Walk onto a construction site and ask any contractor what keeps them up at night. You’ll likely hear about delays, rework, swelling plywood, and budgets stretched thin because materials didn’t perform the way they should.
At the heart of all this — lies one material that’s used in almost every project and fails just as often: plywood for shuttering.
Now imagine a product that lasts five times longer, doesn’t swell when it rains, doesn’t break when it’s de-shuttered, and doesn’t end up in a landfill after five uses. That’s the promise of recycled plastic sheets — and more specifically, of WoWBoards.
But are these recycled plastic boards really as waterproof and durable as claimed? Let’s dig into the facts.
The Problem With Conventional Materials
Traditional shuttering plywood has always had its drawbacks:
- Swells when exposed to water
- Cracks or chips after a few uses
- Requires oiling every single time
- Short life span (usually 5–6 uses)
- Ends up in landfills or is burned
All this leads to cost escalations, poor finishes, more plastering, and massive material wastage. So, the industry started asking: is there a better alternative?
The answer came from an unlikely place — the waste we throw away.
What Are Recycled Plastic Sheets?
Recycled plastic sheets for construction are boards made from waste plastic, including multi-layered plastics (MLP) that are otherwise non-recyclable. These materials are collected, cleaned, processed, and transformed into solid, high-density sheets that can replace plywood in formwork and shuttering applications.
At WoWMaterials, we’ve spent over two years perfecting this transformation — creating eco-friendly recycled plastic sheets that don’t just match plywood, but outperform it.
Let’s Talk Waterproofing: Do They Really Resist Water?
Yes — and here’s why:
Unlike plywood, which absorbs moisture and eventually delaminates, recycled plastic boards are non-porous. That means water doesn’t seep in. Whether exposed to rain or curing water on site, these boards don’t swell, warp, or rot.
Builders have reported WoWBoards performing exactly the same even after 10–15 rounds of concrete pours. No swelling. No peeling. No weakness in the board. In fact, curing water that usually destroys plywood has no effect on these plastic sheets.
They are, quite literally, built for bad weather.
And What About Durability?
Here’s where things get interesting. Most plywood gives up after 5 or 6 uses. But WoWBoards, built from sustainable plastic sheets, deliver 40 to 60 repetitions — and in some cases, even more.
That’s not just a win for sustainability — it’s a massive win for your budget.
Let’s break it down:
| Material | Average Uses | Oiling Needed | Waterproof | Recyclable |
| Plywood | 5–6 | Yes | No | No |
| WoWBoards | 40–60+ | No | Yes | Yes |
Every time a WoWBoard is reused, it’s saving a tree, reducing landfill waste, and helping a builder finish faster with fewer material headaches.
Real Sites. Real Results.
Across India, WoWBoards are already being used in real projects by real contractors. These aren’t lab conditions — they’re dusty, messy, wet construction sites, and the results have been consistent:
- No breaking during de-shuttering
- No bending in monolithic shuttering
- Minimal surface defects
- Smoother concrete finish
- Savings on plastering and labour
This isn’t a theory. It’s practical, on-site performance that’s visible from the very first cycle.
What’s the Recycled Plastic Sheet Price?
Let’s address a common question: Are recycled plastic sheets more expensive than plywood?
Yes — at first glance. But over the life of your project, WoWBoards save far more than they cost.
Consider this:
- 1 WoWBoard replaces 5 to 6 plywood sheets
- No need for oiling agents or plaster touch-ups
- Far fewer labour delays due to board breakage
- Recyclable at the end of its life, unlike plywood
So when you’re comparing recycled plastic sheet price, don’t just look at the upfront number — look at what you’re spending on replacements, rework, and disposal with plywood.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
India generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year. A huge chunk of it ends up in landfills or gets burned — releasing toxic fumes, damaging our soil and air.
Imagine if just one application — shuttering in construction — could absorb thousands of tonnes of that waste and turn it into value.
That’s what recycled plastic material for construction can do. And that’s what WoWBoards are already doing — every day, on real sites, with real contractors.
It’s not just a product. It’s a shift in mindset.
Why Builders Are Making the Switch
Here’s what we’re hearing from contractors and project managers across the country:
“No swelling even after rain.”
“We didn’t need to plaster after de-shuttering.”
“The same board has been used 30+ times and still going.”
“It saves cost and helps the environment — it’s a win-win.”
That’s the beauty of recycled plastic board for shuttering. It makes good business sense — and just happens to be better for the planet.
What to Ask Your Contractor
Next time you’re on-site, ask your contractor:
- How many times have you replaced plywood this month?
- How much plaster are you applying just to fix surface defects?
- How many broken ply boards are lying around?
- Could we try a board that lasts longer and works better?
Because the answer could save your project time, money — and waste.
Final Thoughts
So, are recycled plastic sheets really waterproof and durable?
Yes — when they’re made right, tested on the ground, and used in the right applications.
At WoWMaterials, we’ve built more than a product. We’ve built a movement — to turn plastic waste into something that builds, not destroys. WoWBoards are the future of shuttering, and if you’re still using plywood, it’s time to rethink.
Because when your material performs better, lasts longer, and leaves no waste behind — that’s not just good construction. That’s a responsible building.
Build faster. Build smarter. Build with WoWBoards.