Combining sustainability with the construction industry would have been an unimaginable thing some years ago but it is currently a trend that is garnering so much steam.
We all know the world is facing a plastic pollution crisis and different solutions are being developed to save the planet. At the fore of ridding the world of this menace are also individuals who are being innovative with their solutions.
Sisters Kedibone (32) and Kekeletso (28) Tsiloane from South Africa are providing a sustainable solution to plastic waste pollution by using plastic to manufacture ecological and economically sustainable bricks.
Hailing from Sasolburg in the Free State, both sisters are joint CEOs of Ramtsilo Manufacturing and Construction, which they established in 2013. Not only are they a solely female-owned business within the construction sector, but they are solely black-owned.
According to Kedibone, the bricks are made from 30% recycled plastics. They last longer than conventional bricks, as the plastic acts as a binding force, and less water enters the brick. This also limits cracks and increases a building’s lifespan.
“They weigh about 2kg and have a 2% moisture absorption rate. They are manufactured in such a way that plastic will never leak into the environment, even after a building is demolished,” says Kedibone.
“They are also very effective in resisting fires and help to save electricity, as they retain heat in winter and stay cool in summer,” she adds.
No water or cement is used during the manufacturing process and the bricks are molded and left to cure until they have reached the required strength.
They collect plastic from waste pickers, packaging corporates, and waste management companies which are then stored and processed at their site, ensuring that none of it ends up in landfills, drainages, and rivers.
This is a great development seeing as it will assist with limiting pollution.