Manufacturer gives new life to plastics
Published on May 31, 2011
Creating new products derived from the post consumer and industrial stream, New Life Recovery Systems is a modern manufacturer that uses recycled plastic to create products that can replace or be used in conjunction with wood, concrete and steel, for example parking curbs.
“We take plastics and we create a product that competes favorably with concrete curbs,” said Murray MacKay Owner at New Life Recovery Systems. “With concrete you need a knuckle boom to move and position them; with plastics they are light enough for one person to handle, they also are strong competitors cost-wise and have a longer life span.”
MacKay used grocery stores as an example of a business able to capitalize on this green product. “By using our curbs in their lots they will essentially be “recycling their own product,” our product will be reusing items like grocery bags, margarine containers or any other plastic items found in the store.”
Located in Medicine Hat, New Life Recovery Systems provides a variety of green options all made from plastic such as non-penetrating rooftop supports, potato boards, fence boards and dimensional lumber. Using plastic as an alternate to wood helps retain appearance, requires less upkeep and lasts for decades. Plastic doesn’t swell or shrink and is ideal in environments where exposure to moisture or dryness is a concern.
The primary plastic used in their manufacturing methods is #2 High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which has high tensile strength and resistance to chemical solvents and can withstand high and low temperatures. Collected from communities throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, New Life reduces the plastic into its granular form and then molds it into a variety of products, they also customize for consumer needs.
Demand for green solutions continues to increase globally; by using only recycled plastic New Life Recovery Systems is finding an innovative way to reduce the amount of plastic found in landfills.
“We are seeing more environmental technologies emerge in southeast Alberta,” said Tracy Heebner, Rural Business Enhancement Officer for the Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Southeast Alberta. “We aim to make companies aware of the services available to them in this environmental field, such as Canadian Environmental Technology Advancement Corporation – West (CETAC-West). This not for profit organization head quartered in Calgary serves small and medium businesses in the four western provinces, specializing in getting green technologies to market.”
To learn more about the how New Life Recovery Systems is giving “New Life to Plastics” visit www.newlifeplastics.ca or go to www.edalliance.ca to learn more about CETAC and other resources available to your business.