Sustainable, durable and cost-effective plastics meet councils' eco targets

Editor Victoria Galligan talks to the team at Goplastic to find out how housing associations are benefitting from the firm’s durable, sustainable materials…

Tell us about the background of the company…
Goplastic was formed in 1999 in Newhaven by Gill Browning and Sarah Mitchell, specifically to attempt to change the concept of timber as the only building material of choice for stable construction in the equestrian industry.
This was successfully achieved (with over 45,000 boards per year now sold into this market) and in 2006, Goplastic became a limited company with the addition of sales director Mike Janes.
Goplastic’s target was then to introduce street and park furniture, bollards and decking to a wider sector.
The Goplastic team constantly strive to encourage local authorities, housing associations, construction companies and architects to use a sustainable eco-friendly alternative to wood thus encouraging the recycling of plastics and helping any organisation with obligations on sustainability.

Why are housing associations reaping the benefits of using Goplastic products?
Customers are not only delighted by the excellent quality, standard and choice of eco-friendly products, but also by the proven track record of excellent customer service, from sales promotion to the point of sale, subsequent ordering through to delivery.
The product is available in an assortment of colours and has the natural of texture and appearance of wood but without the disadvantages of requiring treatments, perishing or splintering and can be effortlessly installed
Housing associations and local authorities specify the following made from 100% solid recycled materials:

•    Bin Bay Panels
•    Fencing
•    Gates
•    Designer street furniture including planters and benches
•    Decking for courtyards and balconies

Waste and Resources Action Programme statistics show a 40-year life span for recycled plastic products, while 12.7 tonnes of CO2 emmissions are saved for every tonne of plastic waste prevented (according to the National Industrial Symbiosis Program).
Therefore, there is no need for cyclical maintenance or major replacement programmes which result in a considerable economic benefit for both the housing provider and the tenant, while organisations can meet their sustainable obligations in their built environment.

What makes the company stand out from its competitors?
Goplastic Ltd specialises solely in quality and stylish recycled, environmentally-friendly plastic products with a vast and unique product range.
The quality, innovative and contemporary design of the Govaplast material is what makes Goplastic a leader in the UK market of recycled plastic products. We supply a great diversity of profile sizes and these are available in seven different, UV-stabalised solid colours.
The Street Furniture Range includes the European Ovam Eco Design Award-winning Canvas Bench. The bench has been specified by architects on numerous school, college and university new builds and refurbishment projects. The colour range and bench designs are not available anywhere else in Europe.
In addition, Goplastic Ltd provides a certified construction CPD seminar aimed at architects on the subject of ‘The Economic Value of Recycled Products’ (Certificate number 1090S1).
    
Could you give an example of work with a council?
Mier Estate, a large council-owned estate in Staffordshire, is part of a regeneration scheme pioneered by Stoke City Council and Kier Stoke.
As part of the scheme, bin bays have been installed to make neat and hygienic collection and storage areas for the recycling bins. Previously the bins were scattered across car parking spaces and pathways as there were no defined bin storage points.
The majority of bin bays were installed using ground sockets, but for those needing installation on gradients, panels with extended legs were used so the bays could be 'stepped'. As well as the benefits mentioned, the bin bays delivered the following:
•    Louvre-style boards which allow air to circulate, preventing a build-up of unpleasant smells
•    Panels are pre-assembled
•    Natural colours blend in with the environment.
•    Powder-coated ground sockets complement the panels.

www.goplastic.co.uk