Plastics Recycling

The plastics operation will continue at another location. For more information on how to purchase our range of recycled products please click here to visit the Intruplas website.

The heart of the GBN South Yorkshire plastic reprocessing facility was a ‘closed loop' process whereby mixed polymer waste plastics from Outokumpu Stainless Ltd was reprocessed, manufactured and assembled into a range of special flat plate and coil carriers for on-site use by Outokumpu. These had the effect of enhancing environmental sustainability by considerably reducing the demand for new softwood pallets, and contributed significantly to the economic sustainability of the scheme, since unlike the wooden pallets they were used more than once, and at the end of their useful life recycled back into the process.

Part of the plastic recycling facility at GBN (South Yorkshire) Ltd

GBN South Yorkshire also took in waste plastics from local businesses and from customers of Pennine-Pack, the Green Business Network's packaging compliance scheme. On behalf of Intruplas, the company produced a range of recycled plastic garden furniture, including picnic tables, benches, planters and seats. We are currently evaluating new premises to enable us to continue the plastic recycling operation.

Intruplas bench embellished with Outokumpu Stainless Ltd stainless steel

Extremely hard wearing, maintenance free and vandal resistant, the furniture is ideal for schools, parks, play areas and picnic sites. Also on behalf of Intruplas, the company produces recycled plastic groundblocks, and recycled plastic profiles.

Examples of Intruplas furnitur manufactured at GBN (South Yorkshire) Ltd

The groundblocks were developed with Sustrans the national cycle network charity. Plastics are blended with shredded rubber from discarded car tyres to produce a groundblock which is ideal for footpaths, walkways and cycle paths. Not only are the groundblocks easy to lay, but are maintenance free, non-slip and porous.

Groundblocks in use on a riverside path

The profiles have been used for a number of applications, from fencing and bollards, to landing stages, bridges and fishing platforms. The recycled plastic is a serious alternative to wood, steel or concrete, so if you would like to discuss manufacture of an item that you do not see on our website, please contact us.

Fishing platform made from recycled plastics


Bridge made from recycled plastics

Intruplas products have also been used on various canals. British Waterways have produced two reports on their use of Intruplas products. The first describes the innovative use of Intruplas recycled plastic during the construction of the Millennium Ribble Link under a Land Fill Tax credit scheme funded by the Lancashire Environment Fund. Recycled plastic was used for:

• revetment using both post and board and hexagonal blocks and found to be very successful in reducing the amount of siltation into the channel and for providing wash protection
• landing stages next to locks and was again found to be very successful both as a non-slip walking surface, and for the upright posts resistance to boat impact.
• grooved, non-slip decking
• fenders which were installed on all structures on the link, and proved ideal because of their strength and durability as well as its flexibility allowing it to absorb significant impact from boats.
• steps and handrails
• path edging
• navigation marker posts for boats navigating in high water levels

The report concluded that the recycled plastic was ideal for the applications it was put to.

Recycled plastic on the millenium Ribble Link

The second report describes work on the Aire and Calder Navigation canals and was funded by Landfill Tax Credits from WREN. The recycled plastics from Intruplas were used in much the same ways, with the addition of its use in surfacing car parks and providing fencing. The report concluded that "where the material can be used within the constraints of caring for a heritage network, the use of Intruplas recycled plastics can contribute to the proportion of recycled materials used to maintain and improve the waterway by providing attractive, long lasting and serviceable items and features."

Recycled plastic on the millenium Ribble Link

Recycling plastics reduces the consumption of resources and emissions to the environment, and can conserve non-renewable resources and energy, since recycling replaces the need for primary extraction and manufacture of new plastics.

Recycling a single plastic bottle can conserve enough energy to light a 60W lightbulb for up to 6 hours. Plastics recycling also reduces reliance on disposal to landfill sites, which are not only unsightly, but are also a health hazard, with contaminated plastics being one of the more serious problems.