An Otago construction company is joining the "circular economy" by turning recyclable plastic into a new product called SaveBoard.
More than half of New Zealand’s landfill comes from construction and demolition waste, but Cook Brothers Construction hopes to change that by using the 100% recyclable product in its hoardings.
Managing director Dave Bulling said the team was already focused on reducing and reusing waste material, after introducing sustainable uniforms, electric and hybrid fleet vehicles and sustainability carpenters who recycle used wood.
"Cook Brothers is taking every opportunity to make a change regarding waste management.
"Using SaveBoard helps us to build circularity into the construction industry, helping us reduce our environmental impact, and reducing our carbon footprint."
In place of the traditional ply on their site hoardings, Mr Bulling said the company had begun rolling out the innovative product, which is made from milk cartons, ingredients bags, coffee cups and soft plastics that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.
"The material is a real game changer."
Assistant project manager Jess Brenton said the Salvation Army site, in Frankton, and the Roki Hotel, in Central Queenstown, were among the first Cook Brothers sites to utilise the innovative product.
She said 27 sheets of SaveBoard were used at the Salvation Army site, diverting an impressive 675kg of packaging waste from landfill on that site alone.
SaveBoard spokesman Dave Elder said he was pleased to see the construction company picking up the innovative product.
"It's fantastic to see Cook Brothers Construction leading the way with sustainable construction and committing to use SaveBoard products where they can, in new and existing projects.
"Every SaveBoard product diverts 25kg of waste from landfill, and Cook Brothers Construction is already collecting construction soft plastics on their sites to make into SaveBoard building products that go back into circulation."
