Every generation builds playgrounds. But this one has the chance to redefine what they’re made from.
Our mates at Park Supplies & Playgrounds just launched the Playblox —modular climbing blocks for kindergartens, play centres and ECEs. Built from Critical Cleanstone panels, made entirely from recycled plastic.
Every year, New Zealand sends up to 300,000 tonnes of plastic waste to landfill.
Up to 90% of playgrounds worldwide still rely on virgin plastic sheets or timber that breaks down in a few years.
Playgrounds right now are bright/ fluro colours, but the future of playgrounds is moving towards colour that blend in or reference nature.
And now with Critical.'s Earthy Cleanstone range - you can achieve a natural colour pallet using 100% recycled plastics.
I love how Park Supplies designed these. They successfully paired the Lloden Frost Green Cleanstone (sage green) with the Greener Pastures (deep olive green) and used our Forest Cleanstone as feature and highlights.
And the result is a 100% recycled, solid and waterproof, circular product, with a take back scheme to ensure nothing ends up in landfill.
Earth-toned and textured to reconnect tamariki to whenua, moana and ngahere
And when you put it all together you get play spaces that feel good, look good, and teach kids that waste can be reborn into something better.
This is about creating spaces that communities feel proud of. It’s about proving that circular materials can perform as well as, or better than, the old stuff.
If every playground was built this way, imagine the impact on Aotearoa—and beyond.
So here’s my question for you:
If design can shape how kids play, what responsibility do we carry as designers, architects, and business owners to shape what they play on?
Check out this awesome mahi by our mates at Park Supplies & Playgrounds here: https://parksupplies.co.nz/playblox/
And if you’re curious how Cleanstone can support your next project, kōrero with us at criticaldesign.nz.