Last Thursday 21sth, at the invitation of Scale Climate Action, we had the chance to meet Jimmy Hutasoit, from Block Solutions Indonesia. His presentation was very inspiring, and deserved an article of his own!
In our quest for a more sustainable future, innovative solutions are emerging to address the global plastic waste problem. One such solution is turning plastic waste into construction blocks. This ingenious approach not only helps manage plastic pollution but also offers a greener alternative to traditional construction materials.
Jimmy is Country Director for Block Solutions Indonesia which produces Lego style building blocks from recycled plastics to build schools, affordable homes, libraries and many other use cases. Their innovative technology is highly durable, efficient, earthquake resistant and applies circularity in the construction industry.
Let's explore how this process works and its potential benefits.
Recycling Plastic Waste:
The world generates an enormous amount of plastic waste each year, and much of it ends up in landfills or polluting our oceans. Recycling has long been a crucial step in mitigating this environmental crisis. Now, forward-thinking individuals and companies are taking recycling a step further by transforming plastic waste into construction blocks.
The Process:
The process of creating construction blocks from plastic waste typically involves the following steps:
Collection and Sorting: Plastic waste is collected and sorted based on its type and quality. This is an essential step to ensure that the resulting blocks meet the required standards.
Cleaning and Shredding: The collected plastic is thoroughly cleaned to remove contaminants. It is then shredded into small pieces, creating plastic flakes or granules.
Extrusion or Molding: The plastic flakes are then heated and molded into the desired shape, often resembling traditional construction blocks. The exact molding process can vary depending on the manufacturer.
Quality Control: The resulting blocks undergo stringent quality control tests to ensure they meet the necessary strength and durability standards for construction.
Benefits of Plastic Blocks for Construction:
Environmental Impact: Using plastic waste for construction blocks diverts this material from landfills and oceans, significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Energy Efficiency: The production of plastic blocks typically consumes less energy than traditional construction materials like concrete or bricks, making it more energy-efficient.
Lightweight: Plastic blocks are often lighter than traditional materials, making them easier to transport and handle during construction.
Insulation: Plastic blocks can provide good thermal and sound insulation, contributing to energy-efficient and comfortable living spaces.
Customization: These blocks can be designed and moulded to fit specific construction needs, allowing for creativity and flexibility in building design.
Cost-Effective: In some regions, plastic blocks can be more cost-effective than traditional materials, helping reduce construction costs.
Challenges:
While the concept of using plastic waste for construction blocks holds promise, it's not without challenges. Ensuring the blocks meet safety and quality standards is crucial. Additionally, addressing the potential for the release of harmful chemicals when plastic is exposed to extreme temperatures or UV radiation is essential.
As a result, companies like Block Solutions can sometimes struggle to get their wonderful products out there;
We already demonstrated our commitment to fighting Indonesias’ plastic pollution through our support to the TrashStock music and art festival in July, aimed at educating local youths on the issue through creative cognitive means.
Block Solutions and similar company’s innovative approaches of recycling plastic waste into construction blocks represents a significant step toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible construction industry. As awareness of plastic pollution grows, such initiatives offer a practical and eco-friendly way to tackle two pressing global issues: plastic waste and sustainable construction. By supporting and adopting these innovative practices, we can build a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.