Page 24 - Plastics News May 2019

FEATURES

Plastics are not to be blamed anymore

Recycling plastics is one of the best ways to reduce plastics pollution. Recycling offers a plethora of options
but one needs the determination to take the initiative.

lot has been talked about plastics and despite having across the country," said Prashant Lingam, one of the
A seen plenty of innovations with plastics waste it is founders of Bamboo House India. Bamboo House India
much fashionable to blame plastic for all the problems on seeks to showcase that recycling scrap can be put to
this earth. However there are many who have realized the functional use in public spaces and is not limited to street
fact and to contribute their share have taken the plunge art. "The structure is made of half plastic and half bamboo
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to say that we consumed 10 lakh polythene covers to build
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polythene covers and PET bottles and it is much sturdier
than other materials. It also does not emit anything toxic.
It’s not only the Lingams of Hyderabad but many across
the country who have taken the lead in the business of
recycling most of them being the start-ups.
A group of engineering graduates in Kerala, taking
inspiration from plastic roads, have come up with an
Recycled Plastics for Housing
innovative idea to manage plastic waste. The team
Bamboo House India, a social enterprise based in developed a unique product which can be manufactured
Hyderabad has been utilising this ‘green gold’ to make eco- from waste plastic and locally available materials – The
friendly and low-cost houses while providing sustainable plastic bricks. A group, which graduated from Model
livelihood opportunities to rural and tribal communities. Engineering College, Thrikkakkara, took inspiration from
The venture is the brainchild of husband-wife duo, Ahmad Khan, from Ivory Coast in Uganda, who made plastic
Prashant Lingam and Aruna Kappagantula who have built EULFNV ZKLFK FDQ EH XVHG LQ URDG FRQVWUXFWLRQ :H WRRN
hundreds of strong and affordable ecofriendly houses the prototype to civil engineering department of Cochin
since starting the enterprise in 2008. University (CUSAT) to test strength and quality. Our model
passed all recommended tests like water absorption test,
Almost a decade later, they are piloting a concept in
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collaboration with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal
Corporation (GHMC), which not only addresses the use .HYLQ -DFRE VDLG 7KH SURGXFW JRW FHUWLÀFDWLRQ IURP WKH
of alternative options as construction materials but civil engineering wing of CUSAT. The brick was made
also includes the use of a very important material in from plastic waste and some local ingredients. Manyu J
construction—recycled plastic! In a unique initiative, Varma says "It was
citizens in Hyderabad are able to experience the interiors the ingredients and
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its preparation that
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park in the city's Kukatpally area, was taken up as a pilot
project by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation more durable than
(GHMC). "The idea was to make something innovative and ordinary brick
and less water
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year-and-a-half, and we were in touch with manufacturers absorbent."

Plastics News May 2019 24