Despite a ‘War on Plastic’ we recycle just 45% of plastics in the UK. This means that 55% of all our plastic waste ends up in landfills, or indeed, the ocean. Though many businesses, including Qube Buildings, are developing new and innovative ways to recycle and repurpose plastic, it can seem like we have a long way to go yet, however, there is hope as we strive towards a greener, more sustainable future…
Here at Qube, we have engineered our Bio-SIP systems using PET based insulation foam core, which is coated in a steel alternative made from organic plant based material, and mixed with resin. The PET foam core derived for insulating our panels has been developed as a result of decades of research. After collection, the PET bottles are sorted and crushed into small flakes. This step is then followed by an in-house granulation process, finishing in extrusion foaming. Owing to the fact that our insulation is made from recycled plastic, it too can then be recycled and repurposed, making our Bio-SIP’s completely sustainable and reusable.
The PET foam is created to 100mm thickness; offering optimal thermal performance, in comparison to traditional SIP’s. It is due to excellent thermal and insulating properties that we at Qube, believe our Bio-SIP’s are the superior choice for use in modular buildings, including our beautifully designed, innovative range of garden studios.
Lightweight means less CO2
Due to the lightweight nature of our Bio-SIP systems, transportation costs are significantly reduced as our panels are 25% lighter in comparison to the more traditional SIP systems currently available. These SIP’s are heavier, and therefore more expensive to ship, requiring increased fuel and energy, which isn’t great for our environment. Qube’s own Bio-SIP systems are much lighter in weight, so transporting the panels to our customers is more efficient, and our carbon footprint is significantly lessened. This reduction in energy use then translates back to our customers, who benefit from an affordable and sustainable garden studio.
The insulation used in our Bio-SIP system sits between two exterior boards, bonded to the core. These are made using natural, organic materials such as flax fibres, which are then mixed with resin to form a strong and watertight exterior, whilst contributing very little weight to the overall product. In industry flax fibre is used for the production of tarpaulin, sailcloth, driving belts, hoses and fishing nets owing to its strength and resistance to water. Flax tow, which is the coarse, broken fibre removed during processing flax, hemp, or jute and separated from the shives, finds application in the wider building industry as a heat-insulating material. Used in construction materials it appears to be a great energy and fuel saver. The flax woody portion, known as the shives, is used for the production of boards and blocks, making it a useful and versatile building material, which can be sustainably grown and produced time and time again.
Here at Qube, we are thrilled by the prospects of using natural, recycled and sustainable materials in our products. We believe our Bio-SIP’s can play an exciting and integral part in the future of construction, as we look forward to a greener, more sustainable way of building. If you would like to find out more about our Bio-SIP systems, or you’d like to explore using new and innovative materials in your area of trade, please contact Justin@qubebuilding.co.uk who will be able to answer all your questions.
