ECO-Buy is undertaking a project supported by the Australian Packaging Covenant to increase the uptake of mixed recycled plastic products.

 

Recycled plastic products are manufactured using mixed polymer resins, avoiding the need for costly separation of waste plastic into pure types. Mixed plastic is most commonly used for timber substitute, including park benches, decking, bollards and play structures. In addition to using a resource that would otherwise end up in landfill, these products represent an environmental benefit as they are not affected by rot or pests, and don't require toxic chemical treatments.

 

The project will involve a survey of both buyers and suppliers of recycled plastic plastic products to identify the barriers to the procurement and use of these products and opportunities to increase their uptake.

 

These findings will be used to develop a toolkit of practical resources to encourage and enable buyers to give preference to recycled products. The toolkit will be launched in conjunction with expos in Victoria and South Australia late in 2013.

 

If you are interested in being involved in this project either as a supplier or a buyer, please contact sreardon@ecobuy.org.au or 03 9349 0403.