Homeline switches to calcium zinc

Homeline Building Products has switched to calcium zinc in its production methods. All harmful heavy metals such as lead and tin, which are still commonly used, have been effectively removed from the manufacturing process five years before it becomes mandatory.

The switch was one of the biggest challenges facing the company since the start of 2009.

To help with the switch a £1 million investment has been made in a mixing plant for Homeline’s manufacturing facilities in South Wales. Incorporated into the new facility is a wide range of high-tech mixing and compounding equipment which will meet the company’s future needs as an environmentally responsible manufacturer.

To ensure there was a smooth transition the company recruited a polymer chemist as well as a specialist transfer team, to implement the changes as quickly as possible without any detrimental effect on product quality.

Taking its environmental responsibility very seriously, the company wanted to ensure that the entire range conformed to the Vinyl 2010 legislation ahead of time to give customers clear advantages when selling to the consumer. This now places Homeline and its customers in a strong ‘green’ position with end users as they head into the next decade. The range is BBA approved.

Paul Jayne, managing director, Homeline said: “If an installer is selling roofline products that are Calcium Zinc, skin and core, a homeowner is far more likely to buy from them. From a business point of view, we know that our customers will be in a strong position as this now gives them a great sales tool when dealing with environmentally conscious homeowners. ”