FAQ Recycled Plastic Playgrounds | EurocomItalia

help_outline

Recycled Plastic Playgrounds FAQ

Everything you need to know about STRONGPLAST recycled plastic playgrounds, inclusive play equipment for children with disabilities, UNI EN 1176 safety, maintenance and purchasing for municipalities and schools.

verified_user Safety and Certifications
help

Is recycled plastic playground equipment safe for children?

Absolutely yes. Our STRONGPLAST recycled plastic playground equipment is designed and certified according to the most rigorous European safety standards:

  • UNI EN 1176 certified: the European standard on the safety of playground equipment. Eurocomitalia is the only company in Italy manufacturing UNI EN 1176 certified recycled plastic profiles.
  • Splinter-free: unlike wood, STRONGPLAST never splinters, eliminating the risk of injuries during play
  • Rounded edges: every corner and joint is designed for maximum safety
  • Free of toxic substances: the material is inert and releases no chemicals
  • Non-slip surface: a surface texture that guarantees grip even in the rain

Every play structure is supplied with the UNI EN 1176 certificate of conformity and the installation and maintenance manual.

help

What is the UNI EN 1176 standard and why is it important?

UNI EN 1176 is the European standard that defines the safety requirements for permanently installed playground equipment. It consists of several parts:

  • EN 1176-1: general safety requirements
  • EN 1176-2: swings
  • EN 1176-3: slides
  • EN 1176-4: cableways
  • EN 1176-5: carousels
  • EN 1176-6: rocking equipment
  • EN 1176-7: guidance on installation, inspection and maintenance

UNI EN 1176 certification is mandatory for municipalities installing play equipment in public areas. Purchasing certified equipment protects the authority from civil and criminal liability in the event of an accident.

Eurocomitalia provides complete documentation for every structure, including the test reports from the certified laboratory.

help

Does playground equipment require impact-absorbing surfacing?

Yes. The UNI EN 1176 standard (together with the complementary UNI EN 1177) requires that, under and around play equipment with a fall height above 60 cm, there must be an impact-absorbing surface that cushions falls.

  • Rubber tiles: a permanent solution, available in different thicknesses depending on the fall height
  • Washed gravel: an economical solution (minimum depth 30 cm)
  • Bark mulch: a natural solution for landscaped settings
  • Impact-absorbing artificial grass: a natural look with certified protection

We also supply impact-absorbing surfacing on request, with installation coordinated with the assembly of the play equipment.

accessible Inclusive Play and Accessibility
help

What is inclusive play equipment and why is it important?

Inclusive play equipment consists of play structures designed to be used by all children, including those with disabilities, whether motor, sensory or cognitive. They are not separate "special equipment", but structures where children with and without disabilities can play together.

Main features:

  • Wheelchair accessibility: access ramps, wide platforms, reachable heights
  • Multisensory stimulation: tactile panels, sound elements, contrasting colours
  • Reinforced safety: side guards, supported seats, non-slip surfaces
  • Universal design: usable by children of different ages and abilities without adaptations

Many PNRR calls and regional funding programmes specifically require new playgrounds to be inclusive and accessible.

help

Which inclusive play equipment do you manufacture?

Our range of inclusive play equipment includes:

  • Inclusive swings: with basket seats or back-support seats for children in wheelchairs
  • Inclusive carousels: wheelchair-accessible rotating platforms and ground-level roundabouts
  • Sensory play panels: tactile, musical and visual panels mounted at wheelchair height
  • Playhouses and multi-play structures: with access ramps and wide platforms
  • Inclusive spring rockers: with enveloping seats and ergonomic handles
  • Play tables: with clearance underneath for wheelchair access (sand, water, manipulation)

All made of STRONGPLAST, maintenance-free, splinter-free and UNI EN 1176 certified.

help

How can I design an inclusive playground for my municipality?

Eurocomitalia offers a free consultancy service for the design of inclusive playgrounds:

  • Site analysis: assessment of the available area, access points and paths
  • Design proposal: layout plan with the arrangement of the equipment, accessible paths and safety areas
  • Equipment selection: choice of play equipment based on age group, specific needs and budget
  • Documentation for tenders: technical specifications, product data sheets, certifications, bill of quantities
  • Regulatory compliance: verification of UNI EN 1176, fall heights and impact-absorbing surfacing

We have designed and built inclusive playgrounds throughout Italy for municipalities, schools, rehabilitation centres and tourist facilities.

build Material and Maintenance
help

Why choose recycled plastic play equipment instead of wood?

STRONGPLAST (recycled plastic) play equipment offers significant advantages over traditional wood:

  • Lifespan: 25+ years vs 10-15 years for treated wood
  • Maintenance: zero vs annual painting and treatment for wood
  • Safety: it never splinters vs frequent splinters in aged wood
  • Resistance: immune to fungi, insects and moisture vs the biological decay of wood
  • Vandalism: anti-graffiti and cut-resistant vs easily damaged
  • Sustainability: recyclable at end of life vs non-recyclable treated wood
  • Total cost: lower over the life cycle when wood maintenance is taken into account

The maintenance savings over the 25-year life of the product far exceed any initial price difference. A municipality that chooses STRONGPLAST will never have to allocate funds for restoration, repainting or premature replacement.

help

What maintenance does recycled plastic play equipment require?

STRONGPLAST play equipment requires minimal maintenance, as set out in standard UNI EN 1176-7:

  • Visual inspection (weekly): a quick check for obvious damage, broken glass or dangerous objects in the area
  • Operational inspection (monthly): checking bolts, structural stability and the operation of moving parts
  • Annual inspection (by a qualified technician): an in-depth verification of compliance with the standard
  • Cleaning: washing with water and a neutral detergent when necessary. Graffiti can be removed with solvent without damaging the surface

It is never necessary to paint, treat with preservatives, or replace rotten or rusted parts. This translates into significant savings for the municipal budget compared with wooden play equipment.

help

What is the warranty on recycled plastic play equipment?

Eurocomitalia offers a 10-year structural warranty on all STRONGPLAST play equipment, covering:

  • Manufacturing defects
  • Structural degradation of the material
  • Colour fading (guaranteed UV stabilisers)

The stainless steel bolts are guaranteed for 5 years against corrosion.

The actual lifespan of the product is far longer than the warranty: the oldest installations (over 15 years) are still in perfect condition, without any structural maintenance work.

account_balance Purchasing for Municipalities and Schools
help

How can a municipality purchase a recycled plastic playground?

Municipalities can purchase our playgrounds through:

  • MePA (Consip): direct purchase on the Italian public administration e-procurement marketplace
  • Public tender: we provide complete technical specifications, product data sheets and certifications
  • PNRR funds: recycled plastic play equipment falls within the urban regeneration and ecological transition measures
  • Regional funds: many regions run specific calls for inclusive playgrounds
  • Ministerial calls: the "Inclusive play equipment" fund of the Italian Department for Family Policies

Our sales office assists municipalities free of charge in choosing the equipment, preparing the technical documentation and managing the purchasing procedures.

help

How much does a recycled plastic playground cost?

The cost depends on the size of the area and on the number and type of play equipment selected. As a guide:

  • Basic play area (3-4 units, ages 3-12): indicatively suitable for spaces of 100-200 sqm
  • Complete playground (6-8 units, inclusive, multi-age): for areas of 200-500 sqm
  • Complete inclusive playground (10+ units, accessible paths, sensory panels): for areas of 500+ sqm

Contact us for a free personalised quote based on your specific needs, the available space and your budget. We also provide an estimated bill of quantities for budget planning.

Remember: the total cost of ownership of STRONGPLAST play equipment is significantly lower than that of wood, thanks to the complete absence of maintenance costs for over 25 years.

help

Do you offer an installation service?

Yes. We offer several options:

  • Full installation: our team installs the play equipment, builds the foundations and lays the impact-absorbing surfacing
  • Supervision: our technician supervises the installation carried out by the municipality's local contractor
  • Kit with instructions: we provide a detailed installation manual with technical drawings for self-installation

Once installation is complete, we issue the certificate of correct installation and the declaration of conformity with standard UNI EN 1176, which are required before the play area can be opened to the public.

Planning a recycled plastic playground?

Contact us for a free quote and design consultancy. We will help you create the perfect play space for your community.