It is estimated over two million single-use plastic sealant cartridges are put into landfill every week. Scarlet McAleese-Banks, marketing director of Hilton Banks, explains why her company’s move away from single-use plastics is a timely one.
Environmental issues are now dominating the news agenda, and the construction sector has not escaped scrutiny. It is reported the levels of carbon dioxide emissions from the UK construction industry saw an overall increase from 8.9 million metric tons in 1990 to 13 million metric tons in 2017. This amounts to approximately 3 per cent of the total carbon dioxide emissions in the UK for that year.
Behind this staggering figure there also lies a myriad of waste and pollution issues, which ultimately need to be tackled. Recent figures on plastic waste in the construction industry make for shocking reading. Some 23 per cent of the total plastic consumed in the UK comes from our sector, with 20,000 tonnes of plastic being sent to landfill every year. It is estimated that over 2 million single use plastic cartridges are put into landfill every week in the UK.
Plastics are finding their way into our seas and oceans, and of those plastics that are sent to landfill, some take over a thousand years to breakdown in the soil. There is little doubt that the construction sector and its product suppliers need to take action. Recent research suggests the trade is in general agreement that change is necessary. Insulation Express found that 95 per cent of construction professionals admit that the industry needs to reduce its plastic use and single use plastic packaging is certainly one area that should be acted on sooner rather than later.
We are listening to the trade and working to tackle the pressing environmental problem of disposing of the single use plastic cartridge. With the impact on the environment in mind, Hilton Banks has launched its best selling HB42 All-in-One Sealant and Adhesive in 400ml foils. HB42 ‘Eco-Foil’ removes the environmental problem of disposing of the single use plastic cartridge normally associated with sealants and other similar products.
The 400ml foils produce 95 per cent less waste than the single use tubes and users get 38 per cent more sealant than in the 290ml plastic tube. Using the latest MS Polymer technology, the product seals, sticks and fills, is flexible up to 230 per cent, can be over-painted and works in the wet. It is low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and bonds to almost anything; it is also food safe, fully curing in 24 hours.
The foils are very durable and foil guns are easy-to-use and remain extremely clean throughout their use. They also take a plastic sealant cartridge so can be used with every type of sealant if required. At the end of their life, the waste left over from foils is tiny compared to the plastic tubes and the foils are much easier to dispose of. There are therefore cost benefits to be had from moving away from single use plastics. With HB42 Eco-Foils producing 95 per cent less waste, the amount of skip space or waste disposal is greatly reduced.
Hilton Banks cares about the environment and although construction products have to be strong and durable, we are always looking at ways to reduce our impact on the environment.
Facts and figures:
- Using foils reduces waste by 95 per cent
- The HB42 Eco-Foils are resilient and durable
- Store easily in the back of vans and toolboxes
- 38 per cent more sealant than in the 290ml tubes
- HB42 super strong, but low in VOCs
