THE PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES USING OF PLASTICC WASTE IN CONSTRUCTION

MATERIAL

RRL

Mohan Raj Robin Rajan et al..( 2025) explain this study about the use of waste plastic and foundry sand(lake sand
that is bonded to form molds) to create eco-friendly paver blocks as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.
Twelve samples were made with varying plastic (30%–60%) and foundry sand proportions, and their mechanical
properties were tested. The optimal mix (40% plastic, 40% foundry sand, 20% coarse aggregate) showed a
compressive strength of 27 force strength and a bending and stretching test of 6.7 force bending strength, similar to
traditional pavers. The blocks also had low water absorption and met fire resistance standards. A cost analysis
revealed that these blocks are 25% cheaper than conventional ones, offering an economical, eco-friendly solution for
the construction industry. The study emphasizes reducing natural resource dependence and promoting circular
economy practices.

According to Aaroon Joshua Das(2025) the potential of recycling waste plastics for use in the construction industry,
focusing on their integration into structural products. Unlike previous research that examined waste plastics in
concrete and road applications, this study assesses recycled plastic as a standalone material for construction.
Various plastics, including high durable plastic material, were recycled through mechanical extrusion, and their
mechanical properties were tested to determine their feasibility for construction. Advanced testing techniques, were
used to evaluate the chemical composition, thermal stability, and impurities of the materials. The extrusion process
showed minimal environmental impact, confirming its sustainability. The study found that recycled plastic material
exhibited good tensile strength and shear resistance, suggesting they could be used in durable, cost-effective
construction materials like rebars, corrugated sheets, and blocks, contributing to environmental conservation and
resource efficiency..

Raul Jr. Pelitne Palcis (2023) discusses this research that addresses the environmental issues caused by plastic
waste and wheel tires in the Philippines, promoting their use as alternative construction materials. The study
evaluates the feasibility, benefits, and challenges of incorporating these waste materials into construction practices
through a mixed-methods approach, including interviews, surveys, and laboratory testing. Findings suggest that using
plastic waste and tires can reduce environmental degradation, lower construction costs, and improve building
durability and insulation. However it's said that technical, regulatory, and social challenges must be overcome for
successful implementation. The thesis concludes that this innovative approach could revolutionize sustainable
construction in the Philippines, supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and promoting
environmental responsibility.

Faruk Osigbhemhe, Osamudiame Bankole Bamidele and et al..(2024) said that ,replacing cement with plastic
waste in paver blocks to reduce construction costs and promote a cleaner environment. In addition this study involves
using scavenged low tightly packed plastic, carefully sorted and mixed with stone dust, to create paver blocks. A
sanitary facility design was used to estimate the number of blocks required, comparing the costs of using plastic
waste and cement. The findings suggest that while plastic waste offers a cost-effective alternative for some
construction materials, it is more expensive than cement for certain projects, like the sanitary facility in this study. The
paper recommends mass collection and sorting of plastic waste, public awareness campaigns, and incentives for
using plastic-based paver blocks to help mitigate climate change.

CfCarol C. Massarra, Goerge Wang and et al..(2022) discuss this study that shows the growing issue of plastic
waste in our environment, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its potential use in the construction
industry. This research explores the most commonly used plastic wastes, identifies potential applications of plastic
waste (including COVID-19-related plastic), and outlines the challenges and opportunities of using plastic waste in
construction. This study concludes that incorporating plastic waste into construction can enhance environmental
sustainability, reduce costs, improve construction performance, and provide a reliable material source. It also
highlights the need for further research to overcome challenges and promote the use of plastic waste in construction.

According to Raul Jr.Pelitones Palcis( this research paper defines the use of recycled plastic waste
to develop fiber plastic or fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) for sustainable construction. It examines
the benefits and challenges of using FRPs, including their comparable or superior properties to
traditional materials. Through laboratory experiments and economic and environmental analyses,
the study shows that FRPs made from recycled plastic waste offer potential cost savings and
environmental benefits. The paper also highlights growing market demand for sustainable building
materials but identifies challenges such as the need for high-quality recycled plastic and the
standardization of FRP production. Recommendations for future research are made to help integrate
these materials into the construction industry.

Soo Jeong Jo(2024) illustrates the potential of using plastic bottles as construction materials,
motivated by concerns about plastic waste and pollution. In addition this research includes a
literature review and a project where architecture students designed and built chairs using plastic
bottles. It also said this study project demonstrated that plastic bottles could be used in construction
if proper structural systems for support and connection are developed. This study highlights the
environmental benefits of reclaiming plastic bottles, promoting affordable, low-tech construction
methods. The findings suggest that plastic bottles can help create a circular material cycle, but
further research is needed to generalize the results. The study also advocates for integrating
recycled materials into architectural education, encouraging future professionals to address plastic
waste issues. Future projects could involve larger-scale designs, such as walls or pavilions, to
explore structural challenges further.

T O Ogundairo,D O Olukanni, and et al(2021) explain that plastic waste , due to its
non-biodegradable nature, persists in ecosystems for decades, harming the environment. The
indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste has prompted research into alternative ways to manage and
utilize it. One potential solution is using plastic waste in construction materials, such as aggregates,
bitumen, soil stabilizers, and bricks, reducing the need for natural resources. This review explores
the different types of plastic, their waste, and their potential applications in construction, highlighting
the environmental benefits of recycling and reusing plastic waste. The study suggests that plastic
waste can improve the properties of construction materials, offering comparable or better outcomes
than traditional materials while reducing the carbon footprint. Despite promising results, the long-
term effects, environmental impact, and financial viability of using plastic waste in construction
require further research. The review calls for more investigation into the use of plastic waste in high-
strength and load-bearing structures, the development of engineering standards, and broader use in
the industry.

Okka Adiyanto,Effendi mohanmad,and et al(2022) Discuss this research, when the

COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased plastic waste due to the rise in demand for plastic-
packaged food and disposable utensils, contributing to environmental pollution. Transitioning to eco-
friendly materials in construction is vital for reducing plastic waste. This review explores the recycling
of plastic waste as an eco-friendly aggregate material for construction, both before and during the
pandemic. It discusses various processing methods and construction materials made from recycled
plastics, such as polymer-modified asphalt, eco-bricks, and other building materials. These materials
reduce the demand for traditional resources and lower construction costs. The review also highlights
the potential of recycled plastic wastes in improving construction materials, showing benefits like
reduced deformation and tighter mixtures. It stresses the importance of applying these alternatives in
real-world construction to help decrease global plastic waste.

According to Kundan Yadav, Abhinandan Singh, and et al.(2024). The potential of plastic bricks
as sustainable construction materials, focusing on their manufacturing processes, properties,
environmental benefits, challenges, and future research directions. Plastic bricks offer a promising
solution for reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and supporting circular economy initiatives
by transforming waste into building materials. The review highlights successful case studies that
demonstrate their structural strength, cost-effectiveness, and potential for sustainable design. It
addresses challenges such as structural integrity, durability, and public perception, while
emphasizing the need for further research to improve their performance, including fire resistance
and insulation. Plastic bricks can reduce carbon emissions and waste, contributing to more
sustainable construction practices. The paper calls for advancements in manufacturing techniques,
enhanced material properties, and the development of industry standards to promote their wider
adoption, urging collaboration among researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers to
support this innovation.

REFERENCE:

Rajan, M. R. R., Rajalinggam, D., Narayanan, K., & Ramasamy, S. (2025). Eco-friendly paver
blocks: repurposing plastic waste and foundry sand. Matéria (Rio De Janeiro), 30.
https://doi.org/10.1590/1517-7076-rmat-2024-0707

Das, A. J., & Ali, M. (2025b). Prospective use and assessment of recycled plastic in construction
industry. Recycling, 10(2), 41. https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10020041

alcis, Raul Jr. (2023). Innovating Sustainability: The Transformative Use of Plastic Waste and Wheel
Tires for Construction in the Philippines. 10.13140/RG.2.2.28683.36640.

Asunogie, Asunogie & Osigbhemhe, Faruk & Bamidele, Osamudiame. (2024). Constructing Using
Plastic Waste Bricks: A Theory of Waste to Wealth and its Comparative Cost Analysis. Journal of
Architecture and Civil Engineering. 9. 01-11. 10.35629/8193-09080111.

Palcis, Raul Jr. (2023). Utilizing Recycled Plastic Waste to Develop Fiber-Reinforced Polymers for
Sustainable Construction Practices. 10.13140/RG.2.2.36164.30085.

Jo, Soo Jeong. (2024). Rethinking Materials for Buildings: Exploration of plastic bottles as
construction material. 10.5281/zenodo.13765898.

Adiyanto, Okka & Mohamad, Effendi & Abd Razak, Jeefferie. (2022). Systematic Review of Plastic
Waste as Eco-Friendly Aggregate for Sustainable Construction. International Journal of Sustainable
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Yadav, Kundan & Singh, Abhinandan & Nazir, Ovais & Sharma, R.. (2024). Transforming waste into
innovation: a review of plastic bricks as sustainable construction materials. Discover Civil
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T O Orundairo,D O Olukanni, & I I

Akinwumi(2021)https://badge.dimensions.ai/details/id/pub.1136822637/citations