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Industry compliant temporary protection
ClosedLoop remanufacturing in the UK
Supporting your sustainability targets
Over 30 years of construction expertise
PROJECT: Wester Hailes High School
MAIN CONTRACTOR: Galliford Try
LOCATION: Edinburgh
BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
Wester Hailes High School is a major construction project where sustainability formed an important part of the overall build approach. The project required reliable temporary protection to safeguard newly installed finishes throughout the construction phase, particularly in specialist areas such as the swimming pool.
THE CHALLENGE
The swimming pool presented specific risks, including constant foot traffic, movement of equipment, ongoing trades and moisture exposure. These factors made newly finished surfaces vulnerable to damage. Protection needed to remain effective throughout the build while supporting the project’s environmental objectives.
PROJECT SOLUTION
ProplexRE sheets, manufactured using recycled plastic, were selected to provide durable surface protection. Their strength, slip resistance and reusability made them well suited to demanding site conditions, including the pool area.
The materials were supplied to support both practical site protection and the project’s sustainability ambitions, helping reduce reliance on virgin plastic products.
THE OUTCOME
Critical finishes remained protected throughout construction, helping maintain quality standards and avoid costly repairs or delays.
The use of recycled protection materials contributed to Galliford Try’s commitment to saving one tonne of carbon for every £1 million spent construction saving initiative, demonstrating that high-performance temporary protection can also support responsible, lower-carbon construction practices.
Wester Hailes High SchoolThe UK builders’ merchant sector is changing fast, with sustainability now central to how merchants support their customers. Leading the way, Wickes has partnered with Protec to launch ProplexRE, a circular temporary protection solution available through Wickes online and branches nationwide.
ProplexRE is made from a minimum of 60% post-consumer recycled plastic and is part of Protec’s ClosedLoop Remanufacturing Scheme – the UK’s only recycling and remanufacturing process dedicated to temporary protection and site signage. The board provides robust, reusable protection for floors, walls and finishes during construction and renovation, while helping contractors reduce waste and carbon emissions on-site.
This partnership offers a practical, accessible route to sustainability for trade customers, cutting site waste by over 50% and reinforcing Wickes’ reputation as a responsible, forward-thinking retailer.
By bringing circular solutions like ProplexRE to market, Wickes and Protec are proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand – setting a new benchmark for the builders’ merchant branch of the future.
Wickes and Protec Lead the WayThis World Environment Day, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on the genuine environmental impact being delivered through our ClosedLoop Remanufacturing Scheme.
This year’s theme, #BeatPlasticPollution, is a global call to action – and one we’re answering with real results. We’ve successfully remanufactured over 8,750,000 ProplexRE sheets, resulting in a carbon saving of 22,050 tonnes – the equivalent of planting 1,102,500 trees. These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent real-world action in our commitment to reducing plastic waste and improving sustainability.
But it’s not just about impressive figures. It’s about how we’re changing the way construction projects approach sustainability. Our work is a powerful demonstration of the circular economy in action, where materials that would otherwise become waste are repurposed into high-quality, reusable products. Sustainability is not just an idea, but a concrete part of how we build, work, and grow our industry.
Through our ClosedLoop scheme, used Proplex protection sheets are collected from construction sites across the country. These sheets are then returned to our facilities, where they undergo cleaning, processing, and remanufacturing into our high-quality ProplexRE range – ready to be used again. The result is a product that offers the same level of protection and durability as its original counterpart, but with a fraction of the environmental cost.
It’s a system that’s simple, effective, and environmentally responsible. It proves that responsible waste management can go hand in hand with commercial success. By reducing reliance on virgin plastics, we’re not just cutting costs; we’re helping our partners meet their sustainability goals, while also maintaining high operational efficiency.
This is exactly what ClosedLoop is all about: turning waste into resource, closing the loop on single-use materials, and building a better future – not just for our industry, but for the planet. The change we want to see is already happening.
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far – but this is only the beginning. As we continue to innovate and expand, we are committed to making an even greater impact.
For more details on how our closed-loop system can benefit your projects, contact us at closedloop@protection.co.uk.
Protecting What Matters on World Environment DayLOCATION
The Broadway project was a large-scale development located in the heart of Westminster, London. The project covered a significant floor space, with a high-end residential and commercial mix contributing to the transformation of this prestigious area.
BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
The Broadway is a landmark mixed-use development that comprises six residential towers with luxury apartments, retail spaces, and office areas. This prestigious project, undertaken by Multiplex, required extensive protection solutions to maintain the quality and integrity of installed materials throughout the build process. Having worked with Multiplex on previous projects, Protec was trusted to deliver high-performance temporary protection solutions.
THE CHALLENGE
Given the high specification of finishes throughout The Broadway project, it was essential to ensure surfaces were protected against damage from heavy site traffic, equipment movement, and ongoing construction work. The protection needed to remain in place for an extended period to cover various phases of the build.
Specific challenges included:
PROJECT SOLUTION
Protec was involved early in the project, working closely with Multiplex and their subcontractors to develop a tailored protection strategy. Based on site requirements, Proplex HD protection boards were recommended for their durability, impact resistance, and ability to withstand high-traffic conditions. These also comply with JCoP standards for fire risk management.
To support the project team, Protec provided guidance on the best application methods and regular site visits to ensure proper use of materials. The scale of this project required a significant volume of protection materials, delivered in phases to align with the construction schedule.
THE OUTCOME
The Broadway project was successfully completed with all protected surfaces remaining in excellent condition throughout the build. In alignment with sustainability goals, Protec collaborated with Multiplex and site logistics provider Madigan Gill to recover the used Proplex at the project’s conclusion. We recycled an impressive 25.64 tonnes of used Proplex temporary protection sheets that would have otherwise gone to landfill or incineration.
The recovered Proplex was processed through our recycling facility, where it was shredded, washed, and remanufactured into our industry-leading ProplexRE Sheets. These sheets are now in use on new construction sites, continuing the cycle of sustainability.
The Broadway ProjectBACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
The Battersea Power Station redevelopment is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, transforming a decommissioned power station into a vibrant mixed-use community. This phase focused on the careful refurbishment of the landmark building, maintaining its historic architectural elements while integrating modern facilities.
Protec has a longstanding relationship with Mace, having worked together on various large-scale projects, providing high-quality temporary protection solutions that align with their sustainability objectives.
THE CHALLENGE
The redevelopment of an iconic and historic structure posed unique challenges. Temporary protection was required across multiple applications to safeguard glazing, floors, doors, and joinery from damage during construction.
The site was high traffic with intensive contractor activity, necessitating robust and sustainable protection materials. Additionally, Mace was committed to reducing waste and minimising environmental impact, requiring an innovative and effective recycling solution.
PROJECT SOLUTION
Protec collaborated with Mace and its subcontractors from the outset to implement the Proplex ClosedLoop Remanufacturing Scheme. This initiative ensured that the temporary protection used on-site could be recovered, recycled, and remanufactured into new ProplexRE sheets for future projects. Protec provided expert guidance on protection strategies and worked closely with Mace’s site logistics team Clipfine and waste-away partner MSK to facilitate smooth recovery operations.
Our involvement in this high-profile project was significant, with large volumes of Proplex sheets supplied and later recovered for recycling at our state-of-the-art UK manufacturing and recycling facility.
THE OUTCOME
The project was successfully completed with effective protection measures in place. Protec’s sustainable ClosedLoop Remanufacturing Scheme delivered tangible environmental benefits. The remanufactured ProplexRE sheets have already been redeployed on other construction projects, demonstrating the practical benefits of a circular economy approach.
Protec continues to collaborate with Mace and its subcontractors on other projects, helping them achieve their sustainability targets through innovative and environmentally responsible temporary protection solutions.
