Reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim

Our manufacturing processes include returning any offcut waste back into production so that bituminous waste is kept to a minimum. The reinforcement fleece within our K5K, K4E, Plant E and SL 500 is made from 250g/m² recycled spunbond polyester for high tensile strength.

Currently, the production of our single ply membranes can include recylcate in the base layer.

Our cold liquid applied systems are based on the most advanced PMMA technology. They are simple to install, fast curing and long lasting; making them suitable for use in all kinds of flat roof and surfacing applications.

This system has one of the highest recycled content available to the construction industry as it incorporates 25% post-consumer recycled rubber.
 

Our DSE 20, DSE 40 and DSE 60 boards all utilise recycled high density polyethylene moulded to create the cupped profile boards that provide water retention and multidirectional drainage.

Our FSM 600 and FSM 1100 are made from a mixture of recycled reground polyester and polypropylene fibre, which are combined before being mechanically and thermally solidified the create a layer to prevent mechanical damage to the waterproofing. Pro Mat for intensive green roofs is made of granulate from recycled shredded tyres reformed and bound by Polyurethane to give a protective layer against mechanical damage. Eco Mat is a protective layer created from mechanically bonded recycled Polyester clothing and fabric.

Our substrates are based around recycled crushed brick and composted organic material to give growing mediums which balance water storage, structural stability, water permeability and grain size distribution according to the requirements of the planting scheme.

Our PE Foil is manufactured from recycled polyethylene granulate.

FPO membrane offcuts can be recycled by returning them to the manufacturing process to be used instead of raw materials. If, however, the membranes have become contaminated by external agents during their serviceable life, then the membranes can be downcycled in to other products.

When PVC membranes are upcycled, they can be processed and reintroduced into a manufacturing stream where they are typically converted into other components such as walkway tiles and protection or separation layers for roof systems.

Recycling end of life bitumen membranes from a roof is a real challenge for all manufacturers because the membranes are made up of different constituents that together create a mixed waste which is currently non-recyclable.

Our approach is to overlay an existing roof wherever possible so that the existing system doesn’t have to go to landfill. Our moisture mapping technical diagnostic test, pinpoints the presence of dampness within the roof structure to depths of 300mm and is currently the only reliable way to test underlying sections of multiple layer roof systems for trapped water. The results are delivered as a topographical map which can be analysed to identify precisely which areas of a roof need replacing and which areas are sound enough to install another solution over the top. As an end note, energy can be generated through incineration of bitumen membranes at end of life, though the availability of suitable facilities is limited.

Alliances with other forward thinking companies has resulted in innovative recycling opportunities, so that our PIR insulation manufacturing facilities readily recycle and upcycle offcuts and fragments for use in hand cleaners as well as for the manufacture of decking boards.

The expanded polystyrene (EPS) scrap from the manufacturing process is reintroduced back into making our EPS insulation boards to keep waste to a minimum. When it is not used to make more EPS, foam scrap can be turned into a variety of products such as clothes hangers, park benches, flower pots, toys, rulers and seedling containers.

Our green roof components are themselves made from recycled content and at the end of their life, they too can be returned to their originating recycling process to be converted again into other products and components.

To give an example, our water retention and drainage layers DSE 20, DSE 40 and DSE 60 are made from recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE), a plastic polymer with flexible properties, that continues to be commonly recycled or downcycled into other durable plastic products.

In Europe, solar panel disposal falls under the European Union’s Waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) directive and is strictly regulated. Our module supply partners are all members of PV Cycle framework which is a not-for-profit association managing a fully operational collection and recycling scheme for end-of-life photovoltaic modules.

BauderSOLAR
The individual components of the BauderSOLAR Flat Roof system are single-origin and can be individually removed and completely recycled. The main support structure and locking pin are made from plastic category 05 Polypropylene and is widely recycled; with the base plate, bayonet fitting and module clamp all from plastic category 07 Polyamide which is recycled into plastic lumber and other custom-made products.

Bauder BioSOLAR
The mounting boards for the BioSOLAR system that provide the water retention and drainage layer for the vegetation beneath the array are made from HDPE which is widely recycled. The support system for the Bauder BioSOLAR system is made from aluminium; the arms, support rails and clamps can be recycled by melting down and reforming the metal without losing quality.

To focus on life cycle and deliver systems with extended life expectancies rather than compromising on quality by producing lower grade membranes that would consequently require replacement sooner.

You can specify a roof solution that has 81% recycled content by volume with our hot melt waterproofing system and a green roof.

Download Sustainability Chapter 2 >>