Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ecosheet?
Eco-sheet is a substitute for plywood that will reduce the consumption of natural resources and will increase the recycling of plastic and other waste materials that would otherwise go to landfill.
- What is the cost of ecosheet?
In commercial production eco-sheet will cost less than plywood. More about commercial opportunities.
- What is ecosheet's availability?
Currently Ecosheet is being produced for the Bovis Lend Lease supply chain on a trial basis. Bovis Lend Lease and Land Securities has invested in initial prototype development and in return have first refusal on initial production.
Production of Ecosheet is due to commence in June 2009 at 2K's new, dedicated 60,000ft2 manufacturing facility in Luton – just off Junction 10 of the M1. Shortly before this, 2K will be publishing detailed technical specifications and prices, together with full information on how and where the product can be purchased.- What is the market size?
The UK market for imported plywood is currently circa 20 million sheets per annum.
The existing PIM line at Bedwas could produce 300,000 sheets of eco-sheet if deployed on a 24/7 basis (allowing for maintenance cycles).
Using this output some 30 plus PIM lines would be required to substitute only 50% of the current imported plywood with eco-sheet.
This suggests that PIM lines are a good commercial project on a financial basis without the added benefits to the environment of less trees being cut down and less plastic waste going to landfill.
- How is ecosheet made?
Eco-sheet is made via a new process (Powder Impression Moulding or PIM). The PIM process allows much more versatile and economic factory production than has hitherto been the case. ERT holds the IP to the PIM process.
- What is ecosheet made from?
The first trials of eco-sheet have used over 75% recycled materials by weight. The major recyled constituent being waste electrical and electronic equipment material (WEEE). This WEEE material has been taken in its 'discarded' form and pre-treated to pulverise the materials to a suitable particle size and then mixed with the other ingredients.
It is anticipated that more than 80% recycled materials will be able to be used for eco-sheet depending on the grade required and intended use (in a similar way as the various grades of plywood that are available).
At the end if its useful life as eco-sheet 100% of the eco-sheet can be recycled though the PIM process again and again. Thus minimising landfill and maximising recycling for the benefit of the environment and maximising the return on investment in the product.
These advantages are thought to provide a unique proposition in recycling of plastic waste and WEEE material.