Disruptive Innovation
2025 AWARD COMMENDATION
Rui Peng founded Critical. with the mission to turn hard-to-recycle plastics into something valuable. The company's Cleanstone panels are made from 100% recycled plastic that would otherwise end up in landfill.
Each panel is built to last over 20 years – far longer than the typical five-to-seven year lifespan of materials like MDF (medium-density fibreboard). When Cleanstone panels finally reach the end of their life, Critical. buys them back and recycles them into new panels.
So far, Critical. has diverted over 450 tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic waste from landfills. The environmental benefit is significant. The panels create just 0.0028 CO2e per kilogram –1,250 times lower than conventional building materials like engineered stone.
The panels resist moisture and wear, they're customisable and they're recognised by industry certifications including Green Star and Living Building Challenge.
The judges said: "Critical is turning one of New Zealand’s biggest waste challenges into beautiful, practical solutions. It turns hard-to-recycle plastic waste into recycled, durable building panels that perform as well as conventional materials. Its commitment to circularity (including buying panels back at end-of-life) and making these products locally is impressive."