More than 19 million plastic bottles have been repurposed into thousands of pre-sloped and tile-ready shower pan systems since 2015 by QuickDrain USA. Comprised of extruded rigid PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic foam, the lightweight and shatterproof shower pans and panels are constructed from 100% post-consumer plastic water bottles.

According to the company, for every QuickDrain shower pan system installed, 450 plastic bottles are saved from landfills. Unlike conventional, pitched mud beds constructed over two-days, contractors using the company’s PET shower panels and waterproofing system can complete a shower modernization job in less than a day.

“Social and environmental responsibility goes beyond recycled plastic," says QuickDrain USA General Manager Chris Oatey. “Our company's sustainability principles are illustrated in products like Oatey’s lead-free solder and our LEED-certified distribution and customer support centers. Both facilities are designed to reduce natural resource consumption and minimize strain on local infrastructure.”

Crafted with plumbing and design professionals in mind, the QuickDrain PET shower pan system affordably accommodates finished shower dimensions between 32 inches to 72 inches, with an interlocking design that can be quickly and easily modified to any size or shape directly on-site. An advantage for architects and specifiers is that these recycled components may make an installation eligible for LEED certification points.

Site-sizable pan systems enable installers to contend with a full-range of rough-in configurations, including above-the-floor, flush or at-the-surface and through-the-floor or depressed waste connections.

PET is a thermoplastic by nature and can be processed repeatedly. The plastic is REACHcompliant, ROHS compliant, recyclable and contains no CFCs, fibers, heavy metals, carcinogens and mutagens. Moreover, PET is an excellent insulation material and offers good protection against moisture and condensation. It does not rot or mold. This patented foam is strong yet lightweight, non-reactive, economical and shatterproof, the company notes.