Plastic is not as simple as it sounds. Its transformative capability is its unique feature due to which it is being used in multiple cases. Over the top, do you know what is the property of plastics that make it unique? It is recyclable. Yes you read it right, Plastics can be recycled multiple times only concern is that it loses its property over time. So, instead of only recycling plastics GD Labs is trying to give new life to the discarded plastics by upcycling it.
Upcycling is to recycle any product to create an object of greater value from a lower value product. Similarly, polyfloss is the upcycled fiber made out of the discarded plastic, polypropylene. Polyfloss is produced by the same mechanism that makes cotton candy. The recycled pellets are passed through the extruder machine then the molten plastics are spinned and blown out to form a fiber. Then the fibers of the floss get entangled by felting. Felting is not only limited to entanglement of the fiber, it also gives the definite shape to the product which can be layered simply under the roof, on the wall for thermal insulation.
Piloting was conducted in schools of Kailali, where just stuffed polyfloss mats were able to reduce the temperature by 2°C during summer. The insulation prevents the dissipation of heat from the CGI sheet to the classroom to maintain a comfortable studying environment. Is a reduction of 2°C an achievement? A BIG NO, the real achievement we felt is that more than 500 happy faces of children every year getting a comfortable studying environment for decades and breaking social stereotypes that waste does not possess any value.
We are not limited here, the simulation performed on software energy 2D shows with appropriate installation design the indoor temperature can be reduced up to 7 °C. It can not only be used to reduce scorching heat but also can keep you warm in the cold. Our team is aiming to take this product to the higher Himalayas with a project named “Shital Chhana”.
Shital Channa contributes on multiple aspects primarily, management of plastic waste in mountain regions, reduction in consumption of firewood which is the only source of indoor heat in mountains, dampening of noise from rain and adjacent room, providing job opportunity and keep our mountains clean, overall building capacity of the community by reducing the dependency for waste management and firewood.
This blog post “Eco Friendly Low Cost Plastic Insulation Fiber” is written by Sanjeet Ghimire, Program Officer of GD Labs and Research.
