Over Wood?

Recycled plastic alternatives to plywood are rapidly gaining popularity across various sectors, driven by their strength, durability, and eco-friendliness. As sustainability becomes a key concern, these alternatives are gaining popularity with consumers and clients.

Typically crafted from recycled polyethylene plastic, these sheets actively divert single-use plastic away from landfills whilst offering solutions to problems. With superior endurance and flexibility, this green alternative outperforms plywood. 

Key Reasons to Opt for Plastic Sheets:

Environmental Sustainability: Contrary to misconceptions about plywood being a more natural choice, recycled plastic sheets actively divert single-use plastic from landfill and are  100% recyclable. It contributes to a circular economy, unlike plywood, which contains chemicals in its adhesive which are non-recyclable and emit toxic gases.

Improved longevity: Recycled plastic sheets outperform plywood sheets when it comes to durability. Unlike wood and other materials, plastic sheets don’t rot, rust, or break down over time making them a great choice for outdoor use because they won’t get damaged by water and moisture ingress.

Plywood, on the other hand, can start to rot and weaken when in wet conditions, meaning it needs to be replaced regularly.

Thanks to their robust construction, plastic sheets boast an impressive lifespan that can extend up to five times longer than that of traditional plywood. This longevity translates to significant cost savings for businesses in the long term, as they won’t have to replace these sheets as frequently, leading to enhanced sustainability and improved bottom-line results.

Minimal maintenance: Plastic sheets are incredibly tough and require minimal maintenance, making them a practical choice for building sites or any outdoor project. Regardless of the weather – whether it is hot or raining – these plywood alternatives won’t splinter, or crack easily. This durability means businesses won’t have to replace them as often, saving time and money once again. 

What’s more, as they are waterproof, cleaning is made far easier. After carrying out work, customers can easily wash with water and even chemicals, and they will be as good as new, ready for the next job. 

This not only saves users the hassle but also presents a professional image to their customers. It is a practical solution that helps keep projects running effectively. In addition to this, when plywood is no longer fit for purpose, there are significant associated costs with the disposal of it. 

Impact resistance: Whilst plywood has been a common ground protection material on construction sites for decades, there has been a shift to a more impact-resistant alternative in recent years. 

Plastic sheets offer superior protection because of their flexibility, which evenly distributes impact, preventing damage to both the sheet and the ground from heavy equipment.

Top uses

The potential applications of recycled plastic sheets span a wide spectrum of industries, ranging from agriculture to construction. The intriguing question is: How can they be harnessed to their full potential?

 1. Fencing

Create durable and eco-friendly fences and privacy panels with recycled plastic boards. They won’t warp, splinter, or require regular painting, making them a smart choice for long-lasting boundaries.

 2. Wall cladding 

Construct durable retaining walls using recycled plastic sheets. These boards are moisture-resistant and maintain their integrity over time, ensuring dependable support for landscaping and garden projects. Additionally, wall cladding made from recycled plastic can also be a viable option for interior projects.

3. Ground protection

Plastic sheets in construction are the perfect ground protection solution. Heavy equipment, materials and rubble are in construction every day and the need to prevent damage to the ground is a must to avoid being charged reparation fees. Unlike plastic sheets, plywood sheets can chip, splinter or crack so need replacement often, making them a poor and impractical choice.

 4. Pallets & packaging

Recycled plastic’s robust structural strength and its ease of fabrication make it the preferred choice for pallets and packaging solutions. Whether it’s for small-scale purposes like crafting compact storage boxes or for creating temporary enclosures for animals, the versatile qualities of recycled plastic open up endless possibilities for its usage.

 5. Building Cladding for animal shelters 

Animal shelters can experience a remarkable transformation when both their interiors and exteriors are adorned with recycled plastic cladding. The application of this cladding on the shelter’s exterior not only fortifies the structure but also provides impeccable waterproofing, enhancing its resilience against the elements.

In agricultural contexts, this material takes on an even more crucial role by elevating animal welfare standards. Its unique chemical inertness allows for hassle-free cleaning using the right chemicals, guaranteeing exceptionally high hygiene levels. This, in turn, effectively combats the spread of diseases and infections, ensuring the well-being of the animals.

To see Centriforce products being used for animal shelters, check out our case study here.

The saying “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it” holds true for plywood, its frequent breakage and need for replacement necessitate a stronger, more resilient alternative. 

Recycled plastic options outperform plywood in all aspects, not only in terms of performance and durability but also in addressing the pressing concern of sustainability. 

Get in touch with our team today who will be happy to help with any enquiries.