WRAP to boost profile of landscaping&#39s “best kept secret”

According to WRAP recycled woodchip is one of the “best-kept secrets” in the landscaping industry. The organisation said that recent research showed only 3% of landscaping, purchasers and professionals are aware of its potential for use as loose surfacing material.
Through the trials, WRAP intends to be able to show the benefits of using recycled wood in a number of situations.

The trial will cover the use of wood as mulch, surfacing material for pathways and ground cover for playgrounds and WRAP has outlined a number of performance benefits which it wants to show through the trial.

WRAP said: “These benefits include the fact that recycled wood acts as an efficient weed suppressant, it knits together well and is dense so is suitable for steep incline and organic dyes allow for colour variations making it visually attractive.”

Local authorities and landscaping professionals will be able to take part in the trials designed to demonstrate the performance and cost benefits of using recycled wood products.

Support
Successful candidates to the scheme will be awarded financial support to deliver and monitor the results of the trials, WRAP will also be providing technical advice and support.

Julia Turner, material development manager for wood said: “The demand for recycled woodchip in landscaping has grown in the last few years with more organisations using the material and an increasing number of suppliers entering the market.

“Nevertheless, we need to build on this and demonstrate how the product can be used as an effective and versatile solution in a variety of landscaping applications,” she added.