+44 (0)333 202 6800Cardiff Bay Barrage Innovative New Plaswood Seating
Executive Summary
Cardiff Harbour Authority (CHA) required a durable, low‑maintenance seating solution for Cardiff Bay Barrage that aligned with its sustainability objectives and supported public engagement around responsible waste management.
Traditional outdoor seating can require regular upkeep, particularly in coastal environments exposed to weathering and high footfall.
Working in partnership with RPC bpi recycled products andEventclean, CHA deployed four Plaswood benches manufactured using recycled plastic film collected during the Cardiff stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race*.
About the Client
Cardiff Harbour Authority manages Cardiff Bay Barrage and surrounding waterfront areas, supporting recreation, tourism and major events. The organisation places strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, public engagement and responsible waste management across its operations.
With Cardiff hosting internationally recognised events, CHA requires durable infrastructure solutions that maintain consistent appearance, withstand heavy use and support the city’s sustainability commitments.
The Challenge
During major events such as the Volvo Ocean Race, large volumes of plastic film are generated from temporary structures, signage and logistics. This material presents several challenges.
- Difficult to recycle through standard municipal waste streams.
- High contamination risk, requiring specialist sorting and washing.
- Limited end‑market applications, reducing opportunities for reuse.
CHA sought a practical way to manage this material responsibly while creating a visible, community‑benefiting outcome that reinforced Cardiff’s sustainability ambitions.
The Solution
CHA partnered with RPC bpi recycled products andEventcleanto collect plastic film generated during the Cardiff stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race.
The process included:
- Collection of more than 280kg of plastic film during the event.
- Sorting, washing and pelletising at RPC bpi’s Rhymney recycling facility.
- Manufacture of Plaswood benches using recycled polymer material*.
- Installation of four new benches along Cardiff Bay Barrage, featuring bilingual engraving acknowledging the material’s origin.
The benches were unveiled by Welsh Government Minister for Environment HannahBlythynAM, recognising the collaborative effort and the value of turning event waste into long‑life public infrastructure.
*Recycled content percentage may vary by product specification.
The Results
The initiative delivered several key benefits for Cardiff Harbour Authority and the wider community:
- A practical reuse pathway for plastic film that is typically difficult to recycle.
- Durable, low‑maintenance seating, suitable for coastal environments and high visitor numbers.
- Visible public engagement, demonstrating how event waste can be repurposed into useful products.
- Support for Cardiff’s sustainability objectives, including reducing waste sent to landfill.
- A replicable model for future events, with CHA planning similar recycling partnerships for upcoming activities.
The benches now sit near the children’s play area on Cardiff Bay Barrage, providing a lasting reminder of the city’s commitment to responsible waste management.
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