In today’s construction landscape, sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity. Materials once taken for granted are being reevaluated for their environmental footprint. One innovation driving this shift is WoWBoards, recycled plastic shuttering sheets that redefine how we approach formwork in construction.
WoWBoards excel in durability, reusability, and cost efficiency and play a pivotal role in reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint. In this article, we explore how WoWBoards are transforming shuttering applications and driving a circular economy.
The Evolution of Shuttering Materials
Shuttering has been an essential aspect of construction, providing temporary moulds to support concrete structures until they set. Traditionally, timber, plywood, and metal have dominated this space.
However, these materials come with significant drawbacks:
- Timber: Harvested at the expense of deforestation, timber forms are less durable and contribute to waste.
- Plywood: While more efficient than raw timber, plywood deteriorates quickly under wet conditions and has limited reusability.
- Metal: Though durable, metal shuttering is expensive, heavy, and energy-intensive.
In response to these challenges, recycled plastic boards like WoWBoards offer a groundbreaking alternative that meets the construction industry’s evolving needs.
How WoWBoards Are Made: Recycling at Its Best
WoWBoards are made from multi-layered plastics (MLPs), some of the hardest recycled materials. These plastics typically end up in landfills or oceans, where they degrade into harmful microplastics over centuries.
At WoWMaterials, this waste is given a second life. MLPs are converted into durable, lightweight, and reusable plastic sheets using state-of-the-art recycling facilities. Since commissioning in March 2024, WoWMaterials has manufactured over 5,000 sheets, recycling over 250,000 kilograms of plastic waste.
Every kilogram of plastic recycled prevents approximately six kilograms of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere. By locking in this carbon in the form of WoWBoards, the material contributes to the circular economy and functions as a form of carbon sequestration.
Key Features and Environmental Benefits of WoWBoards
1. High Reusability and Durability
Unlike plywood, which warps and degrades after 4-5 uses, WoWBoards can be reused over 50 times. Their resistance to water, chemicals, and extreme temperatures ensures consistent performance across multiple projects.
2. Circular Economy Contribution
WoWBoards can be recycled into new boards when they reach the end of their life. This closed-loop system minimises waste and reduces the need for virgin materials, ensuring a sustainable lifecycle.
3. Reduced Carbon Footprint
WoWBoards are manufactured using green fuels like biomass briquettes, further minimising emissions during production. Each board prevents 300 kilograms of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.
4. Zero Waste Manufacturing
The entire production process at WoWMaterials leaves no waste. Any leftover material is reintegrated into the recycling process, embodying true sustainability.
Applications in Construction
Slab Shuttering
WoWBoards provide unparalleled stability and a smooth finish for horizontal structures like ceilings and bridges. Unlike plywood, they don’t warp under the weight of wet concrete.
Column Shuttering
Their lightweight nature and flexibility make WoWBoards ideal for columns of varying shapes and sizes. Labourers report ease of handling and faster installation times.
Retaining Walls
Designed to handle high pressure, WoWBoards are perfect for retaining walls, even in extreme weather conditions.
Circular Structures
Thanks to their flexibility, thinner WoWBoards (6mm) are used for circular shuttering, offering cost-effective and precise moulding solutions.
Cost Efficiency: Breaking Down the Numbers
Though WoWBoards have a slightly higher upfront cost compared to plywood, their long-term value is unmatched:
- Durability: With over 50 uses, WoWBoards reduce recurring procurement costs.
- Low Maintenance: Resistant to water, chemicals, and environmental wear, these boards eliminate repair and replacement costs.
- Reduced Labour Effort: Their lightweight and pre-cut options speed up framing and installation, saving on labour expenses.
Return on Investment
For a project requiring 100 plywood sheets, replacements would be needed every 5-6 uses, leading to significant material and labour costs. With WoWBoards, one purchase lasts over 50 uses, cutting expenses and ensuring consistent quality.
Case Studies: Sustainability in Action
1. ULCCS Project: Smooth De-Shuttering Experience
In a recent project by ULCCS, WoWBoards demonstrated their superior performance during multiple shuttering repetitions. The boards left a flawless finish and required no additional polishing, saving time and material costs.
2. Private Contractor in Bengaluru: Retaining Walls, Columns and Slabs
A private contractor used WoWBoards to construct retaining walls, columns, and slabs, praising their resistance to pressure and weather fluctuations. The boards withstood heavy loads without deformation, showcasing their strength and reliability. The contractor went on to achieve over 20 repetitions for slab shuttering.
Certifications and Sustainability Goals
WoWBoards aligns with international green building certifications such as:
- GreenPro: Recognising eco-friendly products that reduce environmental impact.
- LEED: A globally recognised certification for sustainable building practices.
By adopting WoWBoards, contractors and developers can help their projects become eligible for these certifications, enhancing their environmental and market value.
Comparing Environmental Impacts
| Feature | WoWBoards | Plywood | Metal Shuttering |
| Carbon Emissions | Minimal (recycled materials) | High (deforestation) | High (energy-intensive) |
| Recyclability | 100% | Limited | Yes, but energy-intensive |
| Waste Generation | None | High (short lifecycle) | Moderate |
| Energy Use | Low | Moderate | High |
Challenges and How WoWBoards Overcome Them
1. Plywood Shortcomings
Plywood often degrades when exposed to rain or left unused during workforce unavailability. WoWBoards, being waterproof and weather-resistant, remain unaffected even under such conditions.
2. Labour Adaptability
Initial trials showed that labourers appreciated how easy WoWBoards were to cut and nail, especially compared to metal sheets.
3. Misconceptions About Plastic
While plastics have a bad reputation due to pollution, WoWBoards turn this narrative around by showcasing how recycled plastic can be a sustainable, durable, and environmentally beneficial material.
The Path Ahead: Building a Greener Industry
The construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. Adopting materials like WoWBoards is a critical step towards reducing this footprint.
By choosing WoWBoards, developers make a sustainable choice and signal their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. This shift can inspire other sectors to embrace recycled materials, paving the way for a truly circular economy.
Let’s create structures that stand the test of time without testing the planet’s limits. With WoWBoards, sustainability is no longer an option—it’s a standard.
Discover how WoWBoards can elevate your projects while protecting the planet. Reach out today and join the movement towards sustainable construction!