Barkston Plastics Ltd, one of the UK's most comprehensive and innovative plastics companies, has begun work on its New Year’s resolution of creating a more sustainable future by pledging to recycle all its plastic waste as part of the company’s ‘Better Britain in Plastic’ campaign.

The move will provide Barkston with a closed loop recycling scheme whereby its own plastic waste will be turned into new products for re-sale. Barkston will also resolve the problem of its British clients' waste by offering recycling waste solutions which will result in sustainable, high performance, environmentally friendly, new plastic products.

Barkston's new 100% recycled product range has the appearance of wood and is easy to cut, screw and nail. It is also waterproof, weatherproof and maintenance free. It will not crack, splinter or leech chemicals into the earth and reduces the carbon footprint of projects it is employed in. The range currently in production includes outdoor furniture, plastic lumber, landscaping products, street furniture and building products which are proving superior in composition, life expectancy and maintenance costs to counterparts made of traditional materials such as metal and wood.

Utilising British plastic waste to create new products represents a positive commitment by Barkston towards helping the country manage its environmental and economic problems; and reflects the changing mood of the nation at large as it becomes more proactive in resolving the waste problems it has contributed towards creating.

For purchasers, the range offers environmental and economic benefits making acquisition commercially viable; and encouraging socially responsible decision making.

Tim Kiernan, Managing Director of Barkston, said: “The amount of plastic waste generated by the UK alone each year is almost three million tonnes and consumption is growing…

“This amount of waste is not sustainable long-term, not environmentally or socially friendly and not necessary. We want to resolve the problem of the plastic waste we produce and we can do this effectively with a closed loop recycling scheme and by supporting independent charity DEMAND (Design & Manufacture for Disability).

“From 2010 onwards we will be implementing a dedicated programme to utilise plastic that would have otherwise gone to landfill. Our long-term aim is to create our own range of products made from mixed recycled plastics. This range will be aesthetically pleasing and will outperform like for like products made of traditional materials in many ways.”

Barkston has also named DEMAND as its official corporate charity and will continue to support the charity throughout 2010. Waste plastic and design assistance will be provided at no charge to DEMAND to enable the charity to supply one-off pieces of equipment to its disabled clients where no alternative exists. In doing this Barkston will be able to help transform lives by simply utilising its waste and adhering to its 2010 campaign for a 'Better Britain in Plastic'.



The Barkston Group was founded in 1969 and incorporates Barkston Plastics Ltd and Barkston Plastics Engineering Ltd.

Together the group boasts a range of services including; 24/7 cutting, customised fabrication and in-house design. The company enjoys a loyal customer base from a range of industries including automotive, retail display, electrical, medical, lithographic, pharmaceutical, fuel cell technology, energy, chemical / petroleum and nuclear.

The company was the first plastics business to have CSWIP approved welders and continues to invest in employees and technology to better serve its client base. The Barkston Group now employs over 85 individuals across four regional sites and boasts a turnover in excess of ?8m.