Can I Use Recycled Plastic As A Building Material?

The construction industry is known for waste and one part it is trying to do to minimise its impact on the environment is to use recycled materials. Plastic is a perfect building material with the ability to be strong and durable. It is a great material for kitchens and wet areas since it is not porous and will not swell once wet like wood. With a range of thicknesses available, it is a material that should be overlooked for your next project.

Why is plastic used as a building material:

 

• • Durable

• • Low Maintenance

• • Waterproof

• • Easy to clean with only mild detergent and a damp cloth

• • Termite Proof & Bacteria Resistant

• • Shock and Impact Resistant

• • Rust Resistant

• • Stain Resistant

• • Rot resistant

• • Corrosion resistant.

• • Strong

• • Lightweight

• • Easy to mould

• • Chip & Shatter Proof

• • Outlasts alternatives

• • Easy to repair

• • Recyclable at end of Life

The most common plastics used in construction are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and expanded polystyrene (EPS). Plastic is used for various applications such as seals, windows and doors, pipes, cables, floor coverings, installations, and benchtops.

By sourcing recycled plastic for your next project you are helping to reduce the amount of pollution and also the negative impacts purchasing virgin materials have on the environment.

Did you know that 98% of steel is remanufactured across the globe, wouldn’t this be amazing to get plastic to a point where it becomes too brittle and can be processed into oil rather than just sitting in a landfill?

We provide a variety of thicknesses to work with your project and what you need the plastic to do. Chat to us about creating your next project out of recycled materials.

We understand that not all buildings and applications are great for plastic and we would encourage you to discuss with our engineering team your use of plastic. As most people are aware plastics do degrade under the action of direct sunlight which reduces their mechanical strength. Many plastics are flammable unless treated. Low modulus of elasticity: makes them unsuitable for load-bearing applications. However, we should not dismiss plastic altogether.

Get in touch to discuss your next project.