Sustainable Construction Materials

Sustainable shuttering materials are the temporary moulds or supports used to hold freshly poured concrete in place until it gains sufficient strength to become self-supporting. These materials define the concrete’s shape, dimensions, and final surface texture.
In modern construction, shuttering materials include shuttering plywood, steel formwork, aluminium systems, and recycled plastic boards. The right choice ensures a smooth finish, high accuracy, and faster project completion.

The terms shuttering and formwork are often used interchangeably but have slightly different meanings. Formwork refers to the entire temporary structure used to shape and support concrete, including both vertical and horizontal components. Shuttering, on the other hand, refers specifically to vertical formwork such as walls and columns.
In essence, shuttering is a subset of formwork. For example, column shuttering materials are used to mould vertical members, while centering plywood supports horizontal slabs.

The main types of shuttering materials include timber, plywood, steel, aluminium, and plastic formwork boards. Traditional builders used timber and plywood due to ease of availability and low cost, but these materials degrade quickly.
Modern projects increasingly rely on recycled plastic shuttering boards because they are waterproof, termite-proof, and can be reused over 100 times — making them ideal for large-scale construction and sustainable projects.

The best shuttering material depends on project requirements, but recycled plastic formwork boards have proven to be the most versatile and durable solution. They are resistant to moisture, lightweight, and deliver an exceptionally smooth concrete surface without needing release agents.
Compared to shuttering plywood or steel, plastic boards save time during installation and removal, reduce labour effort, and can be reused across multiple projects, offering significant cost savings over time.

Column shuttering material refers to the panels or boards used to create vertical concrete columns. These materials must provide stability and dimensional accuracy, as columns bear heavy loads.
Builders typically use plastic shuttering boards or steel panels for column formwork because they ensure a smooth surface finish and prevent leakage during pouring. Recycled plastic boards are preferred for their easy handling, uniform size, and long life span.

No, formwork and falsework serve different functions. Formwork provides the shape and surface for the concrete structure, while falsework gives temporary support to hold the formwork in place during concrete pouring.
Both are essential in the construction process — formwork defines the design, and falsework ensures stability and alignment during casting.

Shuttering is always temporary, meaning it is removed once the concrete sets and achieves adequate strength. However, the time before removal varies depending on the type of cement, structural design, and environmental conditions.
Although shuttering isn’t permanent, choosing durable materials like recycled plastic formwork ensures it can be reused hundreds of times without losing shape or strength, making it a sustainable and cost-efficient option.

Choosing the right formwork material depends on your project’s budget, expected reuse cycles, structural type, and environmental exposure.
For long-term savings and sustainability, recycled plastic formwork is ideal. It’s reusable, durable, and easy to clean, unlike timber or plywood that deteriorate quickly in humid or rainy conditions.

Formwork materials are typically made from timber, plywood, aluminium, steel, or recycled plastic. Each material serves different purposes based on the project type.
For example, steel is best for heavy infrastructure, timber suits small projects, and plastic formwork provides an eco-friendly, reusable option suitable for all weather conditions and construction environments.

For durable, reusable, and eco-friendly products, you can explore WoWMaterials — a trusted supplier of WoW Shuttering systems, shuttering plywood, recycled plastic sheets & boards, plastic pallets, and centring plywood.
Each product is engineered for maximum reusability and performance, helping construction professionals reduce cost and environmental impact.