Australia’s First Sustainable Solution for Non-Compliant Cladding Waste

Established in response to state government’s mandated removal of polyethylene cladding, facade industry specialist Fairview has created Ecoloop—a recycling solution for re-cladding waste.

Identifying a gap within the market, Ecoloop sees non-compliant cladding waste from rectification projects recycled and repurposed, diverting up to 100 per cent of non-compliant ACP cladding material from landfill.

With more emphasis being placed on sustainability and the circular economy, Ecoloop takes a proactive approach to sustainability in the property industry.

Industry-wide sustainability is at the heart of the Ecoloop initiative, making it simple for builders, building owners, councils and developers to take the sustainable path with problem cladding while facilitating the repurposing of new products.

The impact

An estimated 4.2 million square metres of cladding across Australia has been identified as needing replacement—equating to about 20,000 tonnes of ACP which has consumed 340,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in production and use.

Fairview technical manager Ashley How said that recycling aluminium composite panel offsets virgin material production of aluminium and polyethylene.

“Repurposing these products consumes less than 20 per cent of the energy required to create the virgin material, which means every square metre recycled has an equivalent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as planting one tree,” How said.

“That is, 4.2 million square metres of cladding equals about 4.2 million trees.”

The take back program and process

“If you are aware of a rectification project which requires a re-clad solution, Fairview will be able to offer a cladding solution,” How said.

“From 11 January next year, our Ecoloop initiative will commence the collection of cladding waste from rectification project sites before transporting to Ecoloop’s processing facility, where a unique and sustainable separation process is performed.”

The panels will be separated into aluminium and polyethylene cladding, and then proceed to different facilities to repurpose the components into other sustainable construction products.

Particular concern has been raised as to the polyethylene material and how this can sustainably be reused.

“The proprietary Ecoloop separation process ensures the PE can be safely and efficiently used in other construction and building products, such as piping and seating,” How said.

“As with all recycling processes there will invariably be some waste which does not fall clearly into the aluminium and polyethylene categories, such as paint and sealants.

“Uniquely, the Ecoloop solution can also prevent this going to landfill through Process Engineered Fuels, and act as a coal offset. ”

Where other recycling practices see waste materials shipped overseas for processing, often using harmful and unethical practices, Ecoloop provides an Australian solution following Australian Standards using Australian workers.

Outcomes

Possible uses and innovative applications for the recycled material, continue to be investigated through our engagement with leading Universities and research and technology organisations.

In addition, optional reporting and independent auditing will provide our clients with statistics on how Ecoloop has helped them lessen their environmental impact now and into the future.

“How can you play your part? Rethink rectification and cladding waste,” How said.

“By taking the first step to consider where your cladding waste is going, you are showing your awareness.”

Click here to show your commitment to enhancing sustainability in the construction industry.

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