Pioneering plastic recycling: Colombian bricks build brighter futures
Plastic is an exceptionally durable material, but regrettably, it is not favourable for our planet – its presence worsens the state of the natural environment. However, there are ways to address this issue, such as the initiatives undertaken by Conceptos Plasticos, a company engaged in recycling plastic to create construction bricks.
29 November 2024 14:23
Global warming is not a fabricated theory, but a genuine problem that affects us all. Environmentalists have been highlighting these threats for years, as we witness record-breaking temperatures and melting glaciers. Environmental protection should be a priority for everyone, and one of the most effective ways to tackle this challenge is through recycling.
Conceptos Plasticos, a Colombian company, specialises in recycling plastic, transforming it into high-quality building materials. This initiative provides jobs for many local residents who actively participate in the process of gathering valuable raw materials. But how is plastic recycling carried out at Conceptos Plasticos?
Recycling plastic offers an interesting perspective for construction
Plastic is the most commonly used material across all sectors of the economy due to its low cost and durability. However, its ecological impact is severely negative – it can take hundreds of years to decompose, continuously polluting our natural environment. Fortunately, plastic can be processed and reused, unlocking numerous interesting possibilities.
At Conceptos Plasticos, collected plastic is repurposed to produce construction bricks. Local communities are involved in this process, gathering waste from various locations such as landfills and streets. The unwanted raw material is transformed into robust and solid bricks, reminiscent of Lego block constructions.
Advanced waste recycling represents a technological solution for the future. Conceptos Plasticos exemplifies a company that not only supports the environment but also alleviates poverty in the region by collaborating with the local community in Mosquera.
Plastic bricks - how are they made?
The company employs so-called collectors, individuals who earn a living by collecting and selling waste. Conceptos Plasticos supports their work by assisting in cleaning the city of waste. These individuals deliver bags full of raw materials, which undergo an initial recycling process.
After sorting, the waste is fed into a crusher, followed by a device that melts it into a liquid mass. This mass is then placed into construction moulds that cast bricks or beams. The moulds containing the hardening material are immersed in cold water, allowing the plastic to solidify and be ready for use.
The resulting plastic bricks are utilised in places such as the Ivorian Coast, where more than 300 classrooms have been built from recycled bricks. Thanks to these constructions, children in Africa have access to education and a brighter future, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
