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Recycled Plastic Building Material Could Replace Concrete, Steel and Timber

October 23, 2008 By 8 Comments
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A UK-based company called i-plas has invented a building material—also called i-plas—made from recycled plastic that could replace concrete, steel, and timber. I-plas can make use of any type of plastic waste except for PVC and thermoset.

According to i-plas (the company), producing 1 ton of i-plas (the product) from landfill waste saves 1.66 tons of CO2 emissions. In contrast, producing 1 ton of concrete generates nearly a ton of CO2.

I-plas can be used for bridges, walls, fences, footpaths, and more. It doesn’t splinter or chip and requires no varnishing or coating since it is moisture-resistant. The fungible material can be made either hard or soft depending on the waste materials used in its production.

You can expect to see more of i-plas in the near future— the company is planning seven new production facilities and hopes to supply the 2012 Olympics.

Photo Credit: sciencefriday.com

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  • Jesse

    I think it is a genius idea! One that will make the quality of building structures to stand against weathering perfectly! I only question weather excessive heat and cold will cause any warping or loss of integrity? I wonder if you could use it instead of Sheetrock and how it might change insulation? Awesome if it works out!

  • http://www.etsy.com/shop/CapturedDivinely?ref=si_shop Faith

    I love this idea. I think more building materials should be made out of plastic. You would not have to worry about mold after a flood if most of your home was made of a strong durable plastic.

  • will tucker

    i think this is jus t plain stupid

    think of how many jobs will be lost in the steel and lumber indutries everythings made of plastic nowdays from snuff cans to cars it takes away many years of tradition

    • http://Web fghhhhhgfffff

      Well there would be more people hired just to make this stuff, you know???????????

  • will tucker

    i think this is jus t plain stupid

    think of how many jobs will be lost in the steel and lumber indutries everythings made of plastic nowdays from snuff cans to cars it takes away many years of tradition

  • Bill Jolly

    Where will these materials go when the structure is demolished?

  • Bill Jolly

    Where will these materials go when the structure is demolished?

    • guest

      Well for one the structure will last longer and two it won’t need to be demolished because it rusted away (steel) or got infested with termites (wood) and wow like steel and unlike wood, plastic is recyclable/reuseable. The real problem with plastic is that too many people do not reuse it, they just toss it out after they drink whatever was in the bottle.

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