Beyond landfills: transforming waste plastic into advanced building materials

Abstract

The innovative use of waste plastic in the preparation of value-added construction materials has emerged as a groundbreaking solution to tackle the global plastic waste crisis while addressing the pressing need for sustainable building practices. By transforming discarded plastic into durable and high-performance construction materials, we can simultaneously reduce environmental pollution and promote resource efficiency. Through advanced technologies and processes, waste plastic is meticulously sorted, cleaned, and transformed into a range of valuable components, such as recycled plastic lumber, composite panels, and even bricks. These materials not only possess exceptional strength, stability, and resistance to weathering but also exhibit remarkable insulation properties, contributing to energy efficiency in buildings. Embracing the use of waste plastic in construction not only provides a practical and sustainable outlet for plastic waste but also paves the way for a more circular economy, where materials are recycled, repurposed, and given new life in the construction industry, ultimately promoting a greener and cleaner future. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved.