Used plastic containers take on new life

Milk bottles and other used plastics are being combined with wood waste and turned into composite decking following the completion of a new $12 million facility just north of Launceston.

Timberlink® Australia’s state-of-the-art recycling facility is producing is producing wood plastic composite (WPC) decking and edge boards for commercial and residential use.

The facility was supported with 50-50 funding totalling $5.8 million from the Australian and Tasmanian Governments under the Recycling Modernisation Fund. 

This wood composite facility is only the third of its type in Australia and will supply growing demand in the new home and renovation market.

The project in northern Tasmania created around 20 jobs during construction and 12 ongoing positions.
At full production, the facility is expected to use about 1300 tonnes a year of recycled high-density polyethylene plastic mixed with upcycled wood residue – such as shavings from Timberlink’s timber processing facility – to make wood composite decking products.

It will reduce Australia’s reliance on importing WPC materials.

The project was supported by state and federal governments, which are backing industry investment to increase reuse and recycling in Tasmania.

Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Environment Nick Duigan said it was a great example of how plastic and wood waste could be reused to make a great value-added product.

“I would like to congratulate Timberlink® Australia on the completion of their new facility and am proud that they have chosen Tasmania to establish only the third wood composite manufacturing facility in the country,” Minister Duigan said.

“This joint investment supports a great resource recovery initiative and also aids in Tasmania’s transition to a circular economy.

“Projects like this play a pivotal role in stopping waste going to landfill and sustaining the future of Tasmania’s environment.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future builds on the gains made over the past decade to deliver a stronger economy and jobs for Tasmanians. This expansion will continue to do that.”

Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell said “The Australian Government’s $250 million Recycling Modernisation Fund is turbocharging Australia’s circular economy. Combined with state and industry investment it provides a $1 billion boost to Australian recycling.”

“When a product is no longer needed for its initial purpose, it can be reused, recycled or remanufactured, cutting down waste and creating jobs.”

“This facility in northern Tasmania is great example of the kind of innovation we need to boost recycling and manufacturing in Australia,” Mr Mitchell said.

“It is just one of the 31 projects delivered so far by the Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund.

“Investments through the Recycling Modernisation Fund will create more than 1.3 million tonnes of processing capacity across Australia every year, keeping valuable resources out of landfill while supporting more than 3000 new jobs.”

For more information about the Recycling Modernisation Fund visit: Investing in Australia's waste and recycling infrastructure - DCCEEW