PLASTICS RECYCLING
Recycled soft plastics in construction
By Mark Hull, Superfy VP Sales & Business Development APAC, 05 April 2023
Historically, the construction sector is seen as a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and resource depletion, however, with the advent of sustainable construction materials and practices, there is an important shift happening to reduce its environmental impact.
Envra, the Australian company, is a good example of this shift. They specialize in providing sustainable and environmentally friendly building products and solutions. Polyrok is one such new and innovative building material that is making waves in the construction industry. This material is made up of a combination of recycled plastic and concrete, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly option for builders and architects.
It is being used in many new building projects, such as the Melbourne’s new Deer Park station (Deer Park uses Recycled Plastic aggregate Polyrok, made from 100% post-consumer waste – Victoria’s Big Build) where flexibility, durability and weight in construction materials are key requirements.
The idea behind Polyrok is to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment, while also creating a durable and versatile material for construction. By using recycled plastic, Polyrok diverts waste from landfills and repurpose it into a useful construction product.
The types of soft plastics used in Polyrok includes high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). These plastics are collected from various sources, such as plastic bags, packaging materials, and discarded household items, and are processed to create the Polyrok aggregate and product.
Polyrok has a smaller carbon footprint than traditional concrete building materials, making it a more environmentally responsible choice. Polyrok allows less cement to be used in the concrete manufacturing process without impacting on performance.
It is an innovative and exciting material that is changing the way we think about building and construction. With its durability, versatility, and sustainability, it is a popular choice for architects, builders, and homeowners alike. As more people become aware of the benefits of Polyrok, it is likely that we will see it used more widely in the construction industry.
Superfy is proud to support a more sustainable construction industry. Using our innovative platform and sensors, we support Envra in the efficient collection, tracking and reporting of recycled plastics used in production of Polyrok.