A PACKAGING firm is helping gardeners go greener.

Waste polystyrene from Protection Packaging's Rishton factory is being recycled to make garden benches.

The recycled and compacted polystyrene can be used instead of hardwood.

It is maintenance-free and needs no painting or varnishing.

"Providing seats made of fully recycled expanded polystyrene is one of our initiatives aimed at minimising waste and promoting ecologically-friendly processes," said John Hepworth, managing director of Protection Packaging.

"It is especially gratifying to see a green initiative being put to good use in the gardening sector."

One of the first benches produced was presented to cooker manufacturer Stoves - one of Protection Packaging's biggest companies - for use in its showroom.

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