CPIA Funds Project to Create Plastic Lumber From 100% Post-Consumer Plastic

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has joined hands with the Alberta Plastics Recycling Association (APRA) to fund a project that makes plastic lumber out of 100% post-consumer plastic.

The funding from the above recycling agencies offers support to Alberta-based Full Circle Plastics and Stantec in implementing the innovative project, which collects 100% post-consumer plastics from Alberta communities. These end-of-life plastics are used to make plastic lumber, which in turn are used as benches at the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza in downtown Red Deer. The benches, fixed on a concrete base, make use of recycled plastic-boards that are mounted on brushed aluminum.

Jonathan Beekman, owner, Full Circle Plastics noted that the plastic benches will last decades longer than traditional wood or concrete products. Moreover, at the end of its useful life, the benches can be recycled into new plastic lumber products. The company has a large number of similar innovative products to offer, he added. He also expressed deep pleasure in providing the benches to the Canada Winter Games.

Tammy Schwass, the Executive Director of APRA noted that the benches, which can be used by Red Deer Community for many years, proclaim the benefits of using recycled plastic. Joe Hruska, CPIA’s Vice President of Sustainability noted that the benches demonstrate how plastic can be used to create useful products in the new plastics circular economy.