We discard tonnes of plastic in our life—everything from shampoo bottles to plastic packaging. Even with minimal use of plastic, one cannot really avoid such plastic pollutants. Back in 2016, the State government issued a blanket ban on the manufacturing, storing and distribution of single-use plastics such as carry bags, flex banners, plates, etc. Residential communities in HSR Layout, BTM layout and Malleshwaram, have also taken numerable steps in reducing plastic waste. Big businesses and restaurants have even begun employing eco-friendly/sustainable packaging options for fear of fines by civic authorities. But what if these plastic materials could be upcycled as pavement tiles? Swachha, a Bengaluru based non-profit organisation has developed a way to do this and add a pop of colour to the otherwise monochromatic and dull pavements. Not only are the tiles aesthetically appealing, but are also inexpensive and easy to install. V Ramprasad, the project lead told The Better India, "These tiles are non-porous, flexible and durable. Our tiles remain steady despite heavy traffic and footfall. They can be installed directly over damaged or problem floors with minimal sub-floor preparations. Moreover, they are resistant to most solvents, chemicals and abrasions, and simple to maintain, reconfigure or remove."

Speaking to The Better India, V Ramprasad, the Project Lead, tells us that these tiles are heat resistant up to 150 degrees Celsius, fire retardant, and can carry loads up to 35 tonnes, and more importantly, are recyclable. Swachha Re-Tile recycled floor tiles are made of recycled Polypropylene (PP) materials and utilise a unique interlocking edge design to eliminate the need for adhesives, making installation quick and inexpensive. These tiles are non-porous, flexible and durable. Our tiles remain steady despite heavy traffic and footfall. They can be installed directly over damaged or problem floors with minimal sub-floor preparations.

Moreover, they are resistant to most solvents, chemicals and abrasions, and simple to maintain, reconfigure or remove," he says. Moreover, Ramprasad goes on to claim that these tiles also have rainwater harvesting capabilities, are water-proof, anti-microbial, chemical and stain-resistant, besides allowing for the possibility of applying different artwork and design depending on the customers' requirements.

The plastic waste is broken down using a grinding machine, and the flakes are loaded onto a plastic extruder to convert waste plastic into useful raw materials as granules. These reprocessed plastic granules are then loaded onto a pipe extrusion machine which produces decent quality irrigation pipes for farmers and homogeneous tiles, and hence they are recyclable. So, instead of dumping or incinerating your plastic waste (which causes other health hazards), you can approach Swachha Eco Solutions and give them the opportunity to make better use of it.

Source: https://www.thebetterindia.com/166565/bengaluru-innovation-plastic-recyclable-tiles-news/