Recycled plastic construction for affordable housing

Developments in sustainable construction involve using recycled plastic to create affordable, rapid-build housing solutions.

In Colombia, the firm Conceptos Plásticos has commercialized a system using interlocking bricks made from up to 95% recycled plastic. These structures are designed to be fire-resistant, earthquake-proof, and long-lasting, with the company having already completed over 50 homes and schools. Concurrently, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a method to 3D-print structural trusses from recycled PET plastic reinforced with glass fiber, aiming to eventually create complete load-bearing house frames.

In Costa Rica, the application of this technology was demonstrated through a collaborative project involving Habitat for Humanity, Procter & Gamble, Urbarium, and Ekojunto. A resident in Alajuelita, Cindy Mora Abarca, completed a permanent residence in May 2018 using the Bloqueplas system. The construction utilized approximately seven tons of recycled plastic waste, including bottles and packaging, to create modular, interlocking blocks.

Because the modular system does not require specialized labor, volunteers contributed over 800 hours to the assembly. While the walls were built from recycled waste, conventional materials were used for the foundation, roof, electrical wiring, and plumbing. The initiative serves as a demonstration of the circular economy, providing thermal and acoustic insulation alongside resistance to weather and earthquakes.