ByBlock concrete blocks from ByFusion Global are a new alternative building material that uses hard-to-recycle plastic. The blocks are colorful and made of recycled plastic. Each measures 16 by 8 by 8 inches and weighs a hefty 22 pounds.

 

As the ByFusion website explains, “ByBlock is the first construction-grade building material made entirely from recycled (and often un-recyclable) plastic waste.”

 

The ByBlock concrete blocks are designed to be installed without glue or adhesive, just like a normal concrete block. Unlike cinderblocks, ByBlock won’t crack or crumble. The manufacturer also guarantees that the creation process for ByBlocks is zero-waste. One ton of plastic makes 1 ton of ByBlock, and no special knowledge or labor is required to use them.

 

These colorful building blocks are beautiful and functional. The company suggests using them to build retaining walls, soundproofing walls, sheds, terraces and furniture. Used in place of cement blocks in a building’s foundation or inner walls, ByBlock can be indistinguishable from concrete blocks. However, the ByBlock’s unique appearance can also stand out in other projects.

 

ByFusion Global has been partnering with the city of Boise, Idaho, to collect recycled plastics from residents’ homes to create the new building blocks. Only 20% of residents participated, but that was still enough to provide three tons of material to make ByBlocks. By working with recycling facilities and municipalities, ByFusion can turn municipal waste into a useable upcycled material. The best news? This program works without the plastics having to be sorted, cleaned, or processed first. This means easier recycling and better outcomes to solve the plastics pollution problem.

 

ByFusion says its manufacturing process is carbon neutral, and no extra chemicals are required. The plastic is not melted in the upcycling process, and standard building materials such as drywall, siding and tile can be applied to the surface of the blocks. (inhabitat via Core77)