The research shows how the team studied different types of plastic to see if they could be used as a replacement for sand, which normally accounts for 30% of a concrete mix.
The project led by the University of Bath found that replacing sand with residual plastic particles resulted in concrete that was almost as strong as conventional concrete mixes.
By replacing 10% of sand in concrete, it is estimated that 820 million tonnes of sand could be saved annually and help reduce plastic waste levels.
The researchers developed this approach by testing concrete cubes and cylinders. Five types of plastic particles, including those from recycled plastic bottles and recycled plastic bags, were tested in the mixes in a variety of sizes. Among the results obtained, recycled plastic bottles, ground and sorted to match the sand being replaced, were shown to perform better.
