Reducing plastic waste problem with eco plastic pavement block

The global plastic pollution crisis is worsening, with plastic waste projected to reach 220.6 million kilotons in 2024 and 1,100 million metric tons annually by 2050 if current trends persist. Despite advancements in waste management, mismanaged plastic waste remains a major issue, underscoring the need for sustainable solutions. Simultaneously, the construction industry faces rising material costs and high carbon emissions, particularly from cement production, which contributed 2,794 thousand tons of CO₂ emissions in Malaysia in 2024. Cement remains a significant source of embodied carbon in construction, necessitating alternative materials to mitigate environmental impact. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing recycled plastic waste in pavement block production as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete blocks. By repurposing plastic waste to replace cement, this approach could reduce plastic pollution while meeting Malaysia’s increasing demand for paving materials. The Malaysian paving block market is expected to grow at a 4.7% CAGR from 2020 to 2026, driven by urbanization and sustainability initiatives. Recycled plastic paving blocks offer advantages such as improved durability, cost-effectiveness, and lower carbon emissions. The research objectives include assessing the benefits and impacts of eco-plastic pavement blocks, determining the optimal material composition, and evaluating their performance against conventional concrete blocks. The methodology involves material testing to identify the ideal mix of recycled plastic and binding agents, followed by compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption. Comparative analyses will determine their viability as a sustainable construction material. Anticipated outcomes include an optimized material composition that minimizes plastic waste and embodied carbon while maintaining or surpassing conventional block performance. This research aims to provide a scalable, eco-friendly solution to Malaysia’s plastic waste crisis while promoting sustainability in the construction industry.