#lead substitute

[earaercircular]

Roofing and lead substitutes from car windows: Dutch company is conquering the world with it

In the world, 1.3 billion square meters of roof are laid per year, often with bitumen. Millions of kilograms of lead are used for the finishing. In addition, 1.5 billion kilos of plastic waste from car windows are dumped or incinerated every year in Europe. The Dutch company Leadax came up with a solution to all these problems: recyclable lead substitutes and roofing made from discarded car windows.

Founder and CEO Roeland van Delden has been selling bitumen roofing, made from petroleum, for decades with parent company Bitufa[1]. This raw material is finite and causes a lot of CO2 emissions. Another commonly used roofing material is lead. Soft, bendable, heavy and very strong, but also poisonous. Lead pollution[2] in soil, water and food leads to kidney damage, brain damage, miscarriages, reduced fertility and behavioural changes. So something must change, he thought.

150 Eiffel Towers thrown away

At the same time, the world has a plastic waste problem. As we move towards a fully circular economy in 2050, we need to reuse and recycle that waste. In search of a raw material for a lead substitute, Van Delden arrived at polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in 2014, a type of plastic that is used as foil in safety glass, such as car windows and building windows. The strong material, for example, ensures that car windows do not break into a thousand pieces if a stone hits it while driving. Broken windows are now replaced and end up in the landfill or incinerator. In Europe alone, 1.5 billion kilos of PVB waste are thrown away every year, the weight of 150 Eifel towers. A shame, thought Van Delden.

Lead substitute

He decided to investigate whether he could turn that PVB waste into an alternative to lead or bitumen roofing. This is how Leadax[3] was born. “PVB is a so-called indefinite waste stream that we encountered. After a lot of testing and R&D, we launched the first product on the market in 2017: a circular lead substitute. We now sell these in sixteen countries,” says Leadax commercial director Bob Oostelbos.

The material replaces lead used to cover chimneys, cavity walls and dormer windows, including at monuments. In order to be able to replace entire roofs with bitumen, Leadax also developed sustainable roofing material made from recycled PVB. That material was launched in 2021 during the World Expo in Dubai[4]. It will soon be available in 26 European countries. “There were four basic materials in the world that roofing material is made of. We have now launched a fifth variant,” says Oostelbos.

Five times more sustainable

Leadax has had a life cycle assessment[5] (LCA) done for its products[6]. Among other things, it showed that it is 31 percent more durable than lead and about five times more durable than the most commonly used roofing material. The climate impact is small, for example because Leadax is made at considerably lower temperatures than lead. In addition, it uses recycled plastic and the material itself is recyclable. This is how it works[7]: the car windows that normally go to scrap, landfill or oven are separated into glass and PVB flakes at recycling company Maltha – part of Renewi,[8] among others. That PVB goes to the Leadax factory in the village of Wapenveld[9] in Dutch province of Gelderland, which turns it into roofing material. The factory generates its own electricity with solar panels. About thirty years after it has been applied to roofs, the covering is collected again and the material can be recycled.

Stop investing in bitumen

Leadax is growing fast. The company already has sixty employees, saw its sales grow by 50 percent last year and expects the same growth this year when the roofing is sold in even more countries. The sale of bitumen roofing by parent company Bitufa is still continuing. “But we are no longer focusing on further growth there, because we expect that market to decline. All investments go into the circular alternative Leadax,” says Oostelbos.

Medieval city crane

The lead substitute of the Dutch company is loved by owners of monuments and old farms. It looks just like lead and has the same strong properties, but is a lot more environmentally friendly. For example, the city of Utrecht had the roof of the reconstructed medieval city crane[10] clad with Leadax instead of lead. “Utrecht’s city council did not want lead to be used because this could pollute the surface water,” says Oostelbos. “This offered us the opportunity to show our product in an appealing project.”

Source

André Oerlemans: Dakbedekking en loodvervangers uit autoruiten: Nederlands bedrijf verovert er de wereld mee, in: Change Inc, 13-04-2023, https://www.change.inc/circulaire-economie/dakbedekking-en-loodvervangers-uit-autoruiten-nederlands-bedrijf-verovert-er-de-wereld-mee-39825

[1] Bitufa Waterproofing produces since 1979 SMART Waterproofing Solutions in 4 product groups: Non-lead Flashing; Flat Roofing Waterproofing; Road Solutions; Basement Waterproofing. http://www.bitufa.com

[2] Lead has no essential function in your body. Excessive exposure to lead through food, pottery, crystal glass, water and air, for example, can have negative effects on health. For example, it can cause anemia and increased blood pressure

[3] The history of our sustainable roofing materials began in 2014 when we started looking for a sustainable raw material for our lead substitute, which can also be recycled at the end of its life. We came across polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a type of plastic that is used in safety glass, such as car windows and building glass. This plastic film is very strong and ensures, for example, that a car window does not break into a thousand pieces when a stone hits it while driving. If this window is replaced, the plastic waste ends up in a landfill or in an incinerator. In other words, indeterminate waste. A shame for such a strong raw material. That is why we decided to give PVB a different destination. After years of research, development and intensive testing, we launched our first lead substitute, made from recycled PVB, on the market in 2017: 'Leadax Original'. Since then, our range of lead substitutes has grown rapidly and we also offer two self-adhesive lead substitutes: Leadax Easy FA and Leadax Easy SA. Together with our exclusive Dutch distributor VisscherHolland Bouw we make a difference for people and the environment. We produce the best, circular roofing materials, and they provide distribution, service and support to the points of sale. On this page you will find an overview of the points of sale. https://leadax.com/nl/ons-verhaal/?_ga=2.20187192.1201438081.1682262310-2025830176.1679753316

[4] The World Expo takes place once every five years and is the exhibition where the world shows its greatest innovations of the moment for six months. Leadax has the honor of waterproofing the Dutch Pavilion at World Expo 2020 Dubai with circular building materials, such as its lead substitute and roofing material. Both products are the most sustainable variant in their category. PVB waste from laminated glass, such as car windows, is used by Leadax as raw material for its recyclable products. https://leadax.com/nl/leadax-world-expo-2020-dubai/?_ga=2.128650252.1201438081.1682262310-2025830176.1679753316

[5] Life cycle assessment or LCA (also known as life cycle analysis) is a methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated with all the stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process, or service. For instance, in the case of a manufactured product, environmental impacts are assessed from raw material extraction and processing (cradle), through the product's manufacture, distribution and use, to the recycling or final disposal of the materials composing it (grave). An LCA study involves a thorough inventory of the energy and materials that are required across the industry value chain of the product, process or service, and calculates the corresponding emissions to the environment. LCA thus assesses cumulative potential environmental impacts. The aim is to document and improve the overall environmental profile of the product.

[6] https://www.kiwa.com/nl/en/news/news/nibe-investigates-kiwa-certifies-leadax---the-new-lead/?_ga=2.195102764.1201438081.1682262310-2025830176.1679753316

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xbq3JEtiiv4

[8] Waste-to-product organization Renewi collects waste, processes it and turns it into new raw materials. Of the 14 million tons of waste the company processes annually, 65 percent is recycled or used for energy recovery through incineration. The company was created in 2017 after a merger of Shanks Group with the Van Gansewinkel Group. Renewi is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Euronext Amsterdam. The head office is in the United Kingdom. https://www.change.inc/bedrijven/renewi

[9] Wapenveld is a village in the eastern Netherlands. It is located in the municipality of Heerde, Gelderland, about 10 km from Zwolle and 100 km from Amsterdam. The village with 6,000 inhabitants, is situated where the valley of the river IJssel meets the Veluwe woods. The people of Wapenveld earn their living from agriculture (mainly cattle) and industry, mainly AKZO Nobel. Until 2008, Wapenveld was also home to the Berghuizer paper factory.

[10] The city of Utrecht is getting a piece of history back in the form of a medieval crane. From 1402 to 1839 there was a city crane at the current Winkel van Sinkel on the Oudegracht. This medieval building had completely disappeared from the street scene. Until September 10, 2022. From this moment on, the crane can be admired again at the Utrecht canals. With a sustainable adjustment. The traditional lead is making way for its circular replacement: Leadax Original. https://www.cirkelstad.nl/de-stadskraan-in-utrecht-herboren/?_ga=2.28427964.1201438081.1682262310-2025830176.1679753316

[michaeluis]

Where To Start Your Sustainability Journey?

This is a time where disruptions are quite prevalent, things are changing, so does human behavior and human understanding. The Ukraine war, the pandemic, and climate change are forcing humans to bring a radical change. Sustainability is at the top of the list, everywhere there is a debate to find the best way to sustainability.

From Davos to COP27, decision-makers and policymakers are keen on bringing solutions. Getting effective solutions would demand a more objective, thoughtful, and well orchestrated approach. Here are a few things to understand to bring radical changes and find the right solution.

Find the right alternative:

The thing that one needs to understand is that it is possible only by eliminating the old things that are harmful in nature, you need to find the right alternatives. EVs are the best alternatives for mobility solutions, similarly, heavy plastic is a great Lead substitute.

  With the right kind of plan and policies, it would be easy to get the best alternative and implement them. Finding the right alternative also demands you do other things right, a few are mentioned here would help you know what to do to get the perfect solution.

Get visionary:

The fact is that you need to be a visionary because it needs you to have the right plan to get sustainability integrated in your workflow. You have to work with experts to know what kinds of tools and technologies that you can use to get the desired results.

If you are in the medical device industry, then you should be able to use heavy plastic instead of Lead as radiation shielding components, it can also be used in many other industries too. If you are already planning to have high density plastics, then here are few things that would help you get the best solutions.

How to get the right heavy plastic solutions:

• The first thing that you have to look for would be a heavy plastic manufacturers that is truly sustainable. That would mean that you need to take a look at the manufacturing units, process and raw material that are used to ensure that you are buying the best materials

  • You need to talk to them and learn how they are going to meet your demands, the right and the best company would make sure that they give you the best and tailor-made solutions for your exact needs and demands of the products, the best company can modify and customize the components

• You need to talk to them and find out how they are going to fulfill your needs in the long run as you might need them to do so. They would give you a good idea about how you must go about the transition from the old ways to sustainability

Leap into the future:

You should start acting upon all your ideas that you have for sustainability and here at this juncture, you should follow these points. The discussed ideas here would get you insights into how you must approach the whole journey.

[michaeluis]

Why Is Everyone Talking About High Density Plastics

If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you might have noticed that High density plastics are becoming a hot topic. But what are they and why is everyone talking about these high-density plastics? Simply put, High density plastics are a type of plastic that is much denser than traditional plastic.

In a world where you are increasingly conscious of your environmental impact, this is a huge advantage. And as more industries begin to switch to high density plastics, the need for recycled materials will only grow. If you are thinking about this plastic go through this article.

? What are high-density plastics

High density plastics are a type of plastic that is known for their strength and durability. These plastics are often used in applications where they will be subject to high levels of stress or wear and tear, such as in the automotive industry. 

  High density plastics are often used to prepare products such as milk jugs, detergent bottles, and cutting boards. One of the most important benefits of High density plastics is that they are much more recyclable than traditional plastics. This is because they can be melted down and reformed into new products without losing their properties.

? How are High density plastics made

There are a few different ways to make high-density plastics. They are-

• Injection molding: This process involves heating the plastic until it is in a liquid state, and then injecting it into a mold. The mold determines the final product’s shape. Once the plastic cools and hardens, it can be removed from the mold and is ready to use.

• Extrusion: This process involves forcing the heated plastic through a die, which gives it the desired shape. After it comes out of the die, it is cooled and cut into the desired length.

• Both of these methods result in a strong and durable final product that can be used in a variety of applications

  ? Why Is Everyone Talking about High-Density Plastics

Everyone Talks about High density plastics because they have lots of benefits. One of the main benefits of High density plastics is that they are an excellent lead substitute. Lead is a toxic metal that can cause a variety of health problems, so it's important to find a safe alternative.

High density plastics are not only non-toxic, but they are also strong and durable. This makes them ideal for a variety of applications, such as in construction and manufacturing. High density plastics are strong and durable, making them ideal for a wide variety of applications.

They are also resistant to chemicals and moisture, making them ideal for outdoor use. Additionally, High density plastics are easy to clean and recycle. However, sometimes High density plastics are not good. Because they release harmful chemicals into the environment when they break down. They are often made from petroleum products, which means they contribute to climate change.

Now it is not a secret that plastics are polluting and destroying the planet. But what many people don't realize is that not all plastics are created equal. High density plastics are quite environmentally friendly and can be used to create a variety of products that you use in your everyday lives.

[michaeluis]

Why Experts Rate Ecomass Polymer Better Choice Over Lead Counter-Part?

Ecomass material is a special type of polymer. It is made up of HD plastic material. The best thing about this material is that it can be used for many different purposes. The material is easily available as compared to lead.

Manufacturers have started using this material to replace parts made up of lead or other metal. If you need quality spare parts, then it is better to purchase best Lead substitute material that is made up of HD polymer.

Cost-benefit

One reason why Ecomass is a better choice is that it is more cost-effective. The polymer can be manufactured and thus does not have to be mined or extracted from its ore. This means that the material can easily be manufactured using industrial processes.

  It is also much lighter in weight and is more cost-effective. The process of manufacturing machine parts out of Ecomass polymer does not incur a big manufacturing cost. The material is also tough and will undergo less wear and tear as compared to lead metal.

Less maintenance

• Any machine part needs proper maintenance

• A simple washer made up of metal has to be tested and greased very often

• This is not the issue when you are using Ecomass material

You can manufacture machine parts that may not need frequent maintenance or replacement.

Even if you have to replace damaged parts, Ecomass polymer parts are not expensive you can carry out maintenance very often as and when needed. As the parts are easy to maintain so you face less downtime with machines.

Chemical resistant

No matter what metal you use, it will always react with some acid or base. Ecomass material is a plastic polymer. In general, heavy-density plastic will not react with any acid or base.

So the material can also be used in machines that use acids or harsh bases. You can use the material to make containers to store acids as well. This is also one of the reasons why the material is considered the best Lead replacement.

  Less post finishing

If you use metal to make any machine parts or containers, you may have to polish the top surface. This is important so the metal does not rust with time. Any metal will easily oxidize unless it has a protective coating.

This is one of the advantages when using Ecomass material. It is plastic and thus may not need any post-finish polishing. You can use the material right after it has been manufactured. The top surface of the material is water resistant and will not rust.

Better insulation

There is no doubt that lead is a good insulator. But it will not insulate electricity. Any metal is a good conductor of heat and electricity. So you cannot use it for insulation.

This is why Ecomass replaces lead. It will insulate against heat and electricity best. The same material can be used for manufacturing electrical wires and socket boards as well. It is also highly durable as it will not get damaged under extreme temperatures. Polymer is composite and so will also disintegrate easily. You can recycle the material easily as well.

[michaeluis]

How Heavy Plastic Is Dominating The Global Sustainability Debates

The global debate is dominated by sustainably, adversity, and Net-zero emissions, this tells us that it is time to be responsible and find more sustainable options. You as a business house must adhere to as global policymakers mulling over new rules and regulations for environmental safety.

? Make responsible choices:

You as a business entity should know the fact that people and consumers are increasingly going for smart companies with sustainable agendas. That would mean that being sustainable can be a great brand proposition while keeping the world safe.

This shift in mindset is forcing companies to think beyond the traditional and find new ways to be sustainable. That would mean that you must replace the harmful material with better ones, you can use heavy plastic as a Lead substitute and keep the world safe.

    ? The diversified use of heavy plastic:

The thing is that it can replace Lead where it is heavily used such as you can use heavy plastic in making radiation shielding devices in the medical device sector. The high-density polymer or heavy plastic can be used in the automotive industry too, you can use it as green ammo as you can make bullets that are frangible for training purposes.

You can have the heavy plastic used in many other industries, the fact of the matter is that you should know the potentiality of this material and get the best products and components that you can use. Here you have to find the right heavy plastic makers and producers to help you with your plans, you should know what to look for when picking the heavy plastic manufacturers.

? Getting it right:

• The thing is that you can get the whole tradition from Lead to sustainable heavy plastic when you have the right company. You should be working with a company that operates on a global level, this would help you find the smartest strategy for your transitions as they can define the path and lead you

• The second thing is that you should talk to them and find out how they can serve your exact needs, the good company will make sure that they make and customize components for you, here you must look for companies with a better understanding of tools and technology as that is vital for better outputs that you are looking for

    ? Forge ahead with sustainable options:

The thing is that you should get the best manufacturers for heavy plastic for frangible bullets, radiation shielding, and more, the ideas here will help you in finding the right companies that can do the job and they will also help you in getting strategies in place.

Make sure that when you are talking to them you are talking about long term plan as it needs long-term strategic planning, you must transit slowly from the old to a new sustainability culture. The right companies for heavy plastic production can help you get through the whole transition easily and without any hassle, so, work with the best companies for heavy plastic and be sustainable brands that people are looking for.

[michaeluis]

Lead additive in place of gasoline

The lead was an essential part of a classic car which helped it to run smoothly. But the, a lead substitute entered the market which again breathed life in the old classic cars.

[michaeluis]

Top Reasons For Using HD Plastic As Best Lead Substitute

HD plastic is getting more popular globally. Ecomass is considered the best polymer at present time. It has wide applications – commercially and industrially. The material is made up of damp resistant membranes.

• You may find this material widely used in manufacturing units

• It is also used as raw material in radiation shielding machines and devices

• Ecomass is the best substitute for expensive lead

You can select the best quality high density plastics that are flexible and lightweight. Within the packaging sector, the material is highly applicable.

  ? Lightweight and flexible

Low density might be less flexible. When using high-density polymer material you may not have to compromise with flexibility. This is one of the reasons HD plastics are widely used in manufacturing industrial trays, racks and cabinets.

It is also used in the construction industry as the best insulating material. It has the property to shield dampness. It offers the best protection against humidity and moisture.

? Chemically inert

For medical use, the packing material must be chemically inert. This means that the material will not react with any chemical- weak or strong. As lead is a metal so it cannot be used to store chemicals.

The lead will easily react with any chemical and thus cannot be used to manufacture containers for lab purposes. But HD plastic is the right material. It is inert and can be transformed into any shape. It is widely used for manufacturing containers for lab purposes.

? Weatherproof

Lead is not considered weatherproof, although it is highly durable. But it is a metal and till rust on oxidation. This is why it may have a short life span as well.

HD plastic is considered the best Lead substitute. It can withstand all weather conditions. It won’t catch rust or tan. It can be used in manufacturing machine parts that are in contact with water or liquid as well. It can also be used for manufacturing weatherproof storage containers.

? Impact-resistant

One of the most unique properties of HD plastic is that it is highly impacts resistant. This means that it acts as the best shock absorber. It can be used for cancelling vibrations. In impact, it will withstand shock. This is one advantage that is not offered by lead.

  The lead will easily crack on impact. You cannot consider this for use as packing material. HD plastic makes the best packaging material for food products and pharmaceutical products.

? Non-toxic

Lead is a toxic metal and will produce harmful toxins at a higher temperature. Lead-based ammunition produces a lot of toxins when fired. This may not be safe for an individual and the environment.

HD plastic is non-toxic by nature. It can withstand high temperatures It does not produce any toxins and thus can be used for manufacturing ammunition. You find a lot of manufacturing using Ecomass material for manufacturing ammunition.

The cost of manufacturing HD plastic is also much lower compared to lead. It is easy to recycle. It does not damage the environment as well. The material is highly durable and will last for a longer time. It is cost-effective and does not have to be mined.

[michaeluis]

Picking The Right Sustainable Approach Is What You Need

When you are looking for the right ways to maximize the effects of the global sustainability efforts, you have to have a look at the things that can expedite the process and where you need to be looking at alternative ways substances, the COP-26 summit emphasized n that.

If you have been looking for the Lead substitute, then you have to make sure that you are looking for heavy plastic and the thing is that this can be a great alternative given its properties that are in line with what could really replace everything that the lead has to offer.

Where you can use it?

The first thing is that when you are looking for the right use, you can use these substances in many ways and in many industries, the thing is that it can be used in the medical device industry, you can use it in automotive industries, the thing is that it can be used in many ways.

   You just need to make sure that you find all that are available for you and where you can use it, you have to know how you must be going about things, and here are a few things to help you with that.

How you must be going about things:

You have to make sure that you are strategic in your approach, it needs a clear plan because you have to deviate from your traditional ways and look for en options, here you might have to change your ways, you might have to deploy new tools, you might have to go for different marketing strategy, hence, it must be ell planned and organized.

You need to be talking to the experts who know what you must do, you have to craft a long term plan and work according to that you can slowly migrate to the use of new substance through better plansand here you have to be working with good manufactures and you must know what to do when you work with them.

Working with manufacturers:

• The first thing is that when you are looking for the right manufacturers, you have to be looking for efficient ones that are good at technology and they understand the implications and applications better

  • You need to be talking to them and find it how they can meet your needs, the right ones will make sure that they will get you the best high density polymers and they can make commonest that will work for you such a s getting bespoke parts for cars and moiré, here you have to be looking at other things like the support they give and cost factors at the same time

Outline:

The fact of the matter is that when you are looking for the best alternative, you have to look for the substance and the good thing is that people are looking for such products and suitable options, which would mean that you can get better mileage.

All you have to do is to make sure that you are looking for the right kind of things and manufacturers and this will help you.