One such commendable initiative, launched by Bailey Tanks, involves the use of recycled plastic to manufacture water tanks. This offers a dual benefit of waste reduction and resource conservation.
David Bailey, CEO of Bailey Tanks says the company was interested in the transformative journey of recycled plastic and its application in producing eco-friendly water storage solutions.
"This year Bailey Tanks celebrated our 50-year anniversary. As some of our earliest tanks are reaching the end of their optimal life, we are eager to give new life to these old tanks – recognising our responsibility to the customer, and the environment."
Accordingly, Bailey Tanks embarked on a journey to transform its old water tanks into new products.
The process begins with the company collecting used plastic water tanks from its customers.
Once collected, the plastic undergoes a cleaning process to remove contaminants. It is then broken down to a powder using an advanced mechanical recycling machine, after which it is ready to be used again in the manufacturing process.
Bailey Tanks currently use this recycled powder to produce non-potable 2000L and 3000L tanks nicknamed "Recycled Ruth".
"We’re extremely proud to offer tanks that are made from 100% recycled plastic, and we plan to expand the use of recycled plastic into other sizes," says David.
Bailey Tanks’ other recycling initiatives include the use of post-consumer waste, such as milk and cleaning bottles, in the production of its Black Snake drainage pipe, which uses up to 200,000 bottles per week.
Using recycled plastic decreases the demand for virgin plastics, mitigating the need for new plastic production, and alleviating the burden on landfills. These actions decrease the environmental impact of plastic pollution. Additionally, producing plastic from recycled materials generally requires less energy compared to manufacturing virgin plastic.
The use of recycled plastic in water tank production helps conserve valuable natural resources, such as petroleum, which is a primary component of virgin plastic. This results in lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly production process.
Bailey Tanks is proud to offer a cradle-to-cradle approach for its water tanks and align the company with the principles of a circular economy, promoting the responsible use and reuse of materials.
"The use of recycled plastic to produce water tanks exemplifies a sustainable and innovative approach to addressing both the plastic pollution crisis and the growing demand for water storage solutions," David says.
"This transformative journey from waste to resource not only contributes to environmental conservation but also highlights the potential for creative solutions in building a more sustainable future. As technology advances and awareness grows, the integration of recycled materials into everyday products like water tanks serves as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of a circular and environmentally conscious economy."
Watch this video to find out more about Bailey Tanks recycling initiative.
Article supplied by Bailey Tanks.