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BSEE


The construcon sector is one of the largest contributors to waste in the UK, meaning the industry has a vital role to play in reducing the amount of waste in landfill. Paul Hetherington, CEO at MarshallTuex, discusses how responsibly specifying cable management products can make a huge impact


landfill. With the devastating effects landfill has on our environment, this is an unacceptable figure and one the entire industry must take responsibility for. In October 2019, the government introduced a new bill that seeks to address key environmental issues to lower carbon emissions; improve air quality; manage waste and optimise the use of resources. A move towards a circular economy is specifically mentioned – and this is an area in particular, where the construction industry could have a major impact, if those specifying building fabric solutions more carefully considered those made from recycled content. When it comes to plastic products in particular, much more could be done to reduce the amount of plastic waste currently going into landfill. In the cable management sector, manufacturers of PVC-U cable management solutions are already saving a significant amount of plastic from entering landfill by using recycled content in the manufacturing process. Marshall- Tufflex, for example, has invested efforts into its responsibilities to the environment, with a commitment to increasing the amount of recycled content in its PVC-U cable management products. As a result, some standard ranges include as much as 80% recycled material with some products reaching 100% without any impact on cost or quality. This alone has saved the equivalent in weight of 300 double decker buses of PVC-U from landfill sites. The company is now calling on competitors to follow suit and have the industry move towards using at least 50% recycled material in manufacturing processes by 2028. This would make a significant impact to the environmental performance of the cable management sector and contribute hugely to a circular economy. Of course, manufacturers are far more likely to begin to change course on manufacturing processes depending on buyer attitudes. Therefore, it is important that specifiers of these products are fully informed on the numerous benefits of selecting high quality cable management products made from recycled content, as well as demonstrating positive CSR in supporting environmentally responsible companies.


A


pproximately 120 million tonnes of waste is created by the construction industry each year – accounting for almost 60% of all UK waste. Of this waste, 25 million tonnes is sent to UK


CABLE MANAGEMENT Landfill reduction


Recycled PVC-U used for cable management systems, such as Marshall-Tufflex products, comes from post-industrial and post-consumer PVC-U window frames – a grade of plastic designed to withstand external elements.


During this production process, strict quality controls from credible manufacturers will constantly monitor the quality of the product and


ensure it retains its durability and a smooth and stable colour finish.


Specifiers should also be aware of, and specify products from, manufacturers who meet Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals (REACH) standards, which concerns the production and its use of chemicals and their impact on both the environment and


human health. In addition, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Accreditation demonstrates that manufacturers have taken steps to reduce their impact on the environment throughout their business.


Furthermore, it is crucial to support


manufacturers who are totally transparent about the recycled content in its products. Marshall- Tufflex, recognising the need for transparent specification, has introduced tools such as the Recycled PVC-U Calculator, to illustrate how much recycled content is used in the products specified for a project and how much PVC-U in kilograms will be saved from going to landfill. Marshall-Tufflex as a business has noted that changes are being actioned, slowly but surely, with local authorities in particular starting to act. In the past month, the business has reported receiving specifications asking that PVC-U trunking provided must meet a minimum of 50% recycled material. This is a positive improvement, and one the business and the environment need to see grow further.


It is clear everyone has a responsibility to prevent further damage to the environment, and the construction industry in particular must begin to make smarter, more sustainable specification decisions to turn the tide. By making informed decisions and supporting manufacturers who are clear in their environmental commitments, the difference that can be made would be huge. For more information on Marshall-Tufflex, visit www.marshall-tufflex.com


24 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER FEBRUARY 2020 Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


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