The solution
Auckland-based company Critical. has developed a novel technology capable of transforming 23 out of 24 different plastic types into beautiful, durable and 100% recycled plastic panels called the Critical. Cleanstone.
In partnership with The Warehouse Group, Critical. transformed the group’s 50,000 plastic bags into 40 Cleanstone panels for countertops, doors, feature walls and retail fixtures in the fit-out of Torpedo 7’s store in Newmarket, Auckland. Watch video.
The benefits
David Benattar, Chief Sustainability Officer for The Warehouse Group says the project is a perfect example of businesses working together to innovate with circular solutions that create new uses for waste that would normally end up in landfill.
“The Warehouse Group is prioritising the reduction of plastic used in our packaging while in parallel investing in the expansion of post-consumer waste solutions. Through our partnership with Critical we were not only able to divert soft plastic from landfill but also created a practical and great looking product for use in our store fit-out.”
Cleanstone panels are expected to last for more than 20 years and can be recycled again and again when they reach end of life or when the store is renewed. Critical. has a buy-back scheme for old Cleanstone which includes a discount on new panels.
Co-founder and Managing Director Rui Peng says Cleanstone is developed for fit-outs in the retail, commercial and hospitality sectors.
“We understand that businesses have problems with plastics and zero waste commitments that are not easy to solve. Not only that, they want a durable product for the job while being able to tell a great story to their customers. So, we developed the Critical. Cleanstone with the hopes to not only solve those issues, but to also solve one of the biggest pollution crises of our generation.”
Photo: Critical. Co-founder and Managing Director Rui Peng