Eco-Friendly Formwork Materials: Are They the Future of Construction?

Did you know that plastic wastage in the UK construction industry increased at a rate of 210% every two years between 2004 and 2018? That's right. That's how alarming the situation is right now. We must adopt any possible means to reduce environmental impact through construction and related work. Eco-friendly formwork materials are another possible way to reduce environmental impact through construction. They can be used for a long time and reduce wastage. Using temporary plastic materials for formwork solutions may not be ideal to protect the environment. It needs long-lasting and sustainable materials such as aluminium formwork and others, which are long-lasting and have less impact on the environment. Read on to know more about eco-friendly formwork material.

What Are Eco-Friendly Formwork Materials?

A sustainable formwork solution helps reduce environmental impact and ensure longevity. As you can use these materials for a long time, the overall cost gradually reduces. Moreover, it reduces the need to procure new formwork materials. For example, formwork solutions made of recycled plastic or aluminium are more impactful in reducing environmental impact. Recycled plastic materials help reduce plastic waste. On the other hand, aluminium or any other metal formwork solutions can be used for a long time, which helps in reducing construction waste. Compared to the traditional plywood used for formwork, aluminium or recycled plastic is a much better solution.

Benefits of Eco-Friendly Formwork

Eco-friendly formwork solutions reduce environmental impact and help save costs. The following are the benefits of using search materials.

Environmental Benefits

Eco-friendly formwork solutions can be used multiple times. For example, plastic formwork solutions made of recycled plastic are much more long-lasting than traditional plywood. You can use the plastic moulds as and when required with flexibility. As a result, you get a product that helps reduce carbon footprint. Besides, recycled plastic moulds help reduce plastic wastage.

Cost Efficiency

Even though the initial investment is higher for eco-friendly formwork solutions, the cost is adjusted with long-term usage. This results in reducing the construction cost without compromising quality. The overall cost of maintaining these materials also remains low due to their long-term usability.

Performance & Durability

These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also durable. Compared to traditional plywood used in formwork, recycled plastic formwork and Aluminium formwork solutions are much stronger and more durable. When it comes to providing a smooth finish on the surface, plastic and Aluminium formwork tops the list.

Challenges in Adopting Eco-Friendly Formwork

Like every other innovative thing to be used in reality, there remain some difficulties. Let's explore what are some challenges of using eco-friendly formwork solutions.

Higher initial costs

Adopting eco-friendly formwork solutions involves a higher initial investment. Formwork contractors find it challenging to ask for additional charges from customers. Considering the competitive business environment, bearing the initial cost of eco-friendly formwork solutions is difficult.

Limited availability

Due to the high initial investment, eco-friendly formwork solutions are not widely available. When taking on a large-scale construction project, you need friendly formwork solutions in large volume. If sufficient products are not available, the project may not be completed in time.

Lack of industry awareness

This might be another significant challenge for using eco-friendly formwork solutions. A lack of awareness about such products and their usability in the construction industry makes them challenging to use in construction projects. Industry-wide awareness about sustainability and environmental protection is strongly needed to utilise eco-friendly formwork solutions on a large scale.

The Future of Sustainable Formwork in Construction

With increasing awareness about sustainable construction practices, eco-friendly formwork solutions can be the way to the future construction practices. Such sustainable construction practices will increase industry-wide awareness about green construction materials, and friendly government regulation may also increase the practice of sustainable construction. For example, a government initiative to reduce taxes or offer additional discounts on eco-friendly formwork solutions would be much appreciated.

Conclusion

If you take plywood on one side and eco-friendly solutions on the other, the latter wins the competition. Recycled plastic formwork moulds and metal formwork solutions are durable and long-lasting. For example, aluminium formwork solutions are durable and long-lasting and do not harm the environment. Besides, these formwork solutions help furnish a smooth surface on the concrete. So, achieving customer satisfaction wouldn't be an issue with sustainable and eco-friendly formwork solutions. However, the initial cost of adopting eco-friendly formwork materials is a challenge. If friendly government regulations are put in place, utilising eco-friendly formwork materials would be much easier.