A new $12 million recycling facility in Tasmania has been completed, producing wood plastic composite (WPC) decking and edge boards for commercial and residential use.
At full production, the facility is expected to use more than 1300 tonnes a year of recycled high-density polyethylene plastic mixed with upcycled wood residue.
Shavings from Timberlink’s timber processing facility will be used to make wood composite decking products, reducing Australia’s reliance on importing WPC materials.
The facility is the third of its type in Australia, supported with 50-50 funding totalling $5.8 million from the Federal and Tasmanian governments under the Recycling Modernisation Fund.
Brian Mitchell, Federal Member for Lyons, said the facility in northern Tasmania is an example of the innovation needed to boost recycling and manufacturing in Australia.
“When a product is no longer needed for its initial purpose, it can be reused, recycled or remanufactured, cutting down waste and creating jobs,” he said.
“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.”
Nick Duigan, Tasmanian Minister for Parks and Environment, said the facility is an example of how plastic and wood waste could be reused.
“This joint investment supports a great resource recovery initiative and also aids in Tasmania’s transition to a circular economy,” he said.
“Projects like this play a pivotal role in stopping waste going to landfill and sustaining the future of Tasmania’s environment.”
For more information, Investing in Australia’s waste and recycling infrastructure – DCCEEW
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