Sustainability efforts and environmental impact remain top concerns for most industries worldwide. As a result, manufacturers and consumers are choosing to produce and buy goods from natural or organic materials whenever possible.

But when it comes to selecting materials to support heavy equipment at construction project sites, choosing composite plastic mats over organic wood is actually better for the environment and company assets. Below are four reasons why DURA-BASE® composite mats are beneficial to both sustainability efforts and a company’s bottom line.

Protect the environment

With DURA-BASE® mats, it’s easy to adhere to the “leave no trace” code when entering and exiting a job site. The mats weigh less than their wood counterparts, which means fewer trucks are needed to transport them, leading to an overall decrease in carbon emissions. Plus, composite mats are completely recyclable, translating into less waste. 

Many work sites take place in wetlands, which are areas made up of swamps and marshlands and home to many different organisms. Composite mats help preserve the integrity and delicate balance of these wetlands by preventing unwanted invasive species from traveling to a new job site. 

Invasive species are defined as any species, from plant to insect, that is not native to a particular environment and may cause harm to the human population or local ecosystem. The asian longhorn beetle and emerald ash borer larvae are two prime examples of invasive, tree-killing species that prefer to live underneath tree bark. Wood mats can help them move undetected from one job site to the next, harming new environments.  

In contrast, the smooth, continuous plastic surface of composite mats ensures invasive species won’t burrow inside. The DURA-BASE® design allows for superior load spreading which reduces soil compaction and eliminates the risk of nails or residual splinters left behind, leaving local environments intact.

Protect your workers

Protecting workers is another top concern for most companies. Ensuring a safe environment provides HR departments peace of mind and potentially aids in attracting new talent while saving employers money. Fewer people injured on the job means fewer workers’ compensation claims and insurance expenses. And in high-risk industries like utilities or construction, any measure that reduces risk is always welcome.

Gaurav Agrawal, Newpark’s vice president of products and technology, explains how DURA-BASE® composite mats include an anti-skid surface with symmetrical tread that provides traction for those on the work site. “The tread allows for equipment to remain stationary, which minimizes potential risks to workers,” he says. Compared to wood that often depends on the cut of lumber and may be uneven and unpredictable, composite mats deliver a continuously smooth surface without dangerous splinters.

Protect your timeline

Labor-intensive projects can take years to complete. A timeline that depends on multiple parties will often require various levels of sign-offs and approvals. Owners of residential land may be reluctant to comply with a project that will be moving through the heart of their delicate soil. If, however, key stakeholders know the environment will be completely preserved and protected, they may be more inclined to comply with tight deadlines. 

Once workers receive the go-ahead from all parties involved, work can begin even faster due to the lightweight nature of composite mats. On average, a truck can transport only 11 wood mats at a time, whereas the same truck could transport about 42 DURA-BASE® composite mats. 

Composite mats are also significantly less likely than wood mats to shift, break or splinter, thus minimizing delays.

Protect your equipment

Construction site equipment is less prone to movement and breakage as composite mats provide a continuous surface with traction. Wood mats bring a risk of both splinters and protruding nails that can damage or puncture wheels of expensive machinery. Plus, contractors always know what to expect with DURA-BASE® mats. “Composite mats deliver a level of consistency that our clients have come to both expect and appreciate,” says Agrawal.

Build your next partnership

With over 90 years of industry experience, and a >80 Net Promoter Score (NPS) that reflects it, Newpark’s team is always available to help get projects over the finish line. “We offer a product and service that we feel confident about, with several PhD experts providing engineering expertise on how to navigate any challenge,” explains Agrawal. “Industry leaders are looking for long-term solutions, and DURA-BASE® mats are a win-win-win — for the environment, the employer and employees.” 

For more information on utilizing DURA-BASE® mats with the right partner, contact Newpark Resources today.