Potential use of plastic waste as a sustainable construction material in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Global demand for sustainable development places a tremendous force on the construction industry to promote sustainable construction. In Sri Lanka, while there is a gradual shift towards sustainable construction, the number of projects implementing such practices remains limited, highlighting a significant gap in the industry’s contribution to sustainability goals. Currently, around 90% of construction materials are obtained from natural resources, raising concerns about long-term environmental impact and resource depletion. Simultaneously, the country faces the growing issue of plastic pollution, driven by the extensive use and non-biodegradable nature of plastics. Addressing both challenges, the integration of recycled plastic waste into construction materials presents a promising and sustainable alternative. Recycled plastics can be utilised in various applications such as concrete mixtures, paving blocks, roofing sheets, interior partitions, and prefabricated components. This research explores the barriers and benefits of using plastic waste as a sustainable construction material through a quantitative approach using questionnaires, aiming to support environmental preservation and resource efficiency in Sri Lanka’s construction sector.