Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with an estimated 90% of waste in the ocean coming from low-income countries. Nzambi Matee, a trained mechanical engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, has found an innovative solution to this problem by creating a company that recycles plastic waste into alternative building blocks. Matee's company, Gjenge, combines recycled plastic with sand to form a mixture that is moulded into paving bricks. These bricks are not only environmentally friendly but also stronger, lighter, and more durable than concrete. They provide a sustainable and affordable solution for the construction industry, which accounts for 38% of the world's carbon emissions. Gjenge's bricks are currently in the final stages of development, with the company releasing instructions and information on how to create these recycled bricks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Nzambi Matee |
| Company | Gjenge Makers |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Plastic Waste Recycled | 10-25 metric tonnes per week; 50 tonnes in 2021 |
| Plastic Types | Four of the seven major types of plastic |
| Plastic Sources | Factory waste, other recyclers, and local community |
| Other Materials | Sand, glass |
| Brick Characteristics | Stronger, lighter, more durable, and cheaper than concrete |
| Brick Production | 1,500 bricks per day |
| Brick Uses | Roads, driveways, sidewalks, low-cost housing, schools |
| Brick Benefits | Affordable, accessible, eco-friendly, promotes recycling and job creation |
| Brick Production Time | One brick every four minutes |
| Brick Production Team | Minimum of 1-2 people |
| Brick Production Space | Minimum of 50 square meters |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Plastic bricks are twice as sturdy as concrete
Plastic bricks are an innovative solution to the world's growing waste crisis. Nzambi Matee, a 30-year-old entrepreneur and engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, is the inventor of the plastic brick. Her company, Gjenge Makers, recycles plastic waste into alternative building blocks, which are not only eco-friendly but also stronger, lighter, and more durable than concrete.
The process of making these bricks involves mixing shredded plastic with sand and, in some cases, glass, and subjecting this mixture to extreme heat. This produces a sludge that is then moulded into different-sized blocks. The plastic used is sourced from industrial and household waste, including discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs, plastic bags, milk and shampoo bottles, sandwich bags, buckets, and ropes.
The resulting bricks are not only environmentally friendly but also have superior performance characteristics when compared to concrete. They are anywhere between two and seven times stronger than concrete, with greater compression strength, making them more resistant to cracking under heavy force or prolonged weather exposure. This exceptional durability is due to the fibrous nature of plastic, which prevents air pockets from forming within the bricks during the unique production process.
The plastic bricks are also more affordable and accessible, making them a viable option for low-income countries and areas affected by natural disasters. Each brick sequesters 1.5kg of plastic waste, and the production process is designed to be accessible to communities worldwide. The bricks are designed to work alone as load-bearing units or in conjunction with standard building methods such as timber and metal.
Matee's invention has earned her accolades and recognition, and her company is making a significant impact on both the environment and the local community. Gjenge Makers has created over 100 direct and indirect jobs, and their eco-friendly bricks are already lining roads, driveways, and sidewalks in Nairobi, with plans to expand into low-cost housing.
Recycling in Norfolk, VA: Plastic Lids, What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bricks are cheaper than normal bricks
Plastic bricks are an innovative and sustainable alternative to conventional bricks. They are made from recycled plastic and offer a range of advantages, including cost-effectiveness. While the cost of bricks for a 500-square-meter house can reach $3,850, eco-bricks provide an affordable and durable option. Made from recycled plastic bottles, eco-bricks eliminate the need for firing, reducing production costs by 30%. The materials required for eco-bricks are also less expensive than those for tiles, and their ease and speed of installation further lower labor costs.
The process of making plastic bricks involves shredding and mixing plastic waste with sand and, occasionally, glass. This mixture is then moulded into different-sized blocks and cooled, resulting in a product that is stronger, lighter, and more durable than concrete. This method of recycling plastic waste into bricks is particularly beneficial in developing economies, as it is more cost-effective than other recycling methods.
Nzambi Matee, a Kenyan engineer, and inventor is a pioneer in this field. Her company, Gjenge, recyles 10 to 25 metric tonnes of plastic waste weekly, transforming it into eco-friendly bricks. These bricks are not only stronger and more lightweight than concrete but also up to 15% cheaper. Matee's bricks have already paved roads, driveways, and sidewalks in Nairobi, showcasing their feasibility and potential for wider implementation.
The affordability of plastic bricks is further enhanced by their energy efficiency. Homes constructed with these bricks benefit from higher insulation values, resulting in reduced energy costs for heating and cooling. Additionally, the unique production process of plastic bricks prevents air pockets from forming, enhancing their compression strength and making them less susceptible to cracking under heavy force or prolonged weather exposure.
While labor costs for recycled plastic construction can be higher due to the specialized skills required, the overall savings in material and production costs make plastic bricks a more economical choice than conventional bricks. Furthermore, the accessibility of information on creating these bricks empowers communities worldwide to address their housing needs sustainably and affordably.
Plastic Items: All Recyclable? Understanding the Complex Reality
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bricks are highly flammable
Plastic bricks, also known as ecobricks, are a popular way to recycle plastic waste. They are made by filling plastic bottles with other bits of single-use plastic, which are then used as building blocks. While this method of recycling helps to reduce plastic waste and extend the life of single-use plastic, there are concerns about flammability.
Plastic is a highly flammable material, and when used in construction, it can pose a significant fire risk. If a structure made with plastic bricks catches fire, it can burn out of control, releasing toxic gases such as dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls into the atmosphere. The burning of polyvinyl chloride, for example, liberates hazardous halogens, further polluting the air and contributing to climate change.
The flammability of plastic bricks depends on their density. Higher-density ecobricks are less flammable, while those made with lower-density plastics may be more susceptible to fire. To mitigate the risk, it is crucial to pack the plastic tightly into the bottles, creating a well-made ecobrick. This process increases the density of the brick, making it less likely to ignite.
While plastic bricks have the advantage of being recyclable and environmentally friendly, the potential fire hazard cannot be overlooked. It is essential to consider the trade-off between the benefits of recycling plastic waste and the potential safety risks associated with using flammable materials in construction.
To address the flammability issue, future research and development could focus on creating fire-resistant coatings or treatments for plastic bricks. Additionally, combining plastic bricks with other building materials that are less flammable could help reduce the overall flammability of structures.
Recycling Ikea Plastic: A Guide to Sustainable Disposal
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bricks are a mix of sand and plastics
Plastic bricks are an innovative solution to the global plastic waste crisis. They are made by combining plastic waste with sand to create a sustainable alternative to conventional masonry building blocks. This process not only helps reduce plastic pollution but also provides a more environmentally friendly construction material than carbon-intensive concrete.
The process of making plastic bricks involves several steps. Firstly, plastic waste is collected and sorted into different types of plastic. The plastic is then shredded into small flakes or pieces. River sand is also collected and sieved to a specific particle size, typically through a 4.75 mm sieve, to ensure uniform distribution. The plastic and sand are then mixed together, with some sources mentioning a ratio of 1:4 for optimal strength. Colour can also be added at this stage to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the bricks.
The mixture of plastic and sand is then heated to form a sludge, which can be moulded into different-sized blocks. A hydraulic press is used to break the mixture into the desired shapes, and the bricks are then cooled to room temperature in a cooling bath. The resulting bricks are not only stronger, lighter, and more durable than concrete but also possess greater compression strength, making them resistant to heavy forces and prolonged weather exposure.
The plastic bricks developed by Gjenge Makers in Kenya are a prime example of the successful implementation of this idea. Founded by Nzambi Matee, a mechanical engineer, the company recycles between 10 and 25 metric tonnes of plastic waste each week, transforming it into paving bricks. These bricks are already being used for roads, driveways, and sidewalks in Nairobi and have the potential to become an alternative building material for low-cost housing.
Recycling Plastic Fruit Containers: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bricks can be made from all types of plastic
Plastic bricks are an innovative solution to the world's growing plastic waste problem. They can be made from all types of plastic, including industrial and household plastic waste, such as plastic bags, shampoo bottles, milk cartons, food packaging, and even laundry buckets and yoghurt tubs.
The process of making plastic bricks involves shredding the plastic waste and mixing it with sand and, occasionally, glass. This mixture is then subjected to extreme heat, creating a sludge that can be moulded into different-sized blocks. The bricks produced are stronger, more durable, and lighter than concrete, making them an ideal alternative building material.
One notable example of a company producing plastic bricks is Gjenge Makers in Nairobi, Kenya. Founded by Nzambi Matee, a mechanical engineer, Gjenge Makers recycles between 10 and 25 metric tonnes of plastic waste each week, turning it into eco-friendly bricks. Matee's bricks are not only stronger and lighter than concrete but also 15% cheaper. This affordability makes them accessible to communities in need of affordable housing, and their production helps promote recycling and create jobs in the local community.
The versatility of plastic bricks is also worth noting. They can be used for various construction projects, including roads, driveways, sidewalks, and even low-cost housing. Additionally, plastic bricks can be easily assembled and interlocked, resembling a life-sized Lego project. This feature further enhances their accessibility and ease of use for communities in need of quick and affordable construction solutions.
While plastic bricks offer a promising solution for recycling plastic waste, it is important to note that not all types of plastic are currently compatible with the brick-making process. Of the seven major types of plastic, only four can be recycled into bricks. However, researchers and innovators are continuously working to expand the range of plastics that can be used, with the goal of creating sustainable and affordable alternatives to conventional building materials.
How Eco-Friendly Are Plastic Cassette Cases?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The recycled plastic bricks are made of a mixture of sand and plastics. The sand and plastic are mixed at very high temperatures and are then compressed into bricks.
The process of making recycled plastic bricks involves several stages. First, the plastic waste is collected, cleaned, shredded, and separated into different plastic types. Next, the shredded plastic is mixed with sand and heated to form a sludge. This sludge is then moulded into different-sized blocks and cooled to room temperature.
Recycled plastic bricks are an innovative and sustainable solution to plastic waste. They are affordable, accessible, and durable, making them ideal for low-income countries and areas affected by natural disasters. Additionally, these bricks are stronger, lighter, and more durable than concrete, making them a superior alternative for construction.
To make recycled plastic bricks, you will need a source of locally recycled shredded plastic and a small team to carry out the necessary tasks. You can purchase a starter kit from companies like Precious Plastic, which provides the necessary equipment and resources to set up your own brick production workspace.
