Single use plastic has become increasingly under fire for its detrimental effects on the world around us; and it’s not just plastic bottles and food packaging that are causing the issue, the construction industry also plays its part.
Here, Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Geocel, takes a look at plastic cartridges in particular – and the small steps you can take to help reduce your impact.
Over the last decade we’ve all become much more aware of the devastating impact human consumption is having on the environment. From the depletion of natural resources, through to global warming – the level of manufacture required to meet our wants and needs has taken its toll. In response, many companies have taken a more responsible stance and are continually looking for ways to reduce their impact across a product’s entire life cycle.
How a product is disposed of at its end of life is one such area of concern – and in particular plastic waste is garnering more attention. Plastic waste is clogging up landfills, blocking drains, polluting our waterways and our seas – and killing our wildlife. Having to constantly replenish demand with virgin plastic also contributes to climate change.
In fact, a 2019 report by the Center for International Environmental Law concluded that the impact of plastic production on the world’s climate in that year alone would equate to the output of 189 coal-fired power stations. By 2050, when plastic production is expected to have tripled, it will be responsible for up to 13% of our planet’s total carbon budget – on par with the amount 615 power stations emit.
And the construction industry is guiltier than most – with its activities generating a lot of waste material, which often can’t be recycled. In fact, the sector consumes 23% of all plastic produced in the UK, and generates an estimated 50,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year.
Shockingly, within this mix are more than 100 million plastic cartridges – including those empty sealant cartridges plumbers throw away every day.
In theory, the plastic used to make sealant cartridges could be recycled. However, as the residue product that’s left inside ‘empty’ cartridges would be almost impossible to clean out, they are classed as contaminated waste, so currently they all must go to landfill.
However, looking ahead, not only will there be more moral pressure on the industry to cut down on waste such as this but financial pressure too.
For larger operations in particular, the cost of sending plastic waste to landfill will no doubt continue to rise, as estimates forecast that England only has 6.3 years of non-hazardous landfill life left. Already this shortage is resulting in waste having to travel further to landfill sites, increasing transportation costs and carbon emissions. It is also expected that the government will continue to increase landfill tax, which has more than trebled since 2008 to £91.35 per tonne.
In addition, it’s likely we’ll all be affected by price increases in the future, as from April 2022 the government is due to introduce a further tax on companies who produce or import plastic packaging with insufficient recycled content, which will in turn cause product prices to rise.
In response, manufacturers have considered ways in which we can reduce the number of plastic cartridges that ultimately go to waste. Geocel, for example, has recently re-launched its ecoSEAL system, which can now be used with a range of popular products, including plumbers’ favourite Dowsil 785+ Bacteria Resistant Sanitary Silicone Sealant.
The premise is simple. Dowsil 785+ is now available in a foil, which can be inserted into a re-usable plastic sleeve that then fits into any standard gun. With the ecoSEAL system there’s no need to buy an expensive barrel gun – simply cut the foil, insert into the sleeve, attach the nozzle and then apply with your gun as normal.
Each sleeve can be used an average of 75 times and is also recyclable – and when empty, the foils are eight times smaller than traditional cartridges, meaning less waste is sent to landfill.
The system is also more lightweight than foil barrel guns, which reduces fatigue and enables nimbler usage. Similarly, as the ecoSEAL sleeve is clear, you can also always see exactly how much product is left.
Of course, the greatest benefit to plumbers is that they can make the switch easily to a more sustainable solution – without compromising on the quality of the product they use. Dowsil 785+ is a fast cure sealant that gives excellent adhesion to most non-porous surfaces. Containing a fungicide to resist mould growth, it protects against bacteria growth, MRSA, E. Coli and Salmonella. Tack-free in one hour, it can be applied in a temperature Range +5 to +40°C and cures to a gloss finish.
Many of us are already looking at simple ways to reduce plastic waste – from being more conscientious recyclers to using ‘bags for life’. With simple innovations such as the ecoSEAL system, plumbers can also make some small changes in their working lives too, which – when all added up – do make a difference.
For more information on ecoSEAL, please visit: www.geocel.co.uk/ecoseal.
