Ever heard of “Everboard”? It’s a construction product made recycled plastics and cellulose fiber combined in a unique process to produce a thermal, air, and vapor barrier for roofing systems. For every 1,000 square feet of closed-loop roof Everboard, 800 pounds of recycled plastic and 1,200 pounds of recycled paper is used.
One of the speakers at the June 11th Regional Recycling Development Workshop in Albuquerque (hosted by the New Mexico Recycling Coalition and the National Recycling Coalition) was Bill Shepard, VP of Marketing at Continuus Materials, LLC, maker of Everboard. “We set out to not only create our roof cover board to capture and upcycle these materials, but have engineered it to be more durable, moisture and mold resistant than products currently available,” explained Shepard.
“Our appeal isn’t just in reusing material, it’s that the end product is better. That’s where we believe the standard of Everboard – which excels with its Class “A” fire rating – demonstrates the potential of products created by the recycling process,” he said. “For Everboard we harness the engineered protective properties of these materials to upcycle them into the highest performing roof and wall sheathing boards available today.”
Unlike the typical sheets of gypsum-based materials, Everboard has a plastic and cellulose core that does not disintegrate or delaminate in the presence of water, giving roofing systems and the entire building a much longer performance life.
Shepard spoke with several regional recycling stakeholders at the Workshop including Patrick Peck, Director of the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA), Morris Friedman, CEO of Friedman Recycling, and Cruz Ramos, Economic Development Specialist with the City of Las Cruces.
“Businesses like Continuus Materials are an example of the future of the circular economy,” said Patrick Peck, director of SCSWA. “It’s a regenerative approach instead of the traditional linear economy where the mindset is single use. Some materials - even materials that have been previously used - can be remade into something completely different.”
Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste, recyclables, and working to stop illegal dumping for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.