Bond It takes a fresh look at sealant use

Reducing environmental impact is becoming an increasingly important priority for those operating across all levels of the building industry. And Bond It argues that one small step that can make a big difference is taking a fresh look at the trade’s use of sealants.

Every year, it’s estimated that a staggering one hundred million used sealant cartridges are sent to landfill in the UK — and that equates to around 6,000 tonnes of non-degradable waste. However, Bond It believes that it has now found an innovative way of addressing this problem with the launch of its new Reload range.

David Moore, Managing Director at the manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, grouts and other building chemicals, explained: “For all businesses — including those in the sealant applicator sector — the case for adopting more sustainable products and working practices has never been stronger. Aside from protecting the environment for future generations, going greener can deliver major benefits in other areas such as potentially reduced costs and increased marketing opportunities.

“It’s for this reason that Bond It remains committed to enhancing our range with environmentally friendly products that still offer all the performance of their more traditional, less green counterparts. A prime example of this can be found in our Reload range.”

The Reload range of silicones employs a reusable design that helps to minimise waste to landfill to offer a solution based around sustainable packaging with the system designed for use with special ‘sausage refills’. Three of the company’s most popular silicones and sealants are currently being offered — WP100, Frame-Mate and Multi-Mate — with a view to rolling out the concept to other products in the range at a later date.

How the Reload refillable system works is simple. The silicone is supplied in the form of EU3 aluminium foil sausages that can be replaced as needed. The end of this refill is removed with scissors before the nozzle is attached as normal. The sealant can then be dispensed using an ordinary skeleton gun and once the refill is used up, the aluminium slug can be simply and cleanly removed and disposed of before another refill is reloaded.

Going green

As well as being easy to use, the Reload system also lays claim to offering significant environmental benefits. In particular, both the cartridge and the nozzle are completely recyclable while the system’s refillable nature also means that any excess silicone in the nozzle doesn’t go to waste.

Furthermore, the reusable nature of Reload is also said to result in a considerable reduction in the overall amount of waste generated, and subsequently requiring disposal.

David explains: “Aside from helping to reduce the enormous number of sealant cartridges currently being sent to landfill, the Reload system also delivers a significant reduction in packaging use and subsequent waste. In fact, compared to traditional spent sealant cartridges, a used Reload refill is up to 60% lighter and 80% smaller in volume.

“This offers major benefits against a backdrop where site waste disposal costs are now determined by waste type and weight. It’s also particularly pertinent when we take into consideration the legal requirement for Site Waste Management Plans (SWMP) on all building projects over £300,000 which seek to increase waste reduction, recovery and recycling.”

As a further benefit which will be of particular interest to merchants, the aluminium foil packaging employed on the refills ensures that the silicone boasts twice the product shelf life of traditional cartridges. This helps to significantly reduce spoilage whilst the reduction in packaging also helps to make the refills lighter and more space-effective than traditional alternatives.

Potentially it will also be an even more cost effective option to consider if the Government passes legislation in 2022 to tax imported plastic packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled content. With many current cartridges being produced from 100% virgin plastic, the legislation has the potential to lead to an increase in product price.

David concludes: “Bond It has always had a firm focus on product development and on pioneering new solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industries we serve. As a result, we continue to enhance our range with products that not only set new standards in terms of performance and technical innovation, but also environmental credentials.

“Reload is a prime example of this commitment. Its greener, more sustainable nature makes it an ideal choice for any organisation or individual that handles silicones and sealants and that wants to reduce their environmental impact.”

To download the 2021 Bond It product catalogue, go to https://bond-it.co.uk/uploads/redactor/2021_Catalogue.pdf