New fence at Arch Brown Reserve using Replas recycled plastic pickets

Published: 10 December 2021
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Product

Commercial sport picket fencing

Product name and supplier

Recycled plastic pickets by Replas

Recycled material/s contained in product

Post-consumer content. Materials generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities (for example, kerbside recyclables).

Percentage of recycled material in product

98%

Total volume of recycled materials used

5,195 kg or approximately 1,298,750 items of packaging, totalling 17.32 cubic metres of landfill space.

Product specifications and standards

AS1725 for fencing structures. The 98% recycled material content, by mass, is in line with AS/NZS ISO 14021.

Location

City of Casey, Arch Brown Reserve, Buchanan Road, Berwick 3806

Project background and objectives

Casey City Council installed Replas recycled plastic pickets at the Arch Brown Reserve in Berwick, which is home to some of Casey's largest cricket, junior football, and tennis clubs. The reserve includes an oval, pavilion, cricket nets and 7 tennis courts.

The fence renewal is part of a council objective to protect the playing surface from vandalism and to replace the wire mesh fencing that is traditionally used.

Despite costing more than wire mesh fencing at the outset, Casey City Council implemented the recycled plastic pickets as a more sustainable product choice that showcases the benefits of recycled materials to the local community and requires less maintenance over time.

Paul Ridgway, Head of Open Space and City Greening, said key benefits of the recycled picket fence is that it is readily available, locally made and easy to install.

“Casey City Council is looking at more ways we can incorporate recycled plastic fencing into projects. It is performing well, looks magnificent and best of all manufactured locally to us here in Casey.”

Casey City Council identified the following benefits to installing Replas recycled plastic pickets:

  • long-lasting
  • Australian made
  • low maintenance
  • cost effective
  • environmentally friendly
  • easy to install.

Installation of the picket fencing was supported by Sustainability Victoria’s Sustainable Infrastructure Fund.

Procurement information

The pickets were nominated as an essential item in the procurement process for the project. This meant that the contractors quoting this project contacted Replas directly to get pricing and availability details.

Casey City Council found that only a limited number of contractors had experience using recycled plastic pickets. During the tender evaluation process, Casey City Council considered which contractors had worked with the product previously and therefore could provide accurate pricing, which is a requirement of Casey City Council’s procurement policy

Installation and product performance

The fence was easy to install as Replas provided prefabricated pieces and the materials are durable and good to work with. There were some delays caused by product availability, due to large quantities required for the project. Casey City Council is confident these delays could be avoided by engaging early with the supplier.

Life-cycle monitoring and maintenance

Results of the fencing trialled at Casey Fields in 2019 indicate that the Replas picket fencing system was strong, durable and attractive. It allows for a traditional or modern appearance to be enjoyed for many years without painting or maintenance resulting in reduced maintenance costs to Council.

Gallery

More information

Please contact sustainableprocurement@sustainability.com.au if you would further information about this project.