Plastic. It’s everywhere we look, from the packaging on our groceries to the fibres in our clothes.
But what happens to all that plastic after we’re done with it? Traditionally, the answer was landfill. However, a wave of innovative Kiwi businesses is changing the game. They’re turning plastic waste into valuable new products.
Here at RecycleKiwi, we love hearing about innovative Kiwi businesses finding sustainable uses for plastic waste.
Let’s look at three forward-thinking Kiwi businesses committed to responsible waste management – just like us.
Critical Cleanstone
Critical Cleanstone takes hard-to-recycle plastic waste that would otherwise pollute our environment and transforms it into something incredible – endlessly recyclable building materials.
The innovative company uses a unique process to incorporate recycled plastic into their Cleanstone panels. These panels can be used in a range of different building projects, providing long-lasting solid blocks made from 100% recycled plastic.
These eco-friendly materials are not only incredibly strong and durable, but they’re also lighter than traditional options, making them ideal for sustainable construction projects.
Next time you take your soft plastics to your nearest drop off point, you can be proud knowing you’re helping companies like Critical Cleanstone create low carbon products.
Critical Cleanstone also buys their own products back to recycle these into new Cleanstone products.
saveBOARD
Forget closed-loop recycling systems, saveBOARD creates high-performing building materials from everyday packaging waste, such as tetrapak cartons and soft plastics. saveBoard innovations keep 4,000,000 kg of soft plastics from ending up in landfill every year.
From ceiling tiles to joinery, saveBOARD has an extensive range that provides hard-wearing alternatives to plywood, particleboard and plasterboard. Each board produced saves more than 500 used cartons from going to landfill.
Resistant to moisture and mould, saveBOARD products are incredibly long-lasting and require minimal maintenance. Long-term, they’re a cost-effective solution for a variety of building projects.
While they’re based in New Zealand and Australia, saveBOARD has many impressive projects to note, such as the exposed internal lining at the National Gallery of Victoria and the most iconic project to date – the roof underlay for the Tesla Gigafactory in Nevada.
FuturePost
FuturePost offers a sustainable alternative to cylinder fence posts. Their high-quality fence posts are manufactured entirely from recycled plastic waste.
FuturePost isn’t just good for the environment, it’s built to last in New Zealand’s tough conditions. These eco-friendly fence posts are incredibly strong and weather-resistant, making them a perfect choice for Kiwi farms.
Among the many benefits of FuturePost products is their resistance to animal chewing. Unlike wooden posts that can be damaged by wood-chewing animals, such as horses and goats, Future Posts remain strong.
With a lifespan exceeding 50 years, they are a cost-effective solution as they require minimal replacements compared to traditional wood options.
It’s a win for the environment and a win for your wallet.
The upcycle revolution is here to stay
The upcycle revolution is gaining momentum, and these businesses are at the forefront of the movement.
It’s Kiwi ingenuity at its finest.
These are just a few examples of the incredible work happening right here in New Zealand. These businesses are giving plastic a second life and inspiring others to rethink how we approach waste management.