The Christchurch firm turning Wembley plastic into park benches

A Dorset based firm has said it has been “really fun” to be a part of a project which sees it transform waste plastic from the Wembley Stadium pitch and turn it into benches for grassroots football clubs.

Ben Gibbons, is co-founder of Circular 11, based in Christchurch, which has been running its recycling business for four years.

He said it takes hard-to-recycle mixed plastics, like those found under the pitch at Wembley, and use it to make planks, which can then be used in manufacturing.

“Obviously we all know that plastic waste is a big issue but we’re just trying to harness that property and use it in a slightly more constructive way,” Mr Gibbons said.

He said its products are being used in areas like furniture and fencing but it is also supporting National Highways and Network Rail with projects.

Mr Gibbons says it is necessary in a world where there is a growing demand for timber and a large amount of waste plastic.

He said the home of English football reaches out to his company multiple times a year when they change the grass before big games and events.

“Because of the way that it’s made, it normally can’t be recycled and that’s why Wembley got in touch with us,” Mr Gibbons said.

His firm transform the waste plastic into benches which is sends to grassroots football clubs.

He said it gives the clubs information about what was happening and who played on the pitch which their bench was made from.

“I think a lot of the local clubs have liked that and it’s been really fun to be a part of.”