We are exhibiting at Sustainability Now, take me to the Armstrong stand now

Following its debut at Ecobuild last year with its End Of Life (EOL) recycling scheme, interior solutions provider Armstrong Ceilings is proving in 2010 that it was no one-hit wonder by showcasing a second green scheme.

The Off Cut Recycling (OCR) scheme run by Armstrong involves storing off cut ceiling tiles from new ceiling installations on site in specially supplied bags that are collected by the company to be recycled into new ceiling tiles.

The scheme is believed to have played a major part in Armstrong Ceilings, a member of the UK Green Building Council, being shortlisted for a manufacturer’s award at the Sustain magazine awards that will be presented at a special dinner on March 2nd - the first day of Ecobuild.

Details of how the scheme was employed on Armstrong’s current OCR flagship project, the £582 million University Hospital, Birmingham, where ceiling off-cuts were recycled and used again as new tiles in “green rooms” on site, are available on the company’s stand (2372) at Ecobuild.

Unlike other manufacturers, Armstrong does not charge contractors for this service, neither does it for its EOL recycling scheme for refurbishment/strip out projects where used tiles are 100% recycled into the mix and processed into new ceiling tiles. This scheme has recently been extended to include smaller quantities and more products.

Apart from helping to reduce the 25 million tonnes of construction waste that goes to landfill every year (more than 80 tonnes of new ceilings have been recycled this way to date by the two schemes), Armstrong aims to minimise the environmental impact even further with reverse logistics by scheduling truck deliveries to collect old ceiling tiles from site.

The only UK ceiling manufacturer with a BRE Ecopoint profile and the capability of calculating (according to ISO 14021) exactly what degree of recycled content its tiles comprise, its aim is to develop a network of sustainable suppliers through a distributor recycling initiative.

Also available on Armstrong’s stand will be the latest edition of its popular A Book for architects and specifiers which showcases design, innovation and environmental solutions through a selection of stunning case studies in the transport, office, retail and leisure, healthcare and education sectors.

These use the full range of Armstrong solutions, from wet felt, soft mineral fibre, metal and wood veneer tiles, through canopies and suspension and perimeter systems, to intelligent ceilings.