ByFusion Global recently introduced ByBlock, a concrete block that is an alternative building material that uses hard-to-recycle plastic. According to the Los Angeles-based start-up, “ByBlock is the first construction-grade building material made entirely from recycled (and often un-recyclable) plastic waste.”\
ByBlock is the first construction-grade building material made entirely from recycled (and often un-recyclable) plastic waste
The company’s patented blocker system transforms discarded plastic into a high-performing building known as ByBlock. ByFusion’s collaboration with ocean clean-up operations helps them source discarded waste that is otherwise harmful to the marine ecosystem. The sourced discarded plastic waste is then shredded into smaller pieces. With the help of the company’s steam-based process, the shredded plastic is superheated and fused into blocks. What makes it a winner is that it works without the plastics having to be sorted, cleaned, or processed first. This means easier recycling and better outcomes to solve the plastic pollution problem.
What makes it a winner is that it works without the plastics having to be sorted, cleaned, or processed first.
Avant-garde building material
ByBlock has been designed with an interlocking system where the block below fits into the block placed above. The threaded rebar is anchored into the footer or base. Each ByBlock is placed over the rebar and dropped down into position. Upon reaching the designated height, a top plate is placed on top of the last ByBlock course. Using washers and nuts, post-tensioning is applied to the threaded rods which draw the ByBlock wall assembly together into one solid unit. This eliminates the need for glue or adhesive.
ByBlock has been designed with an interlocking system where the block below fits into the block placed above.
The colourful blocks are functional. They have been tested for compression, thermal, acoustic, fastener withdrawal and shear strength alongside environmental screening. Its compressed air pockets residing between sections of shredded plastic make the ByBlock buoyant.
Available in dimension of 40 cm X 20 cm X 20 cm and weighing 10 kg.
Properties of ByBlocks
Touted to be the first construction-grade building material that is made entirely from recycled and often unrecyclable plastic waste, its manufacturing process is carbon neutral. Additionally, it emits 41 per cent fewer greenhouse gas than concrete blocks. It involves a zero-waste process, where 1 ton of plastic makes 1 ton of ByBlock.
The block requires no glues or adhesives, thereby saving time with quicker installation.
Available in dimension of 40 cm X 20 cm X 20 cm and weighing 10 kg, the blocks can be customized to specific densities as well. Unlike regular concrete blocks, ByBlock does not crack or crumble easily. The block requires no glues or adhesives, thereby saving time with quicker installation by reducing installation time by 65 per cent and project cost by 54 per cent. ByBlocks are ideal for retaining walls, sound walls, sheds, privacy fencing, terracing and landscaping, accent walls and furniture.
Image credits: ByFusion Global