Giving Plastic Pollution a Purpose! – An international research project for the sustainable construction industry

Managing plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental and climate protection challenges worldwide. Every year, 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans, damaging marine ecosystems. At the same time, the construction sector is one of the largest consumers of plastics, with many of these materials being difficult to recycle at the end of their life cycle. This issue requires innovative solutions to prevent plastic waste, utilize it effectively, and integrate it into sustainable material cycles.

Project Goal

The research project "Giving Plastic Pollution a Purpose!", funded by the International Climate Protection Fellowship of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, explores ways to use recycled plastic as a building material. The research is being conducted by fellow Thaiane Maciel, who has already been deeply involved in reducing plastic pollution in Brazil. She is now developing strategies to integrate plastic waste into local construction concepts and create sustainable alternatives for building and infrastructure solutions.

The project focuses on using recycled materials specifically for communities and regions affected by environmental and climate risks. The central question is: How can plastic waste be processed to serve as sustainable building materials and reduce environmental impact in the long term?

Project Measures

The project takes a holistic approach that involves various stakeholders and perspectives:

• Improving and increasing the efficiency of urban waste management in Brazil
• Researching the technical feasibility of building materials made from recycled plastic, particularly for use in Brazil, including in flood-prone areas
• Examining the use and recovery of plastic waste in the construction industry and on construction sites to reduce waste directly at the source
• Workshops and training for local communities, NGOs, and companies to share knowledge on the use and production of sustainable building materials
• Collaboration with research institutions and universities to promote innovative recycling and processing technologies

International cooperation for a circular economy

The research project relies on international cooperation to analyze proven solutions from different countries and create new paths for the sustainable use of plastic waste in construction. Together with partners such as the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - COPPE-NUMATS, the NGO Canal Novo Mundo, and natureplus, innovative approaches are being developed and tested.

Through knowledge exchange between Brazil, Germany, and other partner countries, existing solutions are to be further developed and made applicable to different regions. An important component is the involvement of local communities to actively participate in the transition toward more sustainable construction methods.

Knowledge transfer and practical implementation

In addition to scientific research, the project focuses on practical application. In collaboration with local stakeholders, concrete solutions for integrating recycled plastics into construction processes are being developed. Through workshops, online training, and informational materials, research findings are made accessible to a broad public. A special focus is placed on raising awareness of the circular economy among young people and future professionals through educational programs.

More information about the project and its progress can be found on this page.


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Further links:
About the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship:
‍https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/bewerben/foerderprogramme/internationales-klimaschutzstipendium
About the work of Thaiane Maciel's Brazilian NGO:
‍https://www.canalnovomundo.com.br/
On plastic consumption in the construction sector - an article by the German Environment Agency:
‍https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/kunststoffrecycling-in-der-baubranche-staerken

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