Two innovative environmental products, ideal for pig barns and other farm applications, are now available in western Canada.

Think Plastics Inc. of New Hamburg, Ontario manufactures Baleboard^®, a 100% solid polyethylene plastic lumber made from recycled agricultural bale wrap and greenhouse film.  Since 2005, the company has diverted more than 636-tonnes of scrap plastic from landfill sites and burn barrels in south central Ontario.

Baleboard^® can be used in any non-load bearing application where wood and composite products are used.  It contains no wood or other fillers. Company President Chuck Sparks says that’s the reason the product is so popular.  “Baleboard^® is one polymer – polyethylene – which makes it extremely strong and versatile.  It is a popular choice for home decks and cottage docks.  But its resistance to ammonia, oil and gas, and the fact that the boards are not slippery when wet, also make it an excellent choice for use on the farm.” Baleboard^® can be power-washed and steam-cleaned.  Lab tests show it does not rot or leach.  Sparks adds, “We haven’t found an animal yet that can chew it.”

Baleboard^® is available in two colours, Sandstone and Cedartone, and five sizes: square-edged 2” x 4” x 12’, 2” x 6” x 12’, 4” x 4” x 10’, and round-edged Custom 2” x 6” x 12’ and 5/4” x 6” x 12’.  The Ontario company also manufactures “Nusheet”, a flexible 4’ x 8’ off-white sheet, 1/8” thick, made from recycled greenhouse film.  Nusheet is being used to line barn walls, horse wash stalls, shelves, trucks interiors and sheds.

Baleboard^® and Nusheet are available in the west through Riverbend Building Supplies.  Contact Michael Maendel at (204) 761-0252, email Michael@rb.hbni.net, or visit www.riverbendbuilding.com

Photo Caption:

(Baleboard) Baleboard can be routed and planed – even painted.  It can be nailed and screwed close to the edge without splitting or breaking.