Concrete is a cornerstone of construction, but it comes with a heavy environmental cost, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, plastic waste is piling up, with very little of it being recycled. Recognizing the need for sustainable building materials, a Cairo-based startup called TileGreen has developed an innovative solution: they’re turning non-recyclable plastic into a concrete alternative that’s stronger, lighter, and more environmentally friendly. This approach not only addresses the issue of plastic pollution but also offers a promising future for sustainable construction.
The Environmental Impacts of Concrete
Concrete is a key material in construction, but it comes with a heavy environmental cost. It contributes to about eight percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant factor in climate change.
The Growing Problem of Plastic Waste
At the same time, plastic pollution is on the rise, with only a small portion of plastic waste being recycled. Single-use packaging and plastic bags are particularly problematic, as they often end up in landfills or the ocean.
Introducing TileGreen: A Sustainable Building Materials Solution
TileGreen, a Cairo-based startup, is addressing both the issues of concrete emissions and plastic waste. They’ve developed a unique method that transforms non-recyclable plastic into a concrete alternative. This process, which is still patent-pending, uses a mix of plastic waste, mineral aggregates, and plastic additives to create a sub-solid intermediate material.
The First Product: Interlocking Paving Tiles
The first product from TileGreen’s innovative process is an interlocking paving tile. These tiles are as affordable as traditional concrete ones but offer several advantages. They are stronger, lighter, and more durable, with low maintenance costs. Importantly, they don’t contain cement, which means they save energy and water during production, offering significant environmental benefits.
Beyond Paving Tiles: A Future of Sustainable Building Materials Products
TileGreen’s technology is not limited to paving tiles. The company has plans to create over 40 different building products from its intermediate material, including roof tiles, bricks, and beams. They’ve already partnered with a major real estate developer, SODIC, and are exploring further opportunities with other organizations.
A Glimpse into the Future
TileGreen is showing that innovation can tackle some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges with sustainable building materials. By turning plastic waste into building materials, they are helping to create a more sustainable future for the construction industry and beyond.
Email: info@tilegreen.org
Website: tilegreen.org
Contact: tilegreen.org/Contact
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