A second chance for recycled materials
The construction industry is evolving with the introduction of innovative ideas for reusing elements that generate waste in the environment. With the proper treatment and a little creativity, recycled materials are becoming the foundation of sustainable alternatives with plenty of benefits for the future of humanity.
This would be the specific case of plastic, rubber, and fabric, which despite being a crucial part of the industries with the highest global consumption, have the potential to be transformed into something new and be returned to the world; a profitable and safe second chance to mitigate their impact on the planet.
Bricks made from plastic bottle caps: Stronger than concrete?
It is well known that plastic represents a serious threat to health, which is continually worsening with the increase of production. According to the study "Countdown on health and plastics," published by The Lancet in August 2025, global plastic manufactory is projected to almost triple by 2060, with a significant impact on low-income and at-risk populations.
However, it also emphasizes that –with evidence and transparent monitoring– actions can be implemented to effectively mitigate the damage.
This is what Ben and Connor from England did, who founded a small company named Circular 11, which came up with the idea of making bricks from 100% recycled plastic.
The process begins with the collection of waste, mainly from companies or communities that handle large volumes of plastic that cannot be processed. This material is carefully separated and broken down under a chemical profile that determines an optimal formula that guarantees its quality and resistance. It is then put into the extruder, an industrial machine that is frequently equipped with filtration and ventilation systems to reduce emissions, but it still raises concerns about its impact on the environment.
After being exposed to heat, the mixture is injected into a compacting mold, which is then submerged for a few minutes in water to cool. The end result? A colorful block stronger than concrete (and similar to Lego’s), ready to be used in construction.
Bricks made from fabric: When creativity meets sustainability
It's no secret that the textile sector has a greater impact on the environment. The Zero Waste Europe movement estimates the fashion industry produces 92 million tons of textile waste annually, and less than 1% is recycled to create new clothing.
However, French architect Clarisse Merlet had the brilliant idea of reinventing the use of textile waste in a very different way. With a vision in mind and her academic background, FabBRICK was born, a –10 people– company that transforms fabric into bricks and other decorative objects.
Each block is handcrafted in a meticulous process that begins with the recollection of all types of old clothing, which is divided by color and shredded into fiber. Zippers, buttons, and other small metal parts are also used to minimize waste. It is then mixed with an ecological glue, made from plant-based materials, free of solvents, additives, or preservatives, ensuring a smaller environmental footprint. The resulting mixture is manually placed in a compactor and then subjected to a drying process.
The result is a work of art: vibrant colored bricks with a soft-to-the-touch texture that provide a stunning visual and sensorial experience. In addition to being nonflammable, they offer sound absorption and thermal insulation, essentially intended to decorate interior spaces.
The project, which combines handicraft, recycling, and creativity, offers the extraordinary opportunity to transform something mundane into an innovative alternative for achieving a more sustainable world.
Premium Bricks made from sand and rubber: A solution to carbon emissions?
According to Business Waste, a residuals management company, at least two billion tons of waste come from construction and demolition worldwide, which is also responsible for at least 40% of carbon dioxide emissions.
Faced with this problem, and considering that the world's natural resources are running out, K-BRIQ® relied on the highest-quality technology to produce a premium brick based on recycled elements, guaranteeing superior sustainability and ultra-low carbon emissions.
Each brick is composed of 95% recycled materials from construction and demolition waste, such as old bricks, rubble, and mortar. After being washed and processed, reused plasterboard is added and mixed with their “secret sauce”, a non-toxic binder of its own manufacture. It is then compacted using high-pressure hydraulic compression technology, a process that consumes less than 10% of the energy used in traditional brick production.
After shaping the products, they are transferred to drying chambers to undergo a curing process at very low temperatures for a short period of time. The entire process, from waste collection to distribution, takes 24 hours.
They have a certified range of 12 colors, ranging from the most traditional tones to the brightest, such as magenta or cyan, offering a unique character and a versatile, elegant, and sustainable solution for architectural facades or interior spaces in the construction area.
A new foundation for a more sustainable world
These innovative ideas lay the foundation for the development of new construction practices that, in addition to being versatile and durable, promotes the implementation of a circular economy and a large-scale awareness of environmental care.
From a small initiative to the use of the highest quality technology, each initiative represents a step forward in the reuse of waste materials, with the hope that from this day forward they will become common and economical practices for everyone.
Sources: Circular 11, Brothers Make, The Lancet, FabBRICK, Zero Waste Europe, K-BRIQ®, Bussines Waste