29 Apr bioplastics MAGAZINE [02/19] Vol. 14 Page 39
Eco Spacer for precast concrete products
In the concrete industry, very considerable amounts of plastic
pellets are used in the transport of the different products (e.g.,
when stacking concrete floor slabs or paving stones). The
granules (usually LDPE) are used to protect packaged ceramic
or concrete products from scratches and efflorescence.
According to the instructions on the packaging, the LDPE
granules must be disposed of properly after unpacking to
ensure the granules are not blown away by the wind or swept
into tile joints. Unfortunately, proper care is not always taken
to prevent this happening, which means a significant amount
of LDPE ends up in the environment, remaining there for
hundreds of years, gradually fragmenting into microplastics.
The market for granulate used for this purpose is about 500
tonnes per year in Germany alone.
Please read more here: bioplastics MAGAZINE 02 19 Vol. 14 39 Eco Spacer Article