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WABA HDPE
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Why HDPE Exclusively? Because it's a lightweight, eco-friendly marvel (100% recyclable). The boat industry's Achilles' heel is recycling, and HDPE addresses this by reducing the carbon footprint fivefold compared to aluminium.
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WABA HDPE is
EcoFriendly
& SuperStrong
Our unique WABA treatment offers enhanced protection against ultraviolet radiation and microalgae.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer derived from the monomer ethylene. It is often referred to as "alkathene" or "polythene" when employed in HDPE pipes. Noted for its exceptional strength-to-density ratio, HDPE finds applications in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes, and plastic lumber. HDPE is readily recyclable and bears the resin identification code ♴ as its resin identification code.
Furthermore, HDPE boasts an impressively low carbon footprint, surpassing that of aluminium by a factor of five. The durability of HDPE vessels is such that their lifespan can easily extend beyond 30 years, and they can be entirely recycled at the end of their operational life. Additionally, due to its inherent non-stick properties, HDPE obviates the need for paint or anti-fouling applications.
HDPE stands as an exceedingly robust material with exceptional impact resistance, rendering it an ideal choice for applications necessitating high strength, such as workboats and off-road equipment. Its durability is exemplified by the fact that it is employed in the construction of bullet-resistant vests. Should scratches occur, they can be readily remedied by melting a layer of HDPE over the affected area and subsequent sanding.
Ultra-Light
Material
No Maintenance
Worry
Fully
Customisable
- Low Maintenance: HDPE boats require minimal upkeep, saving both time and money over the long term.
- No Anti-Fouling Required: Unlike some materials, HDPE doesn’t need anti-fouling treatments, reducing maintenance efforts and environmental impact.
- Virtually Unsinkable: The inherent buoyancy of HDPE makes these boats highly resistant to sinking, ensuring safety in challenging conditions.
- Extremely Strong: HDPE’s robust construction provides exceptional strength, enhancing the boat’s durability and resilience.
- Fuel Efficient: The lightweight nature of HDPE boats contributes to fuel efficiency, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.
- Cost-Effective: The long lifespan and reduced maintenance needs of HDPE boats translate to cost savings for boat owners and operators.
- 100% Recyclable: HDPE is an eco-friendly material that can be fully recycled, contributing to sustainability and responsible manufacturing.
- Non-Conductor: HDPE’s non-conductive properties make it safe for electrical systems and reduce the risk of electrical hazards on board.
- Sound Dampening: HDPE’s natural properties help dampen sound, creating a quieter and more comfortable onboard environment.
Recent Developments in Bio-Based Polymers Analogous to Petroleum-Derived Ones for Engineering Applications
“In light of recent advancements in bio-based polymers as eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-derived plastics, the concern over the escalating plastic waste in daily life has grown significantly. To address this pressing issue and reduce the environmental impact of traditional plastics, there has been a concerted effort to explore ‘green’ plastics. In this context, we would like to highlight our commitment to sustainability.
At WAWA Creations™, we share the public’s strong concerns about waste, pollution, and carbon footprint. As such, we are actively monitoring the development and certification of bio-based High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets. When this technology reaches full maturation and is certified, we pledge to incorporate it into the construction of our inclusive design workboats.
Bio-based materials represent a significant step towards achieving environmental sustainability. These polymers are derived from refined biomass feedstocks, resulting in bio-based monomers that serve as building blocks for a range of applications. With advancements in processing technologies, we can now create bio-based polymers with tailored properties and functionalities, making them suitable for diverse engineering applications, including packaging, durable goods, and electronics.
In particular, the BioBased Polymers Review paper cited discusses three key types of bio-based polymers: Bio-polyethylene (Bio-PE), bio-polypropylene (Bio-PP), and Bio-poly(ethylene terephthalate) (Bio-PET). It delves into their recent developments, processing technologies, product applications, as well as their respective advantages and limitations.
For WAWA Creations™, our commitment to environmentally responsible boat design remains unwavering, and we eagerly anticipate incorporating bio-based HDPE sheets into our inclusive design workboats once they meet stringent certification standards.”
ECO-Friendly HDPE
South-East Asia has a huge plastic problem.
Seventy-five per cent of globally exported waste ends up in Asia. Southeast Asia in particular has become a dumping ground for wealthier countries waste. After China’s ban, the amount of plastic waste imported to countries like the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia more than doubled. Thailand and Vietnam recently restricted plastic waste imports, with a complete ban planned for in the coming years. These countries’ waste management is also woefully inadequate. Recycling rates throughout the world, but especially in Southeast Asia, remain low. Policymakers in Southeast Asia have yet to prioritise waste management. They need to significantly invest in improving waste infrastructure and facilities. Ultimately, manufacturers need to make products that can be better recycled.
Recreational craft that are at the end of their useful life need to be disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. This is no small problem. It is claimed that Europe has one of the largest concentrations of recreational craft in the world, with over 6 million in the European Union alone (NVDR: 12 million in the United States right now). It is estimated that as many as 95% of these are made from Fibre Reinforced Plastic.
Because Fibre Reinforced Plastic is highly durable, end-of-life disposal has not been a major issue so far. However, the time is coming when even these boats reach the end of their lives and will have to be disposed of. The consensus among delegates attending a “Sustainability at the Marine Industry” conference held last November in conjunction with METS is that, worldwide somewhere between 35 and 40 million boats are now approaching the end of their life. As regulation is starting to restrict the disposal of FRP to landfill, recycling will become the only realistic option.
Today, in spite of the great advances in waste management in Europe, there is a compelling need to include specific measures related to the management and recycling of boats aimed at:
- ensuring that they are designed and manufactured in such a way as to allow reuse, recycling and recovery to be achieved;
- preventing waste;
- promoting reuse, recyclability and recovery;
- obligating the use of manufacturing processes without hazardous substances;
- improving the environmental performance of all involved in the life-cycle of boats.
In his keynote presentation at the 2016 METS Breakfast Briefing, Steven Beckers, president of the Brussels-based Lateral Thinking Factory, spoke about the benefits of designing boats with a view to being broken up and recycled at the end of their life.
Materials should be used, not consumed, said Beckers. “We need to think of products like boats as raw material banks for the future. Materials appreciate in value over time. Designing boats with an eye to their eventual deconstruction will allow boats to retain greater value at every stage of their life, including the end of it”.
Our Carbon footprint is, of course, a global problem. South-East Asia may not be the main culprit but a fast-growing annual carbon emission of 1200 million metric tons of carbon per year is certainly not negligible.
Due to severe environmental concerns, the use of certain anti-fouling has recently been much regulated.
Unfortunately, the use of biocides in the aquatic environment has proved to be harmful as it has toxic effects on the marine environment. The most commonly used biocides in antifouling paints are Tributyltin (TBT), Chlorothalonil, Dichlofluanid, Sea-Nine 211, Diuron, Irgarol 1051 and Zinc Pyrithione. Restrictions were imposed on the use of TBT, that’s why organic booster biocides were recently introduced. The replacement products are generally based on copper metal oxides and organic biocides.
Maria Alexandra Bighin concluded in her dissertation at the Stockholm University:
This thesis illustrates several concerning aspects regarding the use of AF paints in the Baltic Sea, ranging from the extent of their use by boat hulls, to metal contamination of the biofouling and of the environment and toxicity to non-target species. We have shown that high levels of metals are present in AF paints on leisure boats, sometimes contrary to the regulations, and that these metals are transferred to the biofouling mass which is often discarded on the boatyard soil at the end of the boating season. Moreover, this contaminated biofouling may represent a risk for organisms feeding upon it. Furthermore, we have shown that the use of AF paints is associated with chronic toxic effects on the snail Theodoxus fluviatilis (e.g. reduced reproduction and growth, increased frequency of tissue alterations, increased mortality). We believe that consideration of mixture effects and multiple stressors (e.g. parasites, nutrient levels) in the natural environment is crucial for managing existing and emerging AF contaminants.
- Recyclability : HDPE is accepted at most recycling centres in the world, as it is one of the easiest plastic polymers to recycle.
- Resistance to marine growth : Thanks to the non-abrasive properties of HDPE, no anti-fouling is required on this material.
- Carbon Footprint :The carbon footprint of HDPE production is 5 times lower than aluminium. HDPE has an “Eco indicator 95” of 2.8mPt, while aluminium has a value of 56.3mPt, the “Eco indicator 95” is a method used to look at the production and life cost of materials, where the lower the value the lower the environmental impact. The energy required to manufacture 1 kg of HDPE is 81Mj/kg compared with aluminium at over 200mj/kg
Let’s talk
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WAWA Creations™ Boatyard operates from a strategic location in Singapore. Our boatyard network is finely tuned to serve the Asia Pacific Region and beyond, ensuring that our creations reach enthusiasts worldwide.
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
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Contact
info@wawacreations.com
+44 20 3286 3247
business@wawacreations.com
We can harness the power of our franchise system and apply our extensive expertise to create a prominent HDPE Boat Building company.