Plaex Building Systems, a Canadian startup, has developed a revolutionary new building material called Plaex-crete. Made from more than 90% recycled plastic, these bricks are designed to be used without mortar and have a similar structure to Lego blocks. They are both durable, lightweight and environmentally friendly.
The shape and structure of Plaex-crete is similar to concrete but does not have the common problems associated with traditional concrete, such as water absorption, decomposition, splitting and cracking. The new bricks are made from a durable composite material that includes recycled plastics like PETE, LDPE, PP, and HDPE sourced mainly from farms and agricultural waste. These plastic materials are processed through an extruder to create a paste with a texture similar to cement that makes up about 90% of the finished product. The remaining 10% includes secondary ingredients like colorants, UV inhibitors, and flame retardants.
Plaex-crete bricks are 35% lighter than traditional bricks while still being able to withstand loads without deforming or collapsing. They help divert hard-to-recycle waste from landfills and reduce carbon emissions by conserving natural resources. The design of the bricks is similar to Lego blocks making building with them as easy as playing a puzzle – no cutting or plastering required. An instant locking mechanism allows for construction that is both watertight and airtight.
Plaex-crete can be used to build a two-story house in just 11-12 days with minimal equipment
