The PORCELANOSA Grupo company develops an ECO bonding material that reuses the waste materials from other production processes.
Its technological efficiency and adhesion properties allows it to be used in underfloor heating systems, façades or ceramic floor tiles for high-footfall areas.
Plastic production has increased significantly over the last few years and has become one of the main causes of global warming. This is a challenge that was recently addressed at the 2019 Climate Change Conference (also known as COP25).
According to the report published by Greenpeace in 2016, between 2002 and 2013, the production of plastics increased 50%, from 204 million tonnes in 2002 to 299 million tonnes in 2013.This is a situation that could result in 500 million tonnes by 2020.
To protect the oceans
In response to this situation and joining the fight against climate change and the struggle to protect the oceans, where it is estimated that 80% of this waste is dumped, the Butech firm of the PORCELANOSA Grupo has designed R-Eco. An additive for cement-based bonding materials that contains a mix of recycled plastics, which substitute other components of this kind.
It is composed of a mix of micronised plastics that does not affect the adhesive properties. As a post-consumer recycled plastic (recovered and reused plastic), it is compatible with all Butech C2 adhesives in accordance with EN 12004 and, in terms of its sustainable properties, it contains 250 grams of 100% recycled plastic. This is the equivalent of plastic 50 supermarket bags, which are estimated to take 55 years to decompose if they are not recycled.
With the latest data published by Greenpeace, which shows that only 9% of the plastic produced is recycled and that between 21% and 54% of all microplastic particles in the world are found in the Mediterranean basin, it is important to note that if all the PORCELANOSA Grupo’s ceramics were installed with the new R-Eco adhesive, it would mean an annual reduction in plastic contamination of more than 800 MT/year. In percentage terms, it would represent 0.01% of the total uncontrolled waste generated on our planet.
Given the advances in manufacturing techniques, and the necessity to reduce plastic waste, coupled with customer’s desire to be as Eco-Friendly as possible, I think that this is an amazing step, led by one of the world’s innovators, Porcelanosa Grupo.
I am proud to be able to claim I work for such a driven company, moving forward in leaps and bounds with new, exciting building innovations such as the R-Eco from Butech, a member of the Porcelanosa Grupo family of companies.
Well done to all!
Rob Goode
Showroom Manager
Porcelanosa Cannock
Midlands, UK
Thank you very much for your comments, Robert.
They are really appreciated!