Page 24 - Plastics News June 2018

FeAtures

year of research and development, and collaboration
with GHMC, the fruits of their labour will soon be put to
the test the coming month. Imagine the scope of such
an innovative building model in India that will serve a
dual purpose—affordable housing solutions for people
as well as reducing the plastic burden on the planet!

The walls of living rooms made of recycled plastic. of recycled plastic materials is also much more
Regarding future plans, Bamboo House India is also inexpensive when compared to the cost of regular
in talks with GHMC to construct public toilets and construction materials. In collaboration with GHMC, we
cafeteria modules on similar lines across the city, where intend to expand the project across Hyderabad, which
recycled plastic waste walls and roofing sheets would would pave the way for more people to consider the
be put to use. “Not only is the concept innovative possibility of constructing houses out of recycled plastic
and environment-friendly, but the implementation waste at an individual level,” adds Prashant.
How Recycled Plastics Directly Benefit the Construction Industry

If companies are looking for construction materials that As a low-cost alternative to other materials, this type
are efficient, durable and money-saving, plastics are of plastic being salvaged has brought new life to many
incredibly promising all over the globe. According to a industries and companies across the U.S. and around the
recent study in U.S recycled plastics has long way to world. Below, we’ll dive into more specific examples
stay and there is ahuge untapped potential. of how using recycled plastics has changed the way a
• A one-year study has shown that the energy that number of materials are being produced.
comes from using plastics as a primary construction 1. Roofing Tiles
material is “enough to meet the average annual
energy needs of 4.6 million U.S. households.” That’s A roof is an essential part of a house, so when it
the equivalent of all the households in 11 out of 50 comes to home building, there have been many
states. innovations in roofing methodologies over the
years. Using recycled plastics to build roofing tiles is
• More staggering news comes from not only using a great way to resemble other more expensive
plastics in construction, but plastics that have materials, while providing the same high-quality
been recycled. Not only does this follow the trend
of efficient energy, but it also saves space in landfills you can expect with materials such as slate.
and reduces costs to an even lower level. Other undeniable benefits from recycled plastic
roofs include:
• When recycled plastic is blended with virgin
plastic, costs can be lowered because there is a • Lighter material
lower amount of brand-new plastic being used
and produced. Using recycled plastic can also help • Easier, quicker installation
save on the costs of other materials, such as wood • Lower carbon footprint
and slate.

Plastics News June 2018 24