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What is Plaswood?

Published on 03 January 2023

Posted in Inspiration

by MKM

Plaswood is manufactured from 100% recycled plastics making it one of the most environmentally conscious timber substitute products on the market today. Plaswood is made from recycled plastics that are shredded, blended, mixed, heated and extruded into various size and shape profiles. It can be used in fabrication of furniture, boardwalks, fencing and many other applications.

 

outdoor view of plaswood table and chairs on stone paving surrounded by bushes

 

Plaswood Outdoor Living products are an ideal solution for homeowners who are looking for a low maintenance and robust garden furniture solution. Unlike standard timber garden furniture, Plaswood is a non-absorbing material which means it does not require any painting or chemical treatment prior to use. It is also resistant to all weather types, making it a low-maintenance garden furniture option that will not degrade, splinter, or rot over time, even in salt-water environments. Furthermore, Plaswood can be re-recycled and remanufactured into third, fourth and fifth life products.

 

information graphic showing the process of making plaswood

 

Plaswood is made using a wide range of different plastics, from ordinary everyday plastic bottles, to contaminated waste plastics from farms. These materials are shredded into small flakes or crumbs before then undergoing several washes. The water used in the production of Plaswood is treated and reused. When compared to the production of virgin plastics this remanufacturing process reduces water usage by a massive 90%.

After the quality experts have checked and are satisfied with the raw material it is then melted and ready to be blended.   The blend composition is critical to the technical properties of Plaswood. which is why much care is taken in choosing the raw material that makes up the blend.

Another quality check takes place, then the molten plastic blend is extruded through large lumbar profile dies. These extrusions can come in a variety of lengths, thicknesses, and profiles.

Once cooled the Plaswood is checked and tested before it can then be used to manufacture many timber replacement products. Plaswood can be used in many different ways. For example, it can be used for garden fences or as a bench in your garden. It is also possible to use Plaswood to create a dock and even a boat!
 

As part of Plaswood’s commitment to manage the resources that they use in production, they operate a TAKE BACK SCHEME on products that have served their useful life. All eligible products are capable of being returned to the recycling facilities and made into new Plaswood products to be enjoyed by future generations.

There are several benefits to choosing Plaswood over traditional timber:
1.    Durability:  Plaswood is a non-absorbing material that is much more resistant to weathering than traditional timber. This means it lasts much longer outdoors, especially in damp or salt-water environments. Unlike traditional timber, you will not have to worry about Plaswood splintering or rotting. The surface properties make it impervious to insect damage and much more resistant to stains, scratches, and marks.

2.    Low maintenance: Plaswood requires little to no maintenance and does not need any painting or any chemical treatment.

3.    Environmental benefits: Made from 100% recycled plastics and fully recyclable. Plaswood helps reduce the number of plastics landfilled and reduces the demand for new timber. Manufacturers of Plaswood; Berry bpi are a founding member of global alliance to help end plastic waste in the Environment alongside being a signatory of the Ellen MacArthur Initiative.

4.    Versatility: Plaswood can be moulded into a variety of shapes and sizes. Designed for use in conjunction with other materials it can be cut, drilled, and planed. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications such as garden furniture, decking and fences.

5.    High Quality: Plaswood is quality checked multiple times throughout the manufacturing process to ensure high performance and durability.

 

Overall, Plaswood is a weatherproof and durable alternative to traditional timber that offers environmental benefits and low maintenance requirements. If you are looking for a long-lasting and low-maintenance material for your outdoor projects, Plaswood may be a good choice for you.

 

Visit MKM.com or your Local branch for more infomation.