Building futures: How plastic waste becomes classroom bricks
Plastic is an extremely durable material, but unfortunately, it's not favourable for our planet—its presence worsens the state of the natural environment. However, there are ways to counteract this, such as the initiatives undertaken by Conceptos Plasticos, which is engaged in recycling plastic and creating construction bricks from it.
Global warming is not a made-up theory but a real problem that affects each of us. Environmentalists have been signalling threats for years, and we observe how, year after year, temperatures break records and glaciers melt. Environmental protection should become a priority for all of us, and one of the most effective ways to meet this challenge is recycling.
Conceptos Plasticos, a Colombian company, specializes in recycling plastic and transforming it into high-quality building materials. This provides jobs for many local residents who actively participate in the process of collecting useful raw materials. How is plastic recycling conducted at Conceptos Plasticos?
Recycling plastic is an interesting perspective for construction
Plastic is the most commonly used material in all sectors of the economy due to its low cost and durability, but its ecological impact is very negative—it can decompose for hundreds of years, continuously polluting our natural environment. Fortunately, plastic can be processed and reused, opening many interesting possibilities for it.
At Conceptos Plasticos, collected plastic is used to produce construction bricks. Local communities are involved in this process, collecting waste from various places such as landfills and streets. The raw material, which nobody wants, is transformed into strong and solid bricks, resembling Lego block constructions.
Advanced waste recycling is a technological solution for the future. Conceptos Plasticos is an example of a company that supports not only the environment but also reduces poverty in the region by cooperating with the local community in Mosquera.
Plastic bricks - how are they made?
The company employs so-called collectors, people who make a living by collecting and selling waste. Conceptos Plasticos facilitates their work by helping in cleaning the city of waste. These individuals deliver bags full of raw materials, which undergo an initial recycling process.
After sorting, the waste goes to a crusher and then to a device that melts it into a liquid mass. This mass is placed in construction molds that create casts of bricks or beams. Molds with the hardening material are submerged in cold water, allowing the plastic to harden and be ready for use.
The resulting plastic bricks are used in places like the Ivorian Coast, where more than 300 classrooms have been built from recycled bricks. Thanks to these constructions, children in Africa have a chance for education and a better future, significantly improving their quality of life.
