INTRODUCTION

The circular economy is a new model of production and consumption that guarantees sustainable growth over time.  The aim of the circular economy is to optimise resources, reduce the consumption of raw materials and make use of waste by recycling it or giving it a new life and turning it into new products. The use of recycled materials, as well as renewable raw materials that are not dependent on oil, guarantees these materials significant growth potential. Thanks to the implementation of the circular economy, the use of materials such as wood plastics has become popular. The advantages of durability, lower maintenance requirements, recyclability and weather resistance are due to the fact that this material is obtained from the reuse of plastics that were previously considered waste but are now combined with polyethylene, resulting in a material that is also recyclable and has become an ally in the fight against climate change.

THE CALL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

Many people often wonder what is the circular economy and the existing relationship with building materials such as plastic wood, well the circular economy is a form of consumption that prioritizes the use of resources and reuse of waste to obtain new materials. Plastic wood, being a material that is obtained with the implementation of sophisticated techniques combining high-density polyethylene with plastics that for many people before were rubbish, however thanks to these techniques we obtain plastic wood which gives a new use to plastics, that is, the concept of reuse of waste is implemented which is one of the main characteristics of the circular economy and that has driven the use of plastic wood worldwide thus contributing to environmental sustainability by recycling materials.

SUSTAINABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT

Plastic wood is a material whose contribution to the environment covers many areas. The use of this material avoids the indiscriminate felling of forest fauna and consequently the loss of life of thousands of living beings. According to several investigations there are many tons of plastic that end up in the ocean each year but this is a phenomenon that is gradually being reduced as people begin to give a new use to this waste by making boards that are used in projects such as construction of fences, furniture, parks, cladding etc. The contribution of plastic wood to economic and sustainable development is a phenomenon that can be seen daily as its manufacturing process requires many processes and therefore a lot of manpower, the material is obtained from the use of recycled materials in turn the same plastic wood is also a recyclable material and 100% environmentally friendly.

MAIN ADVANTAGES OF THE USE OF WOOD PLASTICS

It is common knowledge that plastic wood is an imitation of natural wood, however its use is becoming popular with manufacturers because it offers many advantages over its natural wood counterpart, most notably:

1. Resistance to the different climatic agents: the furniture or projects made of plastic wood are more resistant, they can remain under the sun, rain and do not suffer any change in their composition.
2. The plastic wood market generates savings of 12 billion litres of water (5300 Olympic swimming pools) and 40 million kilos of plastic, among other sustainable aspects.
3. Reduced carbon footprint: As a recycled and durable material, wood-plastic has a lower carbon footprint compared to other building materials.
4. Versatility: It can be used in a wide variety of applications, from façade cladding to outdoor furniture, making it versatile and adaptable.
5. Easy to work with: It can be cut, drilled and fixed in a similar way to traditional wood, which simplifies installation.
6. Low maintenance cost: Plastic wood does not require the conventional care of natural wood, such as chemical treatments to avoid pests or deterioration due to factors such as humidity.

MAIN APPLICATIONS IN WHICH WE CAN USE THIS MATERIAL.

• Fence construction : Wood-plastic fences have been a prominent trend in landscape architecture. A trend that will be widely applied in the future. Through modern production, wood plastic will help to make the fence sustainable over time.

• Construction of urban furniture: the use of plastic wood stands out in this application mainly due to two factors, impermeability and resistance, as it is resistant to shocks, adverse weather conditions, chemical and biological agents, has low levels of flammability, etc.
• Pallet construction: once again the strength factor of plastic wood is again a determining factor in its selection, it is used to manufacture pallets intended to support enormous loads.

FAQ

• A. Is plastic wood the same as plastic wood composite?

No, although both materials have the aesthetic appearance of natural wood, they differ in their composition, properties and characteristics.

• Which is cheaper, plastic wood or natural wood?

Plastic wood is much cheaper than natural wood in most countries.

• What are the main materials used in the wood plastic manufacturing process?

Mainly waste plastics and high density polyethylene are used.

• Where can I buy plastic wood strips?

Nowadays, the procurement of plastic wood has become a very easy activity as there are suppliers both locally and internationally.

CONCLUSION.

The reuse of plastic waste is an environmentally sound and cost-effective solution for the environment and a key element in the circular economy. The manufacture of materials such as plastic lumber helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfill. Plastic laths are durable and strong, making them ideal for use in a variety of environments and applications. They are also lighter than wooden pallets, making them easier to transport and handle. By choosing recycled plastic pallets, companies can reduce their carbon footprint, minimise the amount of plastic waste sent to landfill and save money on transportation and disposal costs. In addition, reusing recycled plastic pallets can help reduce the long-term costs associated with purchasing and maintaining new wood or plastic pallets. Ultimately, recycled plastic pallets offer an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution to the fight against global warming, help realise the circular economy, while helping to promote sustainability.