Our new plastics washing shed has been getting plenty of use! The dedicated wash stations and warm water have made cleaning recovered plastic much more efficient and comfortable.
It’s also been great to see our colourful recycled plastic sheets put to use throughout the space. They make a durable, easy-to-clean work surface that’s perfectly suited to the often wet environment, while showcasing the kinds of products we’re able to create from locally recycled plastic.
The large heat press, designed to compress heated plastic into high-quality, usable sheets, has presented some challenges. Temperature fluctuations and uneven heat distribution were resulting in inconsistent sheet quality and ongoing frustration.
After considerable testing, we decided the best solution was to redesign the press to improve its overall performance. Oliver took on the challenge of modifying the machine, and the improvements have made a significant difference. While some limitations from the original design remain, we can now consistently produce good-quality sheets at a much faster rate. These sheets are well suited for applications such as outdoor furniture.
Our next step is to build a series of high-quality outdoor Adirondack-style chairs using a hybrid design that combines ethically sourced cedar frames with thick recycled plastic for the seats, backs, and armrests. Watch for the first design coming out later this month.
