Colombian company turns plastic waste into building bricks
Plastic is an extremely durable material, but unfortunately, it is not favorable for our planet. Its presence worsens the state of the natural environment. However, there are ways to counteract this, such as the initiatives undertaken by Conceptos Plasticos, which is engaged in recycling plastic and creating construction bricks from it.
Global warming is not a made-up theory; it is a real problem that affects each of us. Environmentalists have been highlighting threats for years, and we observe how year after year, temperatures break records and glaciers melt. Environmental protection should become a priority for all of us, and one of the most effective ways to address this challenge is recycling.
Conceptos Plasticos, a Colombian company, specializes in recycling plastic, transforming it into high-quality building materials. This initiative provides jobs for many local residents who actively participate in the process of collecting valuable raw materials. How is plastic recycling conducted at Conceptos Plasticos?
Recycling plastic: An innovative approach to construction
Plastic is the most commonly used material in all sectors of the economy because of its low cost and durability. Unfortunately, its ecological impact is quite negative, as it can take hundreds of years to decompose, continuously polluting our natural environment. Fortunately, plastic can be processed and reused, opening many interesting possibilities.
At Conceptos Plasticos, collected plastic is used to produce construction bricks. Local communities are involved in this process, collecting waste from various places, such as landfills and streets. This unwanted raw material is transformed into strong and solid bricks, resembling Lego block constructions.
Advanced waste recycling is a technological solution for the future. Conceptos Plasticos exemplifies a company that not only supports the environment but also reduces poverty in the region by collaborating with the local community in Mosquera.
Plastic bricks: How are they made?
The company employs collectors, individuals who make a living by collecting and selling waste. Conceptos Plasticos facilitates their work by assisting in cleaning the city of waste. These collectors deliver bags full of raw materials, which undergo an initial recycling process.
After sorting, the waste goes to a crusher and then to a device that melts it into a liquid mass. This mass is placed in construction molds that create casts of bricks or beams. The molds with the hardening material are submerged in cold water, allowing the plastic to harden and be ready for use.
The resulting plastic bricks are used in places like the Ivorian Coast, where more than 300 classrooms have been built from recycled bricks. Thanks to these constructions, children in Africa have a chance for education and a better future, significantly improving their quality of life.