Cups, Plates Become Construction Materials

The NakedBoard panel is made of 100 percent recycled materials. Photo: ReWall

Learning how to build with green principles in mind is one thing, but building with green materials in the first place brings sustainable building to a whole new level.

Over the years, we’ve seen homes become more energy efficient and water conscious, but they’re often built with new materials. Iowa-based ReWall, a recycled construction materials company, is out to redefine the green home and reduce the environmental impact of building with material reuse.

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Made from 100 percent recycled materials, ReWall EssentialBoard, Ceiling Panels, NakedBoard and ReliefBoard use recycled polyethylene-coated materials like cups, plates and cartons to create sustainable, long-lasting building materials, the company says. The company alone recycles around two million tons of polyethylene-coated materials each year. Nearly all of the materials brought to their production facility are sourced less than 500 miles away.

The ReWall process starts with polyethylene-coated cups and containers and shreds them. Then, the plastic, ink and paper are heated and compressed in their patented manufacturing process. The combined materials become ReWall products, made without glue, water or other binding chemical agents.

Though the company doesn’t disclose prices to non-buyers, they say that their materials cost less than competitors.

“Our ReWall building materials are the ideal solution and much less expensive than similar products in the sustainable building market,” company spokesperson Jen Porter says. “The boards are comparable in price to similar mid-grade OSB and mid-grade plywood. The ceiling panels are a competitive substitute for other clean room products on the market today.”

For specific price information, contact the company on the site’s inquiry form.

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