IRT's ReTekŪ material raises the bar on environmental sustainability Back to News
GRAND RAPIDS (Aug. 2, 2007) - Recognizing that consumers are placing a higher importance on the environment than ever before, IRT (Innovative Resin Technologies) today introduced ReTek®, a recycled plastic material made up of 100% post-consumer waste #1-7 and post-industrial waste. ReTek®, combined with an innovative processing technology is the first of its kind to take waste once destined for landfills, and form it into high-quality products integrated with compound curves, complex designs, and functional details.
"For over 50 years, Davidson Plyforms has had the reputation of producing the finest quality upholstered and exposed curved plywood solutions in the country," said Davidson Plyforms President John Walton. "With the introduction of IRT and ReTek®, we hope to expand our reputation one step further as a company committed to protecting the environment through cost-effective solutions."
IRT utilizes a compression molding process to form its structural and non-structural components out of the 100% recycled plastic. Other molding processes such as injection molding and vacuum forming tend to utilize only a small percentage of post-industrial "regrind" in their process.
IRT offers 3 blends of ReTek®, differing in material strength, flexibility, and price. There are no toxic byproducts associated with the production of ReTek® components, and waste that is generated is recycled through IRT's own process. Additionally, IRT supports recycling through the return and re-use of all of its own finished goods packaging.
"For most businesses and manufacturers, environmental responsibility tends to come at a high price," says David Dupon, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Davidson Plyforms Inc. "The great thing about IRT and ReTek® is that we're not only eliminating waste and preventing pollution - but we're doing it at a cost that is highly competitive with non-recycled thermoplastics and significantly lower than that of wood."
Not only is piece part pricing of ReTek® cost-effective, but the tooling costs can be up to 25% lower than injection molding.
IRT is a full service supplier, offering Forming, Fabrication, Machining, and even Finishing capabilities to provide a product-complete solution to their customers. In addition, IRT offers extensive design and engineering services that can help drive product development from concept sketches through full production.
IRT is a division of Davidson Plyforms and partner with Leggett & Platt, a Fortune 500 company. Founded in 1927, Davidson Plyforms is North America's #1 curved plywood producer. The company specializes in producing upholstered and exposed curved plywood solutions, including seats, backs, shells, chair frames, and even curved door panels. Leggett & Platt is a diversified manufacturer that conceives, designs and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in virtually every home, office, retail store, and automobile. The company serves a broad suite of customers that comprise a "Who's Who" of U.S. manufacturers and retailers. The 124-year-old firm is composed of 29 business units, 33,000 employee- partners, and more than 300 facilities located in over 20 countries.
