Recycled plastic: Properties, benefits, and why it’s a smart choice

Environmental concerns are growing as plastic waste continues to accumulate in landfills and natural spaces, posing long-term challenges for communities and ecosystems. With sustainability becoming a key priority, many industries are exploring eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials. Could councils, architects, and landscape designers be making better use of recycled plastic in their projects?

In the UK, authorities have implemented plastic recycling collection programmes to help address the rising pollution caused by plastic waste. According to the British Plastics Federation, the country processes a significant amount of plastic each year, diverting it from landfills and giving it a second life through recycling initiatives. This effort reduces environmental impact and creates opportunities to repurpose plastic into practical, sustainable products such as recycled plastic outdoor furniture, which offers a durable and low-maintenance solution for public spaces.

Recycled plastic: A sustainable choice

Recycled plastic is becoming a practical choice for outdoor furniture such as benches and waymarker posts due to its durability and minimal maintenance requirements. As sustainability gains attention, the recycling of plastic materials offers a responsible alternative to traditional materials like wood. Products made from recycled plastic are resistant to weather, rot, and vandalism, making them ideal for public spaces.

British attitudes toward sustainability reflect a growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in everyday life. According to recent data, 60% of Britons view climate change as a major threat and a significant portion are willing to invest in sustainable products. This shift in mindset supports the use of recycled plastic benches and other outdoor furnishings, providing councils and designers with a reliable option that aligns with public environmental concerns.

Properties of recycled plastic

Environmental benefits

Recycled plastic outdoor furniture is typically crafted from 100% recycled polythene, a material derived from post-consumer and post-industrial plastic waste. By repurposing this waste into durable products, manufacturers can significantly reduce the amount of plastic destined for landfills or natural environments. This helps mitigate the accumulation of plastic pollution and conserves valuable resources by minimising the need for new plastic production from virgin materials.

The use of recycled polythene in outdoor furniture effectively diverts plastic waste from landfills, where it would otherwise take centuries to decompose, leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater. By giving this waste a new life as functional and long-lasting products, recycled plastic furniture contributes to a circular economy, promoting sustainable practices and reducing the environmental impact of plastic consumption.

Durability

Recycled plastic furniture exhibits exceptional durability, outperforming traditional timber in harsh environments. Unlike wood, which is susceptible to rot, insect infestations, and weathering, recycled polythene is highly resistant to these degrading factors. Its non-porous nature and chemical composition make it impervious to moisture, UV radiation, and harsh chemicals, ensuring a longer lifespan.

In marine environments, where timber is particularly vulnerable to the corrosive effects of saltwater and marine organisms, recycled plastic furniture demonstrates its superior longevity. Industry estimates suggest that recycled plastic can last up to 10 times longer than timber in such conditions, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas, harbours, and other waterfront locations.

Recyclability

Recycled plastic outdoor furniture offers the advantage of being recyclable at the end of its life cycle, contributing to a continuous loop of sustainability. Unlike traditional materials that may deteriorate beyond reuse, recycled plastic products can be processed and repurposed into new items, reducing waste and conserving resources. Understanding what plastics can be recycled is crucial, as not all plastics are suitable for reuse—materials such as high-density polythene (HDPE) and low-density polythene (LDPE) are commonly used in outdoor furniture and can be effectively recycled.

The process of how plastics are recycled typically involves collecting used plastic items, cleaning and shredding them into smaller pieces, and melting them down to form new products. This cycle helps minimise landfill waste and decreases the demand for virgin plastic production.

Chemical inertness

Another major benefit of recycled plastic furniture is its chemical inertness. In contrast to some materials that may release harmful substances into the environment, recycled plastic is safe and does not emit any dangerous chemicals or pollutants.

This characteristic makes recycled plastic furniture a perfect option for locations where safety and environmental preservation are critical, like playgrounds, community parks, and home environments. Its non-reactive characteristics guarantee that it presents no danger to human health or the environment, making it a secure choice for different outdoor environments.

Advantages of recycled plastic for outdoor furniture

For landscape architects and councils seeking durable and sustainable outdoor furniture solutions, recycled plastic offers numerous advantages, such as:

• Maintenance: Recycled plastic furniture requires minimal maintenance, as it is impervious to rot and fade, ensuring a long-lasting and vibrant appearance.
• Resistance: Resistant to insects, microbes, vandalism, and graffiti, recycled plastic furniture offers superior durability, making it an ideal choice for public spaces and high-traffic areas.
• Machinability: Like timber, recycled plastic can be machined, allowing for engraving and inserts, and enabling customisation and personalisation of outdoor furniture pieces.

What are the limitations?

Recycled plastic offers numerous advantages, yet there are instances where hardwood remains the preferred choice. For applications demanding heavy load-bearing capabilities, such as large bridges or certain structural supports, hardwood’s superior structural strength makes it better suited. The natural robustness of timber may provide benefits that recycled plastic cannot match in such scenarios.

Aesthetic considerations also influence material selection. Over time, timber develops an appealing silver-grey patina that harmoniously blends into outdoor environments. In contrast, recycled plastic retains its original appearance without acquiring a similar aged character, which may not align with the desired visual aesthetic of certain projects.

For heritage sites or traditional landscapes where a natural look is desired, hardwood might be the more fitting option. However, when durability and minimal maintenance are top priorities, recycled plastic emerges as a practical solution.

Hornbeck case study

Wayfinding for Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey

Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge, located within the historic Brooklands circuit, offers thrilling driving experiences for visitors of all ages. To enhance navigation across the expansive site, durable and low-maintenance wayfinding solutions were essential.

The Lambourn Fingerpost Sign from the Duro range, made from recycled plastic, was selected to provide a smart and long-lasting signage solution. Its weather-resistant properties ensure clear direction for guests while maintaining a polished appearance with minimal upkeep.

Conclusion

Recycled plastic furniture offers numerous advantages, including durability, weather resistance, and low maintenance requirements, making it an ideal choice for outdoor spaces, public areas, and high-traffic environments. Its resistance to insects, microbes, vandalism, and graffiti ensures long-lasting performance, while its machinability allows for customisation and personalisation.

We encourage councils, architects, and landscape designers to explore the potential of recycled plastic for their projects, particularly in scenarios where durability and minimal upkeep are priorities. By embracing this sustainable material, you can create functional and visually appealing outdoor spaces that contribute to a greener future.

Explore Hornbeck’s extensive range of recycled plastic outdoor furniture today and experience the perfect blend of style, sustainability, and durability.