Sustainable Concrete: SIS Plastics Pioneers Eco-Friendly Structural Panels

In an era where environmental responsibility is at the forefront of many industries, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (SIS) is stepping up to the challenge with an innovative building material that could change the way we think about construction. Their latest creation involves structural panels made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) combined with recycled soft plastics. This approach not only offers a sturdy alternative to traditional materials but also addresses the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the building sector.
What Are SIS Structural Panels?
The innovative panels from SIS incorporate mixed post-consumer soft plastics, producing lightweight yet durable composite structures. Despite their lightness, these panels boast structural integrity comparable to that of concrete. Additionally, they offer a remarkable benefit: a reduction in embodied carbon by up to 48% when compared to traditional concrete panels. This means that using SIS panels can significantly lessen the environmental impact of construction projects, all while ensuring a lifespan that could exceed a century.
Collaboration for Innovation
The development of these cutting-edge panels represents a significant achievement born from four years of research in collaboration with The University of Adelaide. The focus of the research was on optimising the recycling of soft plastics, directly at SIS’s facility in Wingfield, which is a suburb of Adelaide. This exciting innovation comes on the heels of Australia’s REDcycle program, which aimed to recycle soft plastics but faced challenges, ultimately leading to its failure. SIS took this opportunity to source a considerable amount of the plastics needed for their panels from this pool of recycled materials, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability even in the face of obstacles.
Environmental Advantages
Nick Wotton, the managing director of SIS, highlights the broader implications of this development. “There are potentially limitless applications for our panels in transforming everyday rubbish into structures with huge benefits for our clients, communities, and the environment,” he explained. SIS technology is particularly groundbreaking as it marks the first time unprocessed mixed post-consumer soft plastics have been incorporated into high-performance structural panels. This sets a new precedent for how waste materials can be repurposed effectively in construction.
With increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability in construction, SIS’s panels present an appealing option. Many infrastructure contracts now require companies to demonstrate efforts to reduce embodied carbon, making SIS’s products not just eco-friendly, but also attractive for those in the construction industry looking to meet these new standards.
Real-World Applications
One of the first real-world uses of SIS’s innovative panels was the construction of a pedestrian bridge in Newenham, Mount Barker. This collaborative project carried out with the Mount Barker District Council and developer Burke Urban, showcases the panels’ capabilities. The bridge measures 7.5 meters by 3.4 meters and is made up of an impressive 70% recycled soft plastics. To put it into perspective, that’s the equivalent of the contents of 29 standard 240L kerbside recycling bins, which included everyday items like shopping bags and plastic film. This application not only highlights the practical uses of these panels but also demonstrates their potential to divert waste from landfills.
Looking Ahead
SIS’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond these pioneering panels. The company aims to ramp up production in the upcoming fiscal years 2024 and 2025, with plans to create between 15 to 18 new full-time jobs in the process. Moreover, SIS is exploring the possibility of manufacturing structural panels from decommissioned wind turbine blades, showcasing their dedication to sustainable practices and innovative recycling methods.
In conclusion, Sustainable Infrastructure Systems (SIS) is redefining what it means to build sustainably with their GFRP panels made from recycled soft plastics. By turning waste into valuable construction materials, SIS is not only helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the building industry but also paving the way for a more environmentally friendly future.
As society continues to seek ways to be more responsible, the need for sustainable concrete alternatives becomes increasingly important. SIS’s innovative approach offers a practical solution for eco-conscious developers and builders alike. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener future—one structure at a time.ore, further establishing its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices.
Related Article: Does Car Seat Expire?