Construction

UK company i-plas has launched a building material made from recycled plastic that it claims could replace concrete, steel and timber.

The material, also called i-plas, is made from plastic waste, which would otherwise end up in landfill, where it could take up to 5000 years to degrade. Of the 3 million tonnes of plastic waste that the UK produces each year, only 7% is currently recycled. i-plas can reuse most of this waste, except for PVC and thermoset plastics.

The company claims that the material offers significant environmental benefits. According to its figures, diverting waste from landfill to produce 1 tonne of i-plas saves 1.66 tonnes of CO₂ emissions – by comparison, producing a ton of concrete generates almost a tonne of CO₂. The company also sources all of its power from renewable sources through an agreement with Scottish and Southern Energy.

The material is suitable for exterior and landscaping uses such as bridges, footpaths, walls and fences, as well as architectural uses. It does not chip or splinter and does not require varnishing or coating, says the company. i-plas is hardwearing and particularly suited to wet applications because it is moisture resistant.

Depending on the blend of waste material used, the mechanical properties of i-plas can be tailored for particular uses, says managing director Howard Waghorn. Softer materials can be produced as well as very hard, strong versions.

“i-plas is an incredible material and with properties similar to steel, concrete and wood,” says Waghorn. “We believe the construction industry should now be look to use i-plas as a direct replacement for concrete.”

i-plas is currently being manufactured in Halifax from locally sourced waste, but the company is planning a further seven production facilities around the country.

The first new production facility will be in London, says Waghorn, and the company is hoping to supply the 2012 Olympics. As well as contributing to the requirement for use of recycled materials, i-plas has the advantage that it can also be recycled after use.

For further information:
www.intruplas.com/