Plastic recycled … in concrete terms!

Affresol, an innovative British manufacturer of a high quality, low cost, modular construction system, has developed a new building material which they call TPR, Thermo Poly Rock. Via a patented energy-saving process, the company uses a cold process to convert industrial plastic waste into waterproof and fire retardant TPR panels. Lightweight as it is, TPR is stronger than concrete, has excellent thermal insulation characteristics, does not rot, and is 100% recyclable. The interior can be plastered or insulated like any standard-built house. TPR can be used with brick or stone cladding. This recyclable material is also suitable for roofs.

The new material makes it possible to build environmentally friendly housing, each unit requiring just 18 tonnes of material. The homes are affordable (from £40,000), modular and can be built very quickly – a TPR house can be put up in just four days! This makes them an ideal possible solution for speedy reconstruction in disaster areas.

The innovation is a product of work done with Cardiff and Glamorgan Universities with support from BRE (Building Research Establishment) and the Carbon Trust.

More information
www.affresol.com/