Trim Trails for Schools Using Recycled Plastic

The “go-to” material for trim trails or adventure trails as they are sometimes called has pretty much always been rounded timber posts in UK schools. Whilst this is undoubtedly a good material, there is now available a far better option. And that is by using recycled plastic as the manufacturing material instead. You may already know this material as a lot of schools buy picnic tables for their school playgrounds which are made out of this.

So here are the key benefits a school should consider in this respect when deciding upon a trim trail supplier:

 Sustainability and the Environment

By using recycled materials, we don’t have to manufacture anything new as we are just recycling old plastic bottles. This means creating less energy, not having to use more resources such as oil for the production of plastic and having a lower carbon footprint. It also means less landfill requirements and plastic waste going into and polluting rivers, seas and oceans. You as a school are therefore fostering an environment where materials are reused and repurposed rather than simply being discarded.

Environmental Awareness

It helps children understand about sustainability, recycling and the environmental process and agenda. Many UK schools are embracing eco-friendly initiatives and having trim trail playground equipment made from recycled plastic complements these goals, helping schools achieve green certifications or awards such as the Eco Schools programme.

Value for Money

While the initial cost of recycled plastic trim trails might be higher than traditional materials (although there is not so much of a difference nowadays), their long life expectancy and low maintenance requirements can result in significant cost savings over a period of time. And unlike its timber equivalent, it does not need to be replaced in five years time or faulty parts replaced. This is an important factor for schools to consider as budgets are always under pressure and therefore schools have to prove “value for money” when electing upon a supplier.

Safety 

Of course, another big issue for schools. Recycled plastic does not use any toxic materials so it cannot be harmful to children playing on it. Again unlike timber, it cannot splinter either so children will never get any splinters from running their hands and fingers across it. It also does not have any cracks or “shakes” like timber where children can get their fingers into. It is also very easy to clean being non-porous so any build up of dirt or mould can easily be cleaned away making it a very hygienic play environment for children.

Durability 

Let’s face it, you can never rely on the British weather so any play equipment outside will get exposed to the elements quite a lot over its lifespan. However, recycled plastic is very much weather resistant to all weather conditions so it will not deteriorate or rot over time. Again, this makes it very good value for money. It also requires very little ongoing maintenance as well (again unlike wood which does) as it cannot rot or decay. It is also UV resistant.

So there are many benefits a trim trail manufactured out of recycled plastic play equipment can bring to a school – safe, durable, value for money, cost-effectiveness and which also promotes the whole sustainability issues and environmental awareness

For more information on our trim trails, please call us on 01832 275902 or email: info@hideouthouse.com