Recycled Plastic for Landscape Architects
As sustainability becomes an increasingly central focus in the landscape architecture industry, choosing materials that align with long-term environmental goals and regulations is vital.
British Recycled Plastic, a proud member of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), offers a comprehensive range of products specifically designed to meet the needs of landscape architects. From durable and low-maintenance solutions to helping projects achieve Net Zero targets, British Recycled Plastic provides an ideal material choice for those designing outdoor spaces.
The Benefits of Recycled Plastic For Landscape Architects
Supporting Net Zero Goals with Embodied Carbon Calculations
A critical part of any sustainability-driven project is understanding the embodied carbon associated with the materials used. British Recycled Plastic is committed to helping architects and developers calculate and reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. By offering detailed information on the total embodied carbon of its products, British Recycled Plastic supports the broader industry goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050, as outlined in reports like BALI’s “Landscape and Carbon“.
With 100% recycled materials, these products help landscape architects reduce the environmental impact of their designs. By opting for recycled plastic over traditional materials like wood or concrete, architects can contribute to reducing carbon emissions while also creating long-lasting and maintenance-free spaces.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS)
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is now a mandatory requirement in many projects across the UK. Landscape architects are tasked with enhancing biodiversity through careful selection of plants and materials. British Recycled Plastic’s planters provide an ideal solution for introducing pollinator-friendly vegetation into urban or suburban developments. These planters are not only durable and rot-resistant but also made from recycled materials, making them a perfect addition to sustainable landscapes.
When designing outdoor spaces, SuDS-compliant products are also crucial for managing stormwater and preventing flooding. British Recycled Plastic’s Hebden grids offer a permeable solution for pathways, driveways, and parking areas. By allowing water to drain naturally, these grids support compliance with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) regulations, all while reducing the risk of waterlogged surfaces and contributing to flood mitigation efforts.
Low-Maintenance and Long-Lasting Solutions
One of the primary benefits of specifying British Recycled Plastic products is their low-maintenance nature. Unlike wood or metal, recycled plastic doesn’t splinter, rot, rust, or degrade when exposed to the elements. This makes it particularly valuable in high-traffic public spaces or areas exposed to extreme weather, where durability is key to reducing long-term costs. Products like benches, parklets, and bollards are designed to withstand wear and tear, with no need for regular treatments or repairs.
The 25-year guarantee provided by British Recycled Plastic further reinforces the long-lasting value of their materials, making them an excellent choice for architects seeking solutions that offer cost savings over the lifecycle of a project.
Parklets & Planters: Enhancing Urban Spaces
Parklets and planters are becoming an increasingly popular feature in urban landscape design, offering a way to introduce green spaces into built-up areas. British Recycled Plastic’s modular planter systems are designed to be both functional and visually appealing. By using these products, architects can create attractive, low-maintenance green spaces that contribute to local biodiversity while also providing seating or social areas in city streetscapes.
Planters made from recycled plastic are not only long-lasting but also resistant to vandalism and the elements, ensuring that these green spaces remain attractive and well-maintained with minimal intervention.
Supporting Sustainability and Aesthetic Versatility
One of the advantages of using recycled plastic products is their aesthetic versatility. Available in a variety of colours and styles, British Recycled Plastic products can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of design schemes, from contemporary urban landscapes to more traditional garden spaces. This versatility allows architects to achieve their design vision while maintaining sustainability.
Because all products are made from 100% recycled UK waste, specifying British Recycled Plastic also supports the circular economy by reducing reliance on new materials and keeping plastic waste out of landfills. This not only helps projects meet sustainability requirements but also appeals to clients who prioritise environmentally conscious designs.
Supporting Landscape Architects with Industry-Leading Solutions
As a BALI member, British Recycled Plastic is committed to supporting landscape architects in their efforts to design sustainable, durable, and attractive outdoor spaces. BALI’s focus on carbon reduction and industry collaboration highlights the role that recycled plastic materials can play in achieving broader environmental goals. By choosing British Recycled Plastic, landscape architects can access products that not only meet their design needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
British Recycled Plastic offers landscape architects a range of high-quality, low-maintenance products that help meet Net Zero goals, support Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), and comply with SuDS regulations. From Hebden grids and planters to benches and parklets, these durable, sustainable products are ideal for projects looking to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic flexibility.
By specifying British Recycled Plastic, landscape architects can provide their clients with the best of both worlds: environmentally friendly materials that are designed to last, and the data needed to quantify their embodied carbon, supporting the wider industry’s drive towards Net Zero.
