Determined to find a viable solution, with no long-term consequences, to the January 2018 Chinese importation ban on plastic, we have created our UPCYCLED range.
Previously, the UK has not dealt with post-consumer waste plastic within its own shores and has relied on this exportation to countries such as China. The recent ban meant that this plastic would either be burned or buried – neither an ideal solution.
Working directly with recycling centres, we spent countless hours and days testing and trialling a process which is now commercially viable, they have manufactured a product range made from 95% post-consumer waste plastic – UPCYCLED.
Pollution and plastic use is a hot topic, with many influential figures such as MPs taking a stand, choosing to not use single-use plastics (PP plastics) in their day to day lives. PP plastic was traditionally notoriously difficult to sort for recycling, but new sorting technology has made this easier, allowing use post-consumer waste to make a commercially viable range of UPCYCLED products.
The issue still presents, however, with what will come of all the current PP plastic in circulation and lack of a viable alternative? Plastics offer a hygienic, disposable, storage solution for items such as liquids, foods and first-aid equipment.
We have created the UPCYCLED range – strong, durable, lasting storage boxes made from plastic that would have been previously shipped away.
Tony Grimshaw OBE, Director:
“The UPCYCLED range is a huge triumph for us. Instead of finding another way to either pass on the PP plastic (incinerate it – creating toxic chemicals or put it into landfill – where it can take up to half a millennium to decay) we made the decision to work towards a viable long-term solution. We are encouraging other businesses to do the same.”
PP Plastic and the Process of Upcycling:
- The post-consumer waste is collected, recycled and washed
- The plastic bales are turned into granules with heat
- The granules are delivered to the What More UK factory
- These are then melted and injected into moulds
- Out of these moulds the UPCYCLED plastic boxes are created
Watch how the range is made: https://youtu.be/zNLv9DVx9zU