Why is Crushed Glass the Sustainable Solution to Creating Pavers?
STRONG
Mixing crushed glass sand with a binding material made from mixed plastics makes for durable pavers.
VISUALLY APPEALING
A variety of colors, sizes, and textures are available, allowing for creative patterns.
SUSTAINABILITY
Environmentally friendly choice reducing plastic waste and diverting glass from landfills.
THE PROBLEM
Traditional Pavers Require A Large Amount of Energy and Resources To Produce
Tons of used plastics are wreaking havoc on our environment, and waste glass is overflowing our landfills. More than 5 trillion tons of plastic are floating in our oceans and beach pollution comprised of plastics and waste glass exceeds 6 billion tons. Any useful thing we can make from these two ingredients is a win-win! Glass, as opposed to plastics, is endlessly recyclable. Andela pulverizers create clean glass sand that can be used in a myriad of helpful ways. Shredding used plastics to mix with clean glass sand to create glass and plastic pavers is a beautiful solution.
THE SOLUTION
ADDING GLASS SAND TO SHREDDED PLASTIC IS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR PAVERS
Pulverized glass combined with a shredded plastic mix creates a lighter, stronger, and more durable paver. First, shredded plastics are safely heated to make a polymer binder in place of cement and water, then glass sand is mixed in. This mix is pressed by molds into decorative paver shapes and other useful shapes such as for curb construction. The pavers use up to 50% recycled glass sand/aggregate per volume which provides the structure, strength, and durability required.
Variety of Design
The plastics glass mix is made into a variety of designs using presses and custom-made molds. Permeable paver, decorative patio block, or interlocking road pavers are all available. A variety of surface construction designs are possible.
How Is Glass Aggregate Used to Create Pavers?
To create glass and plastic pavers, follow these steps:
- Pulverizer the glass using the Andela glass pulverizer unit or system.
- Shred the mixed plastics into little chips.
- Mix the glass and shredded plastic chips.
- Pour them into the extruder.
- Take the melted plastics and glass mix and put into the mold and press.
- Cool it off in water and you have the finished product.
A SUCCESS STORY
Caltech Created Pavers, Bricks, Building Blocks, and Curb Units Using Crushed Glass
Tons of Waste Glass and Plastic Bottles Diverted From Landfill
Co-founder and CEO Jean Vezina leads Caltech’s growing environmental services portfolio. Processes in development enable communities worldwide to recycle their waste on location, drastically reducing waste and environmental damage while generating employment opportunities for some of the most vulnerable populations. Central to their commitment is upskilling local workforces to international standards, focusing on safety, environment, quality, and innovation.
Mixing recycled glass and recycled plastic bottles to create pavers is just one of their groundbreaking processes! Caltech uses Andela Products Mega-Mini glass pulverizer to produce the glass sand used in the mix. So far, they have created pavers, bricks, building blocks, and curb units.
“The Andela (GP-Mini) machine works without fail, every day. Love the simplicity and robustness of it. The resulting sand can be used in construction or in landscaping. Indeed, do not turn glass into the trash, turn it into a usable (and valuable) product.”
- Jean Vezina, CEO - Caltech Group
Millions of plastic water bottles Recycled in Timor-Leste.
In Timor-Leste hundreds of tons of plastic waste is generated each week. Caltech has helped manage waste by recycling plastic to create pavers, bricks, building blocks and curb units. To date, over 7 million plastic water bottles have been recycled since 2019, resulting in the production of 12,000 recycled pavers.
The Future of Sand is Glass Aggregate. Get In On The Action.
Why should I invest in a glass crushing machine?
- The demand and popularity for crushed glass is rising
- These machines are easy to use
- The versatility of the end-uses makes them a worthwhile investment
Where Can I Begin?
Andela’s innovative glass recycling systems help create durable and appealing pavers used in construction projects. We will help you find the perfect system for your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crushed Glass and Glass Aggregate Serve A Variety of Other Applications in Construction, Gardening, Community Projects and More.
Wondering about the other uses for glass sand aggregate?
Glass sand aggregate has many uses for individuals and businesses. With no sharp edges, it is easily handled and appropriate for even the most delicate applications such as play sand for children. Glass aggregate can be produced in different sizes and gradations as needed.
| • Coastal Restoration • Mulch • Glass Based Soil • Hydroponics • Play Sand • Glass and Plastic Pavers |
• Rain Gardens • Pipe Bedding • Polished Concrete • Formed Polymer Concrete • Pavement Concrete Blocks |
• Coastal Restoration
• Mulch
• Glass Based Soil
• Hydroponics
• Play Sand
• Glass and Plastic Pavers• Rain Gardens
• Pipe Bedding
• Polished Concrete
• Formed Polymer Concrete
• Pavement Concrete Blocks
