Do you consider it important to focus on the fight against plastic pollution?

Plastic pollution is not only a major problem, but it is also leaving clear and measurable traces in our environment. From litter littering beaches and forests, to deeper effects on the air we breathe and the lives of the people who live there, the impacts are visible and dangerous. For example, the construction sector consumes about one-fifth of all the plastics we use worldwide and produces about 70% of PVC, a material found in pipes, windows and cladding. Although it generates only 4% of global plastic waste, its durability makes managing these materials at the end of their life a very serious environmental challenge. Furthermore, when we think about the carbon footprint, it is estimated that by 2050 (a core topic date for meeting the Sustainable development Goals) the accumulated emissions from plastic waste could reach 56 gigatons. This would be between 10% and 13% of the total carbon we can still emit without affecting our climate too much. All this makes it clear that we must act urgently to reduce and better manage our plastic use before it is too late.
 

How can this problem be addressed from your research area ?

In the world of construction, there is a growing interest in developing intelligent and environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, the recycling and reuse of plastics is strongly encouraged. Although mechanical recycling has its limitations, as plastic can lose some of its mechanical and chemical properties after various recycling processes, its use as part of composite materials gives it a second life in an effective and environmentally manager way. Some examples that show this include:
- Recycled plastic blocks, which are lightweight and water resistant.
- Asphalt mixed with plastic waste, which withstands wear and tear and high temperatures better.
- Thermal insulation panels, made from recycled plastic foam.
- Structural profiles composed of plastic and sawdust, which are used in flooring, railings and furniture for public spaces.
In all these cases, the proportion of plastic incorporated maintains or even improves the mechanical and thermal properties with respect to conventional materials. In addition, there is a significant reduction in plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, and the extraction of natural raw materials is reduced. Together, these solutions also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction sector by minimizing the emissions associated with the extraction, production and management of waste at the end of the materials' useful life.
 

Are you participating in any project related to this issue? If not, what project would you like to implement to tackle plastic pollution?

The University of Navarra is part of the European project Exploit4InnoMat, a platform funded by the European Union through the Horizon Europe program. This initiative brings together researchers, validation specialists and experts in the construction sector from 14 European countries, with the goal of supporting the development of innovative materials until they are scaled up and entrance to market. Exploit4InnoMat offers access to test sites, technical advisory service and support for regulatory certification. In addition, the project performs life cycle analysis (LCA) and environmental impact assessment of the prototypes, ensuring their technical feasibility and sustainability. Thanks to this platform, materials that integrate recycled plastics can be supported to become viable commercial solutions, reducing waste, promoting circular Economics and reducing the need to extract new natural resources.

* Andrés Jonathan Guízar Dena is a professor at the School of Architecture. Learn more about his research.