INTRODUCTION
In a highly industrialised era, the consumption and pollution of plastic waste has taken over every corner of our environment. In an attempt to remedy the negative impact generated by the tons of plastic waste, many companies and government institutions have opted for the promotion of the recycling of such waste by giving them an added value, in this way what was once considered waste is now fused with natural wood resin and through a highly sophisticated process a new totally ecological material is obtained which is commonly known as Plastic Wood.
Plastic wood is not only considered a substitute for natural wood but also plays a key role in the fight against climate change, it is a highly versatile material and is currently used in many applications from floor coverings to the construction of parks and street furniture.
ADDED VALUE
The plastic wood boards are the result of the combination of 60% natural wood resin and 40% plastic waste which, through a highly sophisticated process, is obtained a material that contributes to the reduction of pollution, i.e. on the one hand, the tons of plastic that were previously discarded as waste or burned, have now acquired an added value as a fundamental component for the manufacture of an eco-friendly product. On the other hand, the use of plastic wood avoids the felling of thousands of trees and therefore deforestation.
That is why it is said that the manufacturing process of plastic wood has given plastic waste an added value, contributing to the circular economy and contributing to environmental sustainability. In short, the use of plastic wood offers a solution to the problem of plastic waste pollution, transforming and reintegrating into the consumption chain, materials that were previously considered as waste into very durable, aesthetic products of excellent quality and minimum maintenance.
A DOUBLY ECOLOGICAL MATERIAL
● RECYCLED
Instead of burning or simply discarding the tons of plastics needed for the production of plastic wood boards, this waste is now being recycled, thus preventing the pollution of oceans, rivers and residential areas. In short, recycling plastics contributes both to the circular economy and to the promotion of ecology and environmental protection.
● RECYCLABLE
Plastic wood is a 100% recyclable material, i.e. after being used in a certain project, it can be recycled into other products.
These two factors have undoubtedly contributed to the rapid acceptance of wood plastics among outdoor furniture manufacturers and in the industrial construction industry.
WIDE-RANGING POSSIBILITIES OF USE
Plastic wood is a highly versatile material, so it is not surprising that it is used for different projects, the most important of which are :
● The installation of deck
The installation of deck flooring is one of the most popular applications of plastic wood.
With heat resistance, good load-bearing capacity, plastic decking can adapt to varying environmental conditions.
From outdoor decking areas, such as swimming pool patios, to sun and wind resistant locations, such as balcony floors, terrace floors, etc., plastic lumber meets durability, ease of construction and high aesthetics.
Moreover, it is a good substitute for traditional materials such as natural wood, ceramics etc. It is a material that has brought modernity, elegance and sophistication to almost all projects.
● Construction and Installation of Fences
Like natural wood, plastic wood is also used for fencing. Wood-plastic fences have been a prominent trend in landscape architecture, a trend that will be widely applied in the future. In addition, it has outstanding advantages such as: anti-ultraviolet, sun and rain resistant and contains no toxic substances. Currently, fences for parks, terraces, gardens, balconies, etc. use wood-plastic outdoor materials.
● Application of plastic wood for the manufacture of urban furniture.
Plastic wood is used for the production of playgrounds, chairs, litter bins, signboards, etc. This is due to the resistance factor of the material, which allows the furniture to remain exposed to external factors without altering its physical composition.
● Tiles intended for outdoor installation.
Without stopping at flooring, outdoor wood-plastic applications are also used for wall and ceiling tiles. Wood-plastic gradually changes the old materials in wall cladding, ceiling tiles. Wood-plastic exterior wall and ceiling tiles are beautiful, rustic and extremely unique and sophisticated. On the other hand, exterior wood-plastic has overcome the disadvantages such as anti-mildew or discolouration. It helps to make the house durable and aesthetically pleasing, perfect over time.
FAQ
- How long does plastic wood last?
The elements made of “wood-plastic” meet the resistance properties that guarantee quality and sustainability. “Polymers can take more than 150 years to degrade, they can be attacked by water, wind, temperature and will hold up better.
- What is the composition of wood plastic?
Wood plastic is an environmentally friendly composite material made of wood (60%) and HDPE polymer, a high-density polyethylene plastic (40%).
- What are the benefits of wood plastic?
Compared to structural timber, plastic timber has several benefits such as higher impermeability, easy maintenance, easy cleaning, higher safety (from splintering), low moisture absorption which prevents microbial degradation and termite ingress.
CONCLUSION
Nowadays, plastic wood is not only considered as a substitute for natural wood, but also plays a fundamental role in reducing the negative impact of plastic waste pollution. Plastic wood, like natural wood, can be used to complete different projects such as the manufacture of urban furniture, parks, floor coverings, etc. It is a material that has the charm and elegance of its natural wood counterpart and at the same time has an added value that has become its maximum differentiating element as it is a material that is obtained from waste that is recycled and at the same time the material itself is 100% recyclable.
