PROTOMAX Turns Old Plastic Bags into Panels

PROTOMAXPROTOMAX TURNS OLD PLASTIC BAGS & MILK CARTONS INTO PANELS AND BULLET PROOF DOORS

 

A Swansea company has developed the technology to make a range of strong plastic panels from virtually any mix of waste material – including discarded plastic bags, old milk cartons, discarded drinks bottles, metal components and old clothes.

 

Protomax, a plastic engineering company from Penclawdd, say they can even supply armoured, bullet proof and fire proof doors using the same technology.

 

The panels, which can be provided in a range of colours and sizes, can be used to replace plywood hoardings around building sites, used for pallets, partition walls, desk pods, contoured for shed roofing or used as partition walls.

 

The outer skin of the panels is made from recycled plastic such as recycled drinks bottles or milk cartons while the core material in the centre can be made from a range of different waste materials.

 

This waste is reprocessed and mixed with a foaming agent which fuses the materials together to create a cellular foam structure which is used as the core material.

 

The panels can be strengthened by adding Kevlar or Glass Fibre – a material used in bullet proof vests or made fire proof by adding anti inflammable agents.

 

The company has been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government with an investment grant towards the design, development and manufacture of the new P2 powder press which is currently being patented.

 

Ieuan Wyn Jones, Minister for the Economy and Transport, said the technology had the potential to play an important role in recycling and reusing materials that would normally end up in landfill.

 

“Not only does it encourage environmental good practice but the range of applications for these ‘green’ panels is quite extensive. It is another example of a small Welsh company developing new technology that has far reaching potential and I am pleased the Assembly Government has been able to play a part in supporting Protomax.”.

 

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