A new type of fire-resistant cladding, developed by RMIT University researchers and using 83 per cent recycled glass, is currently being commercialised.Results of the long-running project are being patented by Livefield and heading towards manufacture, according to a statement from the university.The solution – panels of which have been installed at RMIT’s Bundoora campus (pictured) – uses recycled glass, plus plastic binders and fire-retardant materials.The cladding overcomes previous issues of brittleness attached to glass-based claddings, and has met the key AS1530.1 standard for non-combustibility, said research lead Associate Professor Dilan Robert.More information here:https://www.aumanufacturing.com.au/recycled-glass-based-cladding-nears-manufacture
Plastics can give off toxic gases when they degrade - so not a great housing material. But what if you could make plastic waste benign while harnessing its benefits (lightweight, strong, fire retardant). This would not only reduce landfill, but also reduce the amount of concrete blocks used in a house or school with a corresponding reduction in concrete-related GHG emissions. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/medical/the-crisis-of-plastic-waste-pollution-has-a-promising-new-solution/ar-AA189Fl6
Steel plate produced from recycled steel via an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) has a significantly lower emissions profile than steel produced utilising a more traditional oxygen furnace. But as with all recycling industries, you may not be able to use the next generation of product in all the same applications as the first generation. The off-shore wind industry is an example where virgin steel plate is used to ensure maximum strength and durability. But that may be about to change.https://electrek.co/2023/01/20/nucor-most-sustainable-steel-us-offshore-wind-industry/
