THE PRCIEVED BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES USING PLASTIC

WASTE IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

This study by Resende D.M ,Carvalho J.M.F, et al.(Jan. 23 2024), explores the use of recycled plastic
waste, particularly PET aggregates, in lightweight concrete as an eco-friendly alternative. While plastic
reduces the mechanical strength of cement-based composites, it offers benefits like lower weight and
thermal conductivity. The research develops an optimized dosage approach for lightweight concrete,
fully replacing natural aggregates with PET aggregates. The resulting concrete has high water absorption
(18%) and void index (21%) but achieves a low unit weight (~1200 kg/m³) and a compressive strength of
up to 17.6 MPa. The findings suggest that with proper mix design, plastic waste can be effectively reused
in concrete, promoting environmental sustainability.
(https://doaj.org/article/0037fbd9756c454da6f414a194cf52b1)(DOAJ)

This reasearched by Shobeiri V. ,et al.(Dec 25 2023) examines the mechanical properties,
workability, and durability of concrete incorporating various waste aggregates, including plastic,
rubber, slag, glass, and recycled concrete. Analyzing a database of 5,321 concrete mixes, the
research investigates the effects of waste aggregate type and replacement ratio, comparing results
to existing design codes. The findings help identify optimal waste aggregate types and ratios for
different applications while contributing to data-driven modeling for sustainable concrete mix
design.( https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509523009968)(SAGE JOURNAL)

The study examines plastic waste generation made by Hernandez G. ,et al. (June 13 2022) from
construction and demolition (C&D) activities in Auckland, New Zealand, where at least 25,000 tonnes of
plastic are landfilled annually. Unlike countries with on-site sorting, New Zealand’s co-mingled C&D
waste has limited plastic recoverability analysis. By analyzing waste from four construction sites across
three stages—demolition, exterior/weatherproofing, and services/cladding—the study found 112 kg
(11.2 m³) of plastic waste, primarily polyethylene (77%) and polyvinyl chloride (31%). The findings
highlight that plastic waste stems not only from packaging but also from building components and
protection materials. The study underscores the need for greater awareness and improved waste
management practices, which could enhance environmental performance, industry reputation, and
profitability in New Zealand’s construction sector.
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0734242X221105425)(SAGE JOURNAL)

The made by Mhaddolkar N. , et al. (Sept. 30 2024) examines the challenges of biodegradable
plastic waste management, highlighting gaps in legislation and infrastructure. Analyzing 13 EU laws,
national regulations, and source separation guidelines from 13 countries, the study finds that: (i) the
variety and low volume of biodegradable plastics make cost-effective waste management difficult; (ii)
consumers face confusion and greenwashing regarding disposal; (iii) large-scale mechanical recycling
studies are lacking; (iv) most EU laws address biodegradable plastics broadly, with only a few specifying
disposal methods; and (v) inconsistencies exist between national regulations and disposal guidelines.
The review emphasizes the need for better waste processing infrastructure and consumer awareness to
enhance biodegradable plastic waste management.
(https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0734242X241279902)(DOAJ)

The idea made by Cirino E. et al.(July 05 2023)Plastic pollution and climate change are
interconnected threats, with the construction industry contributing significantly through plastic use.
While recycling plastic waste into building materials (e.g., plastic-concrete, plastic roads, and plastic
insulation) is promoted as a solution, research suggests it may worsen environmental, health, and social
issues. Such practices can be a form of "greenwashing," delaying real solutions and increasing demand
for virgin plastics. This review evaluates the economic, environmental, and health impacts of these
methods, urging caution and further research before widespread adoption.
(https://doaj.org/article/52d14755d2324d3bba5f354b5fc6f02b)(DOAJ)

The paper made by Karimi R., Shirowzhan S., Samad M.(July 12 2023) explores the need for effective
and sustainable relief shelters in response to increasing natural disasters caused by climate change. It
emphasizes the importance of easy-to-assemble shelters designed using circular economy principles to
minimize waste and costs. Addressing the global issue of homelessness and disaster displacement, the
study identifies key factors in shelter design to ensure affordability, safety, and sustainability. The
research involved an extensive literature review and iterative prototyping of a smart disaster relief
shelter using reusable materials like plastic bottles and pipes. The final prototype follows a unique
architectural strategy focusing on material reuse. The paper presents 51 critical design factors
categorized into five strategy groups: social-cultural, physical–technical, environmental, economic, and
organizational. It also proposes a smart shelter acceptance model to guide future
designs.(https://doaj.org/article/47942b11778c4eb1a8c1de651d73e98e)(DOAJ)

The research by Ogundana Ayodeji K. (Jan 2023)Plastic waste is a major environmental concern,
particularly due to its non-biodegradability and dominance in industrial waste. This study reviews
existing literature on using waste plastic in road construction as a potential solution for sustainability and
circular economy challenges. Findings show that incorporating plastic into materials like bitumen
depends on economic, ecological, and technical factors. Proper application can enhance road durability
while reducing plastic pollution and landfill waste. The study emphasizes the need for government
policies to regulate plastic use in road construction without compromising quality standards.
(https://doaj.org/article/90db9f487bca4eab8b58b64f777f4a47)(DOAJ)
 The statement made by K.O. Babaremu et al. (July 16 2022)once valued for convenience, plastics
have become a persistent environmental challenge. Since they cannot be easily eradicated, recycling
offers a vital solution by repurposing plastic waste into raw materials for various industries. This paper
reviews innovative efforts to redirect plastic waste into useful applications, including engineering,
construction, horticulture, and advanced 3D printing. While 3D printing with recycled plastic filaments is
an emerging and costly technology, it presents a promising avenue for sustainable plastic reuse.
(https://doaj.org/article/1bcc397b89794f78aa038738f7bd8968)(DOAJ)

Zhuangzhuang Liu (June 2024)Recent road engineering trends explore incorporating recycled solid
wastes into infrastructure, offering sustainable waste management while improving road performance.
This review analyzes the use of three main types of solid waste: industrial (e.g., fly ash, steel slag),
infrastructure (e.g., construction debris, reclaimed asphalt), and municipal (e.g., plastic, glass, rubber).
These materials function as aggregates, cements, or fillers in road construction, enhancing durability and
sustainability while contributing to carbon neutrality. Despite benefits, challenges such as material
variability, environmental impact, and long-term performance remain. The study highlights advances,
challenges, and future prospects in using recycled solid waste for sustainable road development.
(https://doaj.org/article/2be7ad9546624167b2de7c565d9f8606)(DOAJ)

The increasing use of plastics by Zeinab Rezaei, Amir Soleimani, Hamid Moghimi (Dec 2024)has led
to significant environmental risks, making upcycling a promising solution. Recent research has identified
microorganisms and enzymes capable of degrading plastics, while plastic monomers can serve as carbon
sources for bio-upcycling into valuable products like biosurfactants, bioplastics, and biochemicals.
Advances in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering enable the development of high-performance
microbes and enzymes for plastic removal. Optimization strategies include improving uptake efficiency,
engineering enzymes, and hybrid chemo-biological approaches. This review explores plastic
depolymerization, upcycling processes, and challenges in establishing a sustainable circular plastic
economy. (https://doaj.org/article/a7be827b4488420780d17f5f21fa9e5b)(DOAJ)