12 Jul Oltco’s Colchester franchise helps to recycle 500 million plastic straws in driveways across the UK
Oltco, the UK’s leading sustainable resin bound driveway specialist, has recycled the equivalent of 500 million plastic straws using its world-first sustainable resin bound solution, Recycle Bound, with the help of its regional franchises.
Recycle Bound resin is made using waste plastic (straws, plastic drink bottles and plastic food packaging) from a plastic recycling point, with each square metre consisting of the equivalent of 3,000 plastic straws. Therefore, if Recycle Bound was laid on a standard 70 square metre drive, the equivalent of 210,000 plastic straws would be recycled in the process.
Oltco operates a franchise model across the UK and Channel Islands with each franchise focussing on growing the business in specific areas. One area that has achieved particular success is Colchester, headed up by franchisee Liam Dorian.
The Colchester franchise contributed substantially to the amount of plastic straws recycled by promoting Recycle Bound resin and encouraging its customers to choose that solution by educating them on the benefits.
Liam Dorian, Colchester franchisee, said: “Since Recycle Bound launched in 2019, we have played a huge part in Colchester to recycle the equivalent of 500 million plastic straws. As we continue to install Recycle Bound to homes and business properties across Colchester and the surrounding areas, we look forward to seeing this number continue to grow rapidly and play a huge part in combating the global issue of plastic waste.”
Developed by Tom Stringer and Johnny Pearce, Recycle Bound resin is a unique product which helps tackle the issue of plastic waste. It not only serves as an environmentally friendly solution, but looks great too.
Sustainability is part of our DNA and I’m really passionate about making sure we’re doing all we can to minimise environmental impact, whilst also making sure the finished result looks immaculate. Consumers are more aware of the global plastic crisis than ever before and are opting for eco-friendly options over unsustainable methods.
This is such a huge milestone for my franchise area and one I am immensely proud of. It’s really encouraging to see so many people seeking more sustainable options and I can’t wait to keep leading the way in resin driveways alongside my team.”
The franchise model was developed by Oltco co-directors, Tom Stringer and Johnny Pearce, to expand their business nationally. They now have a network of over 51 franchises ran by franchisees who keep in regular contact with Oltco head office and ensure their values match those set out by Tom and Johnny when Oltco was first founded.
Recycle Bound has achieved recognition from multiple awards including being named as runner up for ‘Recycled Product of the Year’ in the National Recycling Awards and ‘Sustainability Warrior’ at the British Franchise Association, an award category that was created specifically for Oltco to recognise its sustainability achievements.
Recycle Bound has been installed at various leading visitor attractions across the UK including the Eden Project, National Trust Sheffield Park & Garden, Bodmin Jail Hotel, Blackpool Sea Life Centre, RHS Harlow Carr, and the location of the G7 Summit, Carbis Bay Hotel. To date, Oltco has recycled the equivalent of 1.7 million plastic straws in the resin pathways at the Eden Project.
The Colchester franchise hopes to continue its strong contribution to the number of plastic straws recycled by Oltco and is looking to expand its promotion of Recycle Bound to get even more customers choosing that particular resin.
