Oltco Recycles One Billion Plastic Straws with Award-Winning Recycle Bound Solution

Oltco, the UK’s leading sustainable resin-bound surface specialist, has officially recycled the equivalent of one billion plastic straws through its world-first, award-winning innovation, Recycle Bound.

This landmark achievement was celebrated at Newquay Airport — the local airport for Oltco’s head office, based in Newquay — where Co-Directors Tom Stringer and Johnny Pearce unveiled a new outdoor installation and presented a bespoke, branded surfboard commemorating the milestone.

Launched in 2019, Recycle Bound was developed by Tom and Johnny after witnessing first-hand the devastating impact of plastic pollution on Cornwall’s coastline. The pioneering resin bound solution combines stone and aggregates with waste plastics, including straws, drink bottles, and food packaging — transforming environmental waste into beautiful, hard-wearing surfaces for homes, businesses, and public spaces nationwide.

Since launching Recycle Bound, Oltco has expanded its reach across the UK, with more than 50 franchised areas installing the sustainable resin-bound solution in towns, cities, and coastal communities nationwide. From residential driveways to large commercial projects including The Eden Project, Pears National Centre for Autism, RHS Garden Harlow Carr, and now Newquay Airport, Oltco’s network is helping customers transform their outdoor spaces while making a real environmental difference.

Oltco’s pioneering work with Recycle Bound has earned widespread recognition, including multiple regional and national awards for innovation, sustainability, and business excellence. The product has been praised not only for its positive environmental impact but also for its ability to deliver attractive, long-lasting surfaces that meet the highest standards of quality and design.

Tom Stringer, Co-Director of Oltco, said: “When we launched Recycle Bound just six years ago, we never dreamed we would reach the equivalent of one billion plastic straws so quickly. This milestone is a testament to the incredible response from our customers and the hard work of our franchise network across the UK. Every day, our teams are installing more surfaces, recycling more waste, and making a bigger difference. What started as a way to tackle plastic pollution in our local community in Newquay has now become a nationwide movement — and it’s only the beginning.”

Johnny Pearce, Co-Director, added: “We’re proud to help customers create beautiful, durable outdoor spaces while making a real impact on the planet. Reaching one billion straws recycled is something we’ll always remember, but the real reward is knowing how much plastic waste we’ve diverted from landfills and oceans. Seeing our franchisees and their teams embrace Recycle Bound with such passion has been incredible. Together, we’re showing that businesses can be a real force for positive environmental change.”