Environmental

• FACT: ScaffGap is made from 100% recycled PVC-U
• FACT : ScaffGap can be used over and over again.
• FACT: ScaffGap is 100% recyclable.
• FACT: PVC-U can be recycled again and again - and again! PVC-U used to make ScaffGap can be recycled and used to make a wide range of PVC-U products (including more ScaffGap!) which in turn can be recycled again to make more products.
• FACT: Current research shows that PVC-U is expected to have a life cycle of approximately 30-40 years.
• FACT: The manufacture of PVC-U does not require the use of plasticizers.
• FACT: The mechanical properties of recycled PVC are as good as and often better than virgin material.
• FACT: The amount of PVC-U that gets recycled is increasing and the UK now has 100 collectors and 29 recyclers of post consumer PVC-U.
• FACT: A typical European PVC production plant would have to operate for 30,000 years to produce the same amount of dioxins released into the atmosphere during bonfire night!

POLYVINYLCHLORIDE – UNPLACTICISED (PVC-U)

PVC-U is one of the most successful modern synthetic materials. It makes excellent use of scarce resources, is long-lasting and safe in production, use and disposal.

The effect of PVC-U on health and the environment, from manufacture to disposal, has been more thoroughly researched than almost any other synthetic material. PVC-U is a cost-effective, sustainable choice and comparable with other materials such as steel, copper, aluminium and wood. Sustainability is about many things, not least durability — materials that will last. A recent study of social housing in Wales found that low-quality, cheap products, typically used for downpipes, had a realistic life of ten to 12 years. Better quality products might cost 50% to 100% more, but could last three times as long.

PVC-U uses about 50% of the oil, as a raw material, per tonne that other plastics use and it can be recycled ten to 12 times without loss of quality. The Scaffold Platform Gap Bridging System.

ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF PVC-U

• No harm to the environment from dioxin emissions.
• 100% recyclable products mean prolonged on-going usage.
• Environmental benefit from PVC-U remaining inert in landfill.
• Excellent fire performance from PVC-U with significantly less fire propagation than many other materials.
• Low intrinsic (43%) oil content – only 4% of the world’s oil is used for plastics
• Easy to manage and install, PVC-U is a lightweight and durable material.
• No painting or repainting is needed, ensuring a reduced use of chemicals.
• No requirement for chemical treatments as PVC-U is tough and resistant to weather and corrosion.
• PVC-U has a long life cycle and less energy is required to produce it compared with other materials such as wood.
• A cost-effective and sustainable choice by comparison with steel, copper and aluminium.

UK CUSTOMERS

ScaffGap is manufactured in the UK to reduce your carbon footprint!