Plaex Building Systems, a startup based in Canada, has developed a new building material called Plaex-crete, which is made from more than 90% recycled plastic. These bricks have a design similar to Lego blocks, allowing for the construction of houses without the need for mortar. The bricks are not only durable and lightweight but also environmentally friendly.
The shape and structure of Plaex-crete is similar to concrete but does not have the common problems associated with traditional concrete, such as water absorption, decomposition, splitting, and cracking. These new bricks are made from a durable composite material that includes recycled plastics like PETE, LDPE, PP, and HDPE sourced mainly from farms and agricultural waste.
The plastic is processed through an extruder to create a paste with a texture similar to cement, making up about 90% of the finished product. The remaining 10% includes secondary ingredients like colorants, UV inhibitors, and flame retardants. As a result, Plaex-crete bricks are 35% lighter than traditional bricks while still being able to withstand loads without deforming or collapsing.
Plaex-crete helps to divert hard-to-recycle waste from landfills, reduce carbon emissions, and conserve natural resources. The design of the bricks, similar to Lego blocks, makes building with them as easy as playing a puzzle, with no cutting or plastering required. The instant locking mechanism of the bricks allows for construction that is both watertight and airtight.
Plaex-crete can be used to build a two-story house in just 11-12 days with minimal equipment, and as automation advances, robots could assist with assembly and editing projects. Testing has shown that Plaex-crete is durable and sturdy, able to withstand significant impact and pressure. While these bricks are not currently on the market for housing construction, Plaex Building Systems is in the process of applying for a license to make them available for use in construction projects.