Introduction to Shuttering Plywood
Shuttering plywood, commonly referred to as formwork plywood or centring plywood, is a vital component in the construction industry. It is used primarily for casting concrete. This plywood material is known for its durability, strength, and ability to withstand harsh conditions during construction.
While shuttering plywood is widely used, its environmental impact has sparked the search for sustainable alternatives like plastic shuttering ply and recycled plastic sheets. In this blog, we’ll explore what shuttering plywood is, its applications, its environmental impact, and the sustainable alternatives available today, including plastic shuttering plywood.
How Shuttering Plywood is Made
Shuttering plywood is manufactured by bonding multiple layers of wood veneer with strong adhesives like phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin. The veneer layers are arranged so that the adjacent layers’ grains are perpendicular, giving the plywood its strength. This construction method allows shuttering plywood to resist cracking, shrinkage, and warping, making it ideal for formwork and concrete plywood applications. Additionally, a protective film is often applied to the surface, enhancing water and moisture resistance.
Some high-quality shuttering ply products are also considered termite-resistant and borer-proof, ensuring their durability during long-term projects. Despite these qualities, traditional plywood has several downsides regarding sustainability, which we’ll explore further.
Applications of Shuttering Plywood
Shuttering plywood is widely used in construction for various applications due to its robustness and reusability. Some common applications include:
- Formwork for concrete: Used to create moulds into which concrete is poured and set.
- Centring plywood: Helps build foundations, columns, beams, and other structural elements.
- Scaffolding platforms: Its strength and durability make it ideal for temporary scaffolding structures.
- Temporary fencing: Often used as a quick and cost-effective solution for securing construction sites.
Shuttering plywood is cost-effective because it can be reused multiple times—up to 10 times in best cases—but its production and disposal raise significant environmental concerns.
Impact of Shuttering Plywood on the Environment
The environmental impact of shuttering plywood is considerable, from sourcing raw materials to its eventual disposal. Manufacturing shuttering plywood involves cutting down trees, which contributes to deforestation and habitat loss. Additionally, the adhesives used in its production often contain chemicals that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment, negatively impacting air quality.
Moreover, shuttering plywood can lose its structural integrity after repeated use and must be discarded. Unfortunately, plywood is not biodegradable, and its disposal contributes to landfill waste. The search for an eco-friendly alternative has become more pressing as the construction industry moves towards more sustainable practices. This has led to the development of recycled shuttering ply, plastic shuttering plywood sheets, and other environmentally friendly options.
What Are Other Shuttering Alternatives?
As awareness of environmental issues grows, builders and construction companies increasingly seek sustainable materials that offer the same strength and durability as traditional plywood. Some common alternatives to shuttering plywood include:
- Plastic Shuttering Ply: Made from recycled plastic materials, this option is not only environmentally friendly but also offers better resistance to moisture, chemicals, and wear.
- PVC Ply Board: A durable and lightweight material often used in formwork, PVC ply boards are easy to handle and offer excellent reusability.
- Metal Shuttering: Metal formwork, often made from steel or aluminium, is more durable than plywood, though it is heavier and more expensive.
- Fibreglass Formwork: Lightweight and reusable, fibreglass is an excellent option for projects requiring multiple reuse cycles.
Among these, recycled plastic shuttering boards and plastic plywood sheets have emerged as leading sustainable alternatives, offering long-term durability with minimal environmental impact.
Recycled Plastic Shuttering Plywood Alternative – WoWShuttering
One of the most promising solutions in sustainable building materials is recycled plastic shuttering plywood, such as WoWShuttering. This product is made from recycled plastic, reducing the demand for timber and helping to reduce deforestation. Moreover, plastic shuttering boards offer numerous advantages over traditional plywood, including:
Features:
- Durability: Unlike plywood, plastic shuttering boards are impervious to moisture, ensuring they don’t swell, crack, or warp, even after repeated use.
- Eco-Friendly: By using recycled plastic sheets, these boards contribute to reducing plastic waste in landfills and oceans.
- Cost-Effectiveness: While the initial cost may be slightly higher, plastic shuttering ply can be reused many more times than traditional plywood, resulting in long-term savings.
- Flexibility: Plastic plywood can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it highly versatile for different construction needs.
- High Repetition Rate: Achieve 8-10 times more repetitions than regular shuttering plywood.
- Waterproof: Ensures longevity even in damp conditions, reducing replacement costs.
In addition, WoWShuttering is not only durable and cost-effective but also represents a step forward in sustainable construction materials. It addresses the environmental concerns associated with traditional plywood while providing an equally strong and reliable formwork solution.
For more details on WoWShuttering and how it can benefit your construction projects, visit WoWShuttering.
Conclusion
Shuttering plywood has been a staple in the construction industry for years, providing strength and reusability in demanding projects. However, its environmental impact must be addressed. Fortunately, sustainable alternatives such as plastic shuttering ply, recycled plastic shuttering sheets, and plastic plywood offer more eco-friendly solutions without compromising quality or performance.
As the construction industry evolves, the shift towards sustainable construction materials like WoWShuttering is essential in promoting environmental responsibility. By opting for these alternatives, you contribute to a greener future and benefit from cost savings and improved durability. For more information on sustainable formwork solutions, explore our range of products at WoWMaterials.To learn more about recycled plastic sheet solutions or speak with an expert, call +91 78991 78777.