Sustainable (eco-friendly) crowd control stanchions are stanchions that are predominantly made from recycled materials or are designed to be easily recycled. Future sustainable stanchions also be energy-efficient and will use less resources in their build process and during operation.
Stanchion Masters® outdoor stanchions posts are made from aluminum or WPC (wood plastic composite) and a variety of steel and stainless steel components. These materials are highly sustainable.
ALUMINUM POST STANCHIONS
Aluminum is a highly sustainable product and is one of the most recycled materials in the world. It can be recycled infinitely without losing its properties. Recycling aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials, and it also produces 95% less greenhouse gas emissions. Aluminum is also a very durable material, and it can be used to make a wide variety of products, including cars, buildings, and packaging.
WPC POST STANCHIONS
Wood plastic composite (WPC) is a material made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic resins. It is often used as a replacement for traditional wood products, such as decking, fencing, siding and in our Stanchion Masters® outdoor stanchions. WPC is considered to be a sustainable product because it is made from recycled materials and it is durable and long-lasting.
WPC is made from a variety of wood fibers, including recycled wood, sawdust, and wood chips. The plastic resins used in WPC are typically made from polyethylene or polypropylene. Polyethylene and polypropylene the same materials that our recommended twisted stanchion ropes are made of. These resins are non-toxic and they are not harmful to the environment.
WPC is a long-lasting, highly durable material that can withstand the elements. It is resistant to rot, mold, and mildew. WPC is also resistant to insects and pests. This makes it an excellent choice for our outdoor stanchions.
WPC is a sustainable product because it is made from recycled materials. It is also a durable and long-lasting material. These factors make WPC a good choice for consumers who are looking for sustainable products.
Like all products, especially the products we use every day, there are some potential drawbacks. One concern is that the plastic resins used in WPC may not be biodegradable. This means that WPC products may not break down completely in landfills. New technologies and advancements may soon change this as plastics are becoming more and more biodegradable.
SUSTAINABLE STEEL
Stanchion Masters® outdoor stanchions, our luxurious Luxe Stanchions® and our own rope ends all use steel and a variety of stainless steel parts. Our post caps on our outdoor stanchions are steel, the ball post caps (finials) are aluminum. Our Luxe Stanchions® and our rope ends are made of 304 stainless steel. Our hitching post rings are made of 316 stainless steel.
Steel is also considered highly sustainable because it is highly recyclable. In fact, steel is the most recycled material in the world. More than 86% of all steel ever produced is still in use today. Steel can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing any of its properties. This makes steel a very sustainable material.
304 stainless steel is a type of steel that is resistant to corrosion and that is exactly why we use it in our stanchions. Our outdoor stanchions are often exposed to water and salty air. 304 stainless steel is also recyclable, and it can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing any of its properties.
Both steel and 304 stainless steel are sustainable products. Marine grade 316 stainless steel is also 100% recyclable with no reduction in quality. The steel we use in our stanchions are highly recyclable, and they can be recycled an infinite number of times without losing any of their properties.
CAST IRON
How about the cast iron bases we use? Are they sustainable as well?
Yes, cast iron is a sustainable product:
- Cast iron is made from iron, which is the fourth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. This means that it is a very renewable resource.
- Cast iron is very durable. It can last for many years, even with regular use. This means that it does not need to be replaced as often as other materials, such as plastic or aluminum.
- Cast iron is recyclable. It can be melted down and reused to make new products. This helps to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Cast iron is energy-efficient. It retains heat well, so it does not need to be heated as often as other materials. This can save energy and money.
Overall, cast iron is a sustainable product that has many benefits. It is durable, recyclable, and energy-efficient. If you are looking for a sustainable cookware option, cast iron is a great choice.
The weakest link is our ABS plastic base covers. ABS plastic is not a sustainable product. However, should you somehow manage to break or crack these highly durable plastic covers, they can be recycled and used to make new products such as part of our WPC posts or a park bench.