A 100% recycled plastic product, Storm Board has been created as a solution to a huge waste problem in the UK. Protomax Plastics found a way to transform waste plastics into durable recycled plastic sheets that have a huge variety of applications, including site hoarding, furniture and emergency shelters.

Storm Board gives you the opportunity to dramatically reduce your production of waste plywood, MDF and particle board, allowing businesses to invest instead in a solution that’ll save money in the long run and create an endless resource. Storm Board will make you see waste plastics in a whole new light, and replace unrecyclable materials that you use on a day to day basis.

If you’re tired of sending used hoarding to landfill or you’d like to see how waste plastics can be transformed into a durable and customisable product, then Storm Boards are the answer.

What is Storm Board?

Storm Board from Protomax Plastics is recycled and reusable hoarding board, created in response to the staggering amount of plywood, particle board and MDF that is being imported and used in temporary applications such as site hoardings and concrete formwork. As these materials are too often deemed unusable after one short term application and have toxic formaldehyde content, they are sent to landfill.

The UK actually imports about 1.4 million m3 of plywood each year – This would be the equivalent weight of approximately 30 million Storm Boards. On top of this comes a similar consumption of particle board and MDF.

It’s estimated that each year up to 420,000 tonnes of waste wood is produced by households or deposited at civic amenity sites in the UK.

Packaging (pallets and crates) produce a further 670,000 tonnes, and construction and demolition 750,000 tonnes. (Based on figures according to the UK Overseas Trade Statistics and UK Timber Statistics 2006)

Storm Board uses waste plastics to produce a board that, due to its weather resistant properties, can be reused many times and recycled into another board at the end of its life.

What is hoarding board?

Hoarding boards are temporary boards placed around a building or structure under construction or repair.

For the most part, hoarding boards are used for temporary applications. Unfortunately, these boards are too often constructed using unrecyclable materials such as MDF and plywood that have a toxic formaldehyde content, which means when they’re no longer needed they’re sent to landfill.

Due to the temporary necessity of site hoarding, the best option is to used recycled materials that can be used time and time again. Storm Board is the only reusable and sustainable hoarding solution available on the market. This doesn’t just apply to hoarding but a huge variety of applications, which we will cover later in the article.

Hoarding boards are also commonly used as an advertising tool, which means it’s advantageous for them to be coated, painted or covered in vinyl. Plywood hoarding needs to be painted and is expensive to maintain as you can’t jet wash it or the wood will swell and rot. In order to add graphics to plywood boards, aluminium PVC boards are printed and fixed to the plywood. This is very expensive and once again is sent to landfill.

Storm Board, on the other hand, can be made to a specific colour, printed on or vinyl wrapped to achieve the desired look without extra materials being wasted and at a fraction of the cost.

How is Storm Board made?

Storm Board begins its life as plastic waste, this could be anything from old coat hangers to bottle caps. This waste is taken to the manufacturer, where it’s cleaned and transformed into useful recycled plastic panels. This closed-loop recycling process is designed to dramatically reduce the amount of waste plywood, MDF, chipboard and glass fibre being sent to a landfill on a regular basis.

Storm Board is capable of replacing plywood, MDF, chipboard and glass fibre in an endless amount of applications. The panels can be fabricated into furniture or used as site hoarding where these unrecyclable materials were previously used.

The result is reusable, durable and water-resistant recycled plastic sheets that are suitable for short term use if required.

Take a look at this video by Protomax Plastics on how retailers can utilise their back of house plastics to create counters and furniture for their stores:

What are the different types of Storm Board?

There are two types of Storm Board available:

Storm Board HI (High Impact)

This tough general purpose board is designed to outperform wood in outdoor and wet environments. The polyolefin skin makes it easy to clean, graffiti resistant and highly weatherproof.

Storm Board HI comes in a standard colour of speckled grey/black but there is also a new Splash Board range which shows off the wild recycled colours and creates a unique and colourful look.

Applications:

site hoardings, washrooms, cubicles, shower pods, tanking, outdoor furniture, climbing walls, raised beds, compost bins, animal welfare, stables, sheds, flood protection, staff canteens and site office furniture

Storm Board SF (Shop Fitting)

Storm Board SF was developed as a sustainable alternative for the shopfitting industry. It has a lower coefficient of expansion, so it doesn’t expand or contract as a result of heat as much as Storm Board HI.

Storm Board SF is not as UV stable as HI and would require cork coating if used for extended periods outside, however, it maintains its water-resistant qualities.

Whilst it doesn’t have the high impact strength of Storm Board HI, this solution can be CNC machined and printed directly. The standard colour is black flecked, but as it’s so easily printed you can customise the boards to your requirements.

Applications: ideal for furniture, shop fitting and construction

Coatings and Laminates

There are a number of coatings available for Storm Board – You can achieve a wood, leather and brushed metal look, and even a fire retardant laminate. With a variety of options available, this product can be entirely tailored to the needs of your project.

There is a sustainable Cork and Quartz coating, which enhances the performance and look of Storm Board. With this coating you’ll get the following benefits:

• Fire rating – Euro Class B
• Acoustic properties
• Colours
• “Rendered” look
• no on-site plastering/plasterboard/decorating
• easy to clean and maintain
• non-slip properties

Get in touch with our team on 01992 62283 for a full list of coatings available.

What are the applications of Storm Board?

The answer to this is simple: anywhere you’d use plywood, chipboard, MDF and particle board.

Since its creation Storm Board has been utilised across the construction, shopfitting and horticultural industries. A large number of companies are already putting the versatility of Storm Board to the test, here’s a selection of the most common Storm Board applications to date:

Site hoardings

Storm Board is ideal in hoarding construction, as this is a temporary application and also more often than not requires the material to be able to withstand harsh conditions. Advertising hoarding is also a common requirement, and Storm Board can be made to a specific colour, printed, or vinyl wrapped so it’s completely customizable and great for using as a marketing tool.

Trailer repair

Storm Board can be used to replace rotten plywood on trailers and vehicles, simply add grip tape for a non-slip finish.

Concrete formwork/shuttering

Concrete shuttering and short term aggressive use are perfect for Storm Board as it is reusable and more durable than plywood.

Indoor furniture

Storm Board panels can also be taken and formed into recycled furniture for offices, supermarkets and staff canteens. Protomax Plastics has worked with high profile companies like Asda and M&S to set up a process where their back of house plastic waste is taken and formed into Storm Board and then repurposed in their stores for counters, coffee tables and benches.

There are limitless possibilities for the use of Storm Board in the shopfitting industry, as it can be formed into any shape, it’s easy to maintain and clean, and it gives you the benefit of saving money on disposing of waste plastic.

Outdoor furniture/structures

If you are constructing permanent or semi-permanent structures with plywood externally, then Storm board is the perfect material to use.

In 2015, Storm Board was hand-picked as a leading eco-innovation by Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud. The award-winning Storm Board recycled plastic cladding and outdoor benches were exhibited at Grand Designs Live, as part of McCloud’s Green Heroes stand.

Storm Board has also been used in emergency constructions, such as the disaster relief ‘E-home’ and in flat pack emergency shelters.

It’s the perfect material for the construction of durable animal shelters, stables and sheds. There are numerous gardening applications, including for raised beds and compost bins. Bins made out of rubbish! It’s the ultimate in closed loop recycling.

Washroom/toilet applications

As Storm Board is easy to clean and hygienic it also has a number of applications in washrooms. It has been used to make public toilet cubicles, washroom surfaces and shower pods.

Others…

The uses for Storm Board truly multiply as times goes on – It has also proved useful in flood protection and even in the creation of contemporary art. Just take a look at the video below to see Storm Board take centre stage in this gothic piece:

ARA LUCIDUS from iyvone Khoo on Vimeo.

What are the benefits of using Storm Board?

As Storm Board is used as a replacement for plywood in a huge array of applications, it’s important to explore the benefits of Storm Board vs Plywood.

Renewable source

Whereas plywood comes from trees, Storm Board is made from 100% waste plastic. Plywood cannot be recycled and Storm Board can be recycled once used, either being remade into more boards or reused as it is. Not only are you saving money in the long run by choosing a product that stands the test of time, but you’re also doing your bit for the environment and finding a worthwhile home for your waste plastics.

Water resistance

It’s likely that you need a material that can withstand the weather conditions all year round and still stay in excellent condition. Plywood is not water resistant and needs to be painted and sealed to be used externally, whereas Storm board is 100% water resistant. No matter the weather, Storm Board is up to the challenge.

More cost effective

Although Storm Board is more expensive up front than basic WBP plywood, when you consider the repainting, replacing or remedial work needed to keep plywood usable in an external environment Storm Board comes out cheaper in a short space of time. This means a significant cost saving as time goes on.

Lasts longer

Storm Board is stronger and more durable than plywood. Unlike wood, It won’t rot and can also be UV protected. One of the common questions we receive about Storm Board is ‘How long will it last?’ To put this into perspective, there are Storm Boards around a telecommunications compound in central  London that have been up for over 10 years and they still look like new after a quick clean down!

Easy to use

Storm Board can be cut with any basic machinery used on plywood and can also be screwed and drilled with ease. This means quick install for site hoarding and straightforward assembly for any furniture applications. If required, this product can be welded or jointed for a more permanent solution.

Adaptable looks

Storm Board can be left unfinished, vinyl wrapped or printed to look exactly how you want it. There’s the opportunity to include patterns, branding or a complete work of art if that’s what you need! With plywood it is harder and more expensive to customise as PVC boards would need to be printed on and then fixed to the wood.

Storm Board benefits summary:

• 100% recycled
• Reusable
• Cost-effective
• Long lasting
• Easy to use
• Adaptable

Where can I buy recycled plastic boards?

Here at TBS, we are thrilled to stock Storm Board recycled plastic boards!

We’re a family run company with a customer-focused approach. Our aim is to supply quality products, a quick turnaround and exceptional service.

We know that what you’re looking for is great prices, reliability and large stocks, and we’re more than capable of becoming your go-to plastic sheets supplier. Need your solutions straight away? That’s no problem, we offer next day delivery service on all items. Alternatively, you can pop into our trade counter in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire from 6 am.

Get in touch with our team today to enquire about Storm Board – you can request a sample and spec sheet or arrange a meeting to discuss your requirements.

Give us a call on 01992 622 823, email sales@tbspoly.com or fill out our easy online enquiry form.

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This article was written by William Gresswell

William started at TBS in 2008 after leaving upper sixth form working in fabrication and cutting, he started on the trade counter and has worked through to business development. William actually worked part-time at TBS during holidays from a young age until he officially started full-time. William has completed a 2-year advanced business management course, a course with the chartered institute of management accountants (CIMA) and holds City and Guild certificates in basic electrics, plumbing, brickwork and carpentry.