Sustainability is an issue that’s on everyone’s mind. PBM talks to Andy Cummins, Senior Product Manager at Geocel about the new ecoSEAL system, discussing how it was developed and why it’s so important that merchants begin to stock more sustainable alternatives.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about ecoSEAL and why Geocel launched it?
A: We first launched the ecoSEAL range back in 2011, however since then we have worked to refine the design of the range, as well as adding some core products to it that we know are favourites with trade. In short, the system comprises a re-usable and recyclable plastic sleeve, which is used in conjunction with Painters Mate, Dowsil 785+, Dowsil 796 and Dowsil 799 aluminium foils.
Importantly, it can be used with any standard gun, making it easier for installers to embrace more sustainable solutions. Unlike cartridges, which are normally made from single-use plastic, the ecoSEAL sleeve can be used on average 75 times, reducing the amount of plastic sent to landfill.
Q: Why should merchants choose to start stocking sustainable products?
A: It’s more important than ever for merchants to stock sustainable products. For one, demand for sustainable products is higher than it ever has been. Currently, the construction industry consumes around 23% of all plastic produced in the UK, which amounts to an estimated 50,000 tonnes of plastic packaging waste every year.
A recent Considerate Constructors Scheme survey found that 95% of respondents thought the industry needed to reduce its consumption of plastics and packaging. Additionally, the same survey found 81% of respondents believe the industry wasn’t doing enough to reduce its plastic consumption.
For installers, this will mean moving away from single-use plastic cartridges and instead adopting more sustainable foils. It’s a change that needs to happen, especially as over 100 million plastic cartridges are being sent to landfill every year.
This shift in public sentiment will drive demand for foils and as such, merchants who stock up and champion these green alternatives are likely to see the most gains. What’s more, increasingly there’s a strong commercial argument to be made for choosing sustainable products, especially as the government looks to introduce more stringent taxes and legislations to limit the usage of unsustainable products.
Q: What are the benefits of using the ecoSEAL system for installers?
A: Adopting the ecoSEAL system helps installers to switch from cartridges to foils. In fact, it’s never been easier to make the switch, as once the foil is placed in the sleeve the process of using the product is exactly the same. In turn, this means that installers can choose a more environmentally friendly product, without having to sacrifice product quality.
As mentioned, the sleeves can be re-used up to 75 times, which is a huge improvement when compared to the single-use plastic cartridges that have come before. Furthermore, when emptied, the foils are eight times smaller than traditional cartridges and around 60% lighter.
By adopting this solution, installers can achieve a significant reduction in plastic waste and ensure that less material is ultimately sent to landfill.
Q: Can adopting solutions like ecoSEAL really make a difference?
A: From an environmentalist’s point of view, this reduction in plastic waste can make a significant difference, especially in the modern climate. Currently, the number of landfill sites in Britain is declining at a dramatic rate, meaning that construction waste has to travel further than ever before.
Not only does this mean that more pollution is sent into the environment, but it also means that firms have to spend more dealing with waste transport costs. This trend looks set to continue, with the government recently increasing its landfill tax to £91.35 a tonne — treble what it was in 2008.
Q: How is Geocel supporting merchants that opt to sell the ecoSEAL system?
A: We believe passionately in the ecoSEAL system and will do all we can to support merchants in making the most of this product launch. To start with, we’ll be providing fully branded in-store support display solutions for merchants to help drive interest in the product. These visually striking displays are a great way to attract customers to the product and will make a big difference in driving initial interest.
Similarly, we’ll be providing full product stands, clip strips, fixture attachments and CTUs to all merchant stockists. The launch is also being supported by a major PR, advertising and social media campaign.
