Envirocon product stewardship scheme making concrete progress
26 July 2017
NZ Government:
Associate
Environment Minister Scott Simpson has visited Interbloc NZ and
Envirocon to see first-hand how their cutting-edge facility turns
leftover concrete into a primary resource.
“The Envirocon product stewardship scheme provides a standard,
sustainable and credible waste management solution to the ready-mix
concrete and construction industries,” Mr Simpson says.
Leftover wet concrete is delivered to the Envirocon facility in
Auckland, where it is upcycled by Interbloc NZ into stackable
concrete blocks. A unique collection system stops the waste concrete
from setting so it can be used to manufacture the blocks, instead of
being dumped at landfill. The Interbloc modular wall system provides the
flexibility of bricks with the speed and durability of precast
construction.
“Members of the industry-based voluntary scheme improve the
organisation’s environmental performance by diverting waste concrete in
its wet form, which significantly reduces the resources required to
process the waste stream.”
“Envirocon aims to increase its diversion rates to 80,000 tonnes of
concrete by 2022 as more construction businesses become aware of the
environmental opportunities offered by the Envirocon product stewardship
scheme.”
Envirocon is now investigating in-yard collection facilities so delivery
trucks can recycle wet waste concrete faster and more easily.
“Huge progress has been made by members of this voluntary product
stewardship scheme. It's a great example of forward thinking businesses
being innovative and using a waste stream as a resource.
“The Government is keen for businesses and communities to step up and
take responsibility for the waste they produce and I congratulate the
Envirocon scheme members for making a positive difference. I encourage
other organisations and industries to review their manufacturing
processes so they too can receive the environmental and economic
benefits of product stewardship.”
--ENDS--
Source: New Zealand Government - www.beehive.govt.nz
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