Adek – The First Decking System In The UK Made From 100% Recycled Aluminium
Ecodek, the driving force behind Adek, are champions of sustainability and have a philosophy of developing products that have a low or negative carbon footprint. When developing and creating Adek, it was therefore of paramount importance to ensure that Adek is the first decking system available in the UK that is made from 100% recycled aluminium.
How Is Aluminium Recycled?
Recycling aluminium is a very environmentally sound process. The production of recycled or secondary aluminium uses approximately 5% of the energy that it takes to produce the same weight of primary metal. Importantly, because of the modern technology used in the production of Adek boards, there is no loss of quality or performance in our recycled material. This means that the vast majority of embodied carbon in our recycled aluminium will not be lost but will remain in the guise of new and different products, with only marginal increases in embodied carbon being associated with each recycling event.
The recycling process is so effective and the material itself is so resistant to corrosion that aluminium is uniquely long lived. It has been calculated that 75% of all aluminium produced since output began on an industrial scale in the late 19th century, is still in use today. Aluminium recycling rates vary across the world but within the UK, the recycling rate for new scrap created during fabrication is 100% and the rate for the construction industry is very high at approximately 92% – 98%.
Aluminium – The Magic Metal
As well as its recyclable properties, aluminium also carries a diverse range of physical, chemical and mechanical properties in both its cast and wrought forms, making it the ideal material for balcony and terrace flooring. For example, it is highly resistant to forms of corrosion. The metal’s natural coating of aluminum oxide provides a highly effective barrier to the ravages of air, temperature, moisture and chemical attack.
However, the key property it holds which makes it an invaluable construction material is its non-combustibility. Aluminium is classed as an A1 fire-resistant material and will not contribute to the perpetuation of a fire. As you may or may not be aware, it is now a legal requirement for any building materials incorporated into the envelope of a high rise building exceeding 18m in height to be non-combustible.
All Adek profiles have undergone independent third-party testing to BS EN13501 -1: 2018 and have been classified at A2fl-s1 meaning that it is non-combustible and that it’s smoke emissions are weak or absent. This therefore means that both the Adek Comfort & Enhanced Grip are appropriate for use in balconies & roof terraces in buildings over 18m in height.
For further information on our Adek systems, get in touch with a member of our sales team who will be able to help with your enquiry.
