WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF RECYCLED PLASTICS?

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF RECYCLED PLASTICS? At Kedel, we pride ourselves on putting ethical and ethological principles at the heart of our business. Sustainable living has never been more important and our recycled plastic products are designed to be easily incorporated into both personal and commercial environments. As we head towards the end of 2022, we’re set to continue manufacturing products that are both made from recycled materials, and fully recyclable. As new developments in sustainable living continue to emerge, we’re keeping our eyes on new ways to continue promoting greener living in all aspects of our lives. WHAT’S NEXT FOR RECYCLED PLASTIC MATERIALS? In the past, plastic that has been recycled has a one in five chance of being turned into something new. If for example, a plastic bottle has been recycled into a new bottle, chances are it won’t be recycled a third time due to the plastic properties becoming damaged along the way. A 2022 study by the University of Colorado Boulder has revolutionised the idea of limited recycling opportunities. Researchers have discovered that it is possible to break down a hard plastic often used in aerospace into basic building blocks, which they then used to forge the same type of plastic without losing it’s fundamental properties. Using a new chemical method, researchers were then able to break down the polymers in the plastic into single monomers, also known as reversible or dynamic chemistry. Once broken down, these chemical units form a new type of plastic material that can be used, broken apart and rebuilt over again. While the initial study focused on a particular type of plastic, researchers believe that the application can be used on a wide range of materials. Wei Zhang, lead author of the study and chair of the chemistry department at the University of Boulder states, “It can really benefit future design and development of plastics to not only create new polymers, but it’s also very important to know how to convert, upcycle and recycle older polymers,” said Zhang. “By using our new approach, we can prepare many new materials—some of which could have similar properties to the plastics in our daily life.” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF RECYCLED PLASTIC PRODUCTS? This discovery has the potential to significantly change the way we process plastic materials. Instead of damaging the plastic each time it is recycled, this application could ensure that plastic has infinite uses, a vital step towards a greener future. At Kedel, we’re committed to using 100% recycled plastic lumber, keeping plastic out of landfill by creating recycled plastic wood products. We source our plastic materials from UK door drop collections, turning what was useless plastic rubbish into high-quality products that can be recycled again once you have finished using them. Reusing plastic keeps it out of landfill, as well as helping reduce the impact on global warming. Plastic waste can take many years to degrade, causing significant environmental damage in the process. By choosing Kedel for your home and garden products, you can take the first step in reducing your own carbon footprint, while also enjoying products that are superior in quality and design to traditional wood alternatives. From plastic decking to plastic building supplies, fencing, landscaping and more, we have you covered when it comes to eco-friendly, high-quality recycled plastic. If you want to know more about our manufacturing process or find out more about our products, get in touch with the Kedel team today.

For more information on WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF RECYCLED PLASTICS? talk to Kedel Ltd