A NEW LIFE FOR SOFT PLASTICS

SVC Products, a leading manufacturer of precast concrete products, has recently introduced Polyrok into their manufacturing processes. Polyrok is a lightweight aggregate material composed of 95 percent recycled soft plastics, taken from post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste which would otherwise end up in landfill. Every kilogram of Polyrok is made from 250 pieces of soft plastic.

The benefit of using recycled plastics within SVC’s concrete products is threefold; the overall carbon footprint of the precast concrete products is reduced, the amount of problematic soft plastic waste in landfill is reduced, and the consumption of finite natural stone resources is decreased.

Australia is currently facing a crisis with soft plastic waste. It is a material that is incredibly difficult to dispose of correctly, creating issues such as litter in public spaces, landfill overflow and pollution of waterways. These issues pose threats to wildlife and marine ecosystems, as animals are at risk of ingesting plastic when they see it and mistake it for food.

When soft plastic waste is properly treated, converted into Polyrok aggregate and used within concrete, it is locked away within an inert, impermeable concrete container. This effectively prevents any microplastics from leaching out into the environment and into our ecosystems.

SVC Products has incorporated the innovative Polyrok aggregate into the majority of its civil product range, including items such as concrete pit covers, kerb lintels, catch pits and other stormwater drainage products. These products are produced in Mordialloc, Victoria using locally sourced materials, and are deployed in a variety of settings including residential subdivisions, commercial developments and public infrastructure projects. Whether used in new construction or as a replacement for existing infrastructure, these civil products are an essential part of modern construction projects.

Another benefit of using Polyrok recycled soft plastic aggregates is that they are much lighter in comparison to traditional stone aggregates. This makes the aggregate material easier to handle and transport, leading to a reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation. Recycled plastic aggregates replace 10 percent of the natural stone aggregates, making the final concrete product lighter in weight as well.

For contractors, end users and the greater community, the use of precast concrete products that contain recycled soft plastic aggregates provides a more sustainable and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional concrete products. By actively incorporating recycled plastic content into their products, SVC Products is improving the durability, performance and sustainability of essential construction materials, while also combating the growing issue of hazardous soft plastic waste.

Find out more from SVC Products via the links below.