WRAP call on Landscaping industry to put recycled wood to the test.
WRAP call on Landscaping industry to put recycled wood to the test.
Press Release
WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is calling on local authorities and landscaping professionals to take part in a series of trials designed to demonstrate the performance and cost benefits of using recycled wood products as a mulch or as a surfacing material for pathways and playgrounds.
Recycled woodchip is one of the best-kept secrets in the landscaping industry, a fact borne out by recent research which showed only three per cent of landscaping specifiers, purchasers and professionals are aware of its potential for use as a loose surfacing material.
Trials applicants should have the potential to use significant quantities of loose surfacing materials made from recycled wood or be able to demonstrate one of the key performance benefits listed below:
• Low Maintenance
Recycled woodchip reduces maintenance requirements such as weeding by acting as an efficient weed suppressant. It also lasts a long time and is not easily blown away by the wind.
• Suitable for Steep Inclines
As recycled woodchip knits together well and is dense, it adheres effectively to steep slopes. In addition, it can be used in locations where some loose surfacing materials are rapidly washed downhill.
• Visually Attractive
Organic dyes are used to produce recycled woodchip in a variety of colours including natural shades that highlight plant foliage and others that are suitable for more decorative uses.
Successful candidates will then be provided with financial support to deliver and monitor the results of the trials, in addition to technical advice and support.
Julia Turner, Material Development Manager for wood at WRAP, said: "The demand for recycled woodchip in landscaping has grown in the last few years with more organisations using the material and an increasing number of suppliers entering the market. Nevertheless, we need to build on this and demonstrate how the product can be used as an effective and versatile solution in a variety of landscaping applications."
The following organisations are being invited to apply: local authorities, contractors, recycled wood product suppliers, playground equipment suppliers, golf courses, visitor attractions and schools.
An application form can be obtained from the www.wrap.org.uk or by written request, quoting WOO0038 - 003 to: Susan Baughan, Wood Team Administrator. Email: sue.baughan@wrap.org.uk
Closing date for applications is: Monday 19th September 2005, noon.
1. WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) is a major UK programme established to promote resource efficiency. Its particular focus is on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products and removing the barriers to waste minimisation, re-use and recycling.
2. A not-for-profit company in the private sector, WRAP is backed by substantial Government funding from Defra and the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
3. WRAP is currently running fifteen programmes. Twelve are focused on market development, and comprise nine material streams (Paper, Plastics, Glass, Wood, Organics, Aggregates, Plasterboard, Tyres and Batteries) and three generic areas (Business & Finance, Procurement, and Regional Market Development). Three new programmes relate to the wider resource efficiency remit - Collections, Communications and Awareness, and Waste Minimisation.
4. Details of all WRAP's activities are available at www.wrap.org.uk.
5. More information on recycled woodchip suppliers can be found on
www.RecycleWood.org.uk/landscape
Contacts:
Simon Williams/Vicci Rainscourt at BrayLeino PR
Tel: 0117 906 4548/0117 906 4521