Recycled Materials

To enhance the structural integrity (tensile and compressive strengths) of RSP™, we add a proprietary (non-toxic, kid-friendly) strengthening agent.  Load tests are conducted on each batch of extruded product to ensure adherence to our stringent specifications.  In recent tests conducted for an IPEMA (International Playground Equipment Manufacturer’s Association) certification, we loaded an ADA Platform (66” x 123”) with 14,000 pounds of weight.  The platform never flinched.  We are so confident in the longevity of RSP™ we guarantee it for a century.  If you don’t want to keep it for a century, you can send it back to us for credit towards new equipment through our Take Back Program.

Making plastic lumber from all sorts of commingled (mixed) plastic waste is cheap and less complicated.  However, doing so compromises the integrity of the lumber.  For example, oil contaminants may prevent plastics from bonding properly in the extrusion process, causing fracturing or cavities along contaminated areas.  We are very picky about our inputs, rejecting all commingled plastics, organic contaminants, or other foreign matter.  Each shipment of plastic “feedstock” is inspected and rejected if it is not an evidently consistent, clean HDPE material for recycling into lumber.

Eco-Impact: In 2007 alone, we diverted over a million pounds of plastic from landfills.  Only (an estimated) 3.5% of plastics in the U.S. are ever recycled.  In comparison with other products that are dumped into landfills, plastic has an extraordinarily long lifespan.  The EPA estimates that a plastic bottle may take 450 years to decompose, whereas aluminum cans require 80 years and a piece of paper only a matter of weeks.  When you purchase a Play Mart playground– a high-quality product generating a demand for recycled HDPE – you help stimulate infrastructure to divert plastics from landfills for a “second life”.

RSP™: 100% of the plastic used in the lumber is Post-Industrial recycled plastic (of the total content, allowing for 2.49% colorant and UV Stabilizer, .625% blowing agent, 7% talc (strengthening agent), total recycled plastic content is 89.88%). RSP™ is used for decks, posts, railings, Arch Climber, Steppers and other structural parts.

Flat Plastic: All plastics 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Content (of the total content, allowing for additives e.g. UV Stabilizer and colorant, total recycled plastic content is 97% ). Flat plastic is used for all color and theme panels; Castle, Islander, and Villager style roofs; Safety Arches; Driving Wheels; Rock Walls; etc.

Steel Pipe: 85% Recycled Content. Steel pipe is used in all metal climbers, overhead climbers, ladders, and railings.

Stainless Steel: 25% Post-Consumer; 35% Post-Industrial Recycled Content (industry average). Stainless steel is used for all hardware and all welds on metal components. (Customers can request that all metal components be produced using Stainless Steel for an additional charge).

Roto-Molded Plastic: UV Stabilized virgin plastics (LDPE) Slides, Tunnels, Roto-molded climbers, panels and roofs (e.g. Mountain Climber, Rotating Panels, Casa Grande Roof)

No PVC is used in our systems (the only exception is the underground tubing for Talk Tubes, but children have no contact with the PVC pipes except for grid opening. We are currently searching for an alternative material.