Safeplay Systems Honored For Recycling

On "America Recycles Day" (Nov. 15), the American Chemistry Council presented a 2012 Innovation in Plastics Recycling Award to Safeplay Systems, manufacturer of EcoPlay Playgrounds.

American Chemistry Council Recycling Director Craig Cookson presents award to Eric Torrey of Safeplay Systems.

EcoPlay® is manufactured from post-consumer, recycled HDPE plastic.

Also honored were KW Plastics and Sony Electronics Inc.

Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the chemistry council, says, “Thanks to the creative advancements brought about by these recyclers and others like them, we are able to keep more valuable plastics out of landfills than ever before. Used plastics are too valuable to waste.”

EcoPlay Playgrounds from Safeplay Systems were singled out for this award because the company's playground equipment--designed for commercial use, such as in parks, schools, child development centers, etc.--is made from a minimum of 95 percent post-consumer recycled HDPE (milk jugs).

The average playground structure keeps more than 35,000 milk jugs out of landfills.

Safeplay Systems’ own recycling program was also highlighted as a reason for the award. While all EcoPlay Playgrounds come with a 50-year warranty, Safeplay Systems has developed an incentive program to encourage customers to complete the “Sustainability Cycle” once the playground has served its intended purpose.

Play structures may be returned directly to Safeplay Systems for re-recycling. As a reward, Safeplay Systems provides a credit toward a new EcoPlay playground in exchange for the materials returned. This credit is fully transferable, allowing customers to pass the credit on to a local school, church, or other organization of their choice.

Eric Torrey, director of marketing for Safeplay Systems, says: “We are proud of our high-performance polypropylene structures that don’t splinter, crack, swell or rust and are virtually maintenance-free. But, more than that, environmental stewardship is an integral part of Safeplay Systems’ business model, and we are honored to be recognized for our innovations in plastics recycling.”

“It is an honor to receive this award from the American Chemistry Council,” agrees Bob Gredys, Safeplay Systems president.

“By incorporating recycled materials, adopting environmentally sustainable processes, producing products that are themselves recyclable, implementing energy efficient manufacturing solutions and using ‘green’ products throughout the workplace, Safeplay Systems strives to exceed customer expectations for thoughtfully-designed, high-quality products that contribute to the well-being of the planet,” he said.

“This award means so much--it is a validation of what we have been doing and it is a major morale boost to me and every employee of Safeplay Systems. We are doing the right things and our efforts are being noticed.”

Visit Safeplay Systems online at http://www.safeplaysystems.com/