Why is this important | Using disposable diapers to make concrete?

What are the facts? Building materials around the world are not only expensive, but also environmentally harmful and a significant contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. A new article has been published in the magazine Nature came up with a unique solution: incorporating disposable diapers into building materials to make them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The Indonesia study also found that disposable diaper waste could account for 10% of composite materials and 40% of non-structural and architectural components. The built prototype of the house allowed the researchers to determine that for a dwelling with an area of ​​36 square meters. m may require 1.73 cubic meters of disposable diaper waste.

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What’s the context?

• Indonesia, like many developing countries, has a rapidly growing urban population. The main consequence of this is the increased demand for housing and waste management.

• There is also a large gap between housing supply and demand in Indonesia.

• According to the study, the country faces a backlog of 300,000 housing units each year, with demand reaching 780,000 units.

• To date, stakeholders have been able to supply 400,000–500,000 units annually.

• The country also generated 32.76 million tons of waste in 2020.

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Why is this important?

• In Indonesia, concrete bricks, wood and ceramics continue to be the most used building materials, and their production, especially concrete, is a significant contributor to the country’s carbon emissions.

• Even when builders use materials such as clay bricks and tiles, which are readily available, their carbon footprint remains high due to the energy required to produce and transport the materials.

• The study notes that concrete made from disposable concrete is not only identical to conventional concrete in terms of its mechanical properties and microbial content, but also produces “strong and durable materials” when properly manufactured.

• Recycling disposable diapers as a component of concrete instead of burning or co-burning them can further reduce their carbon footprint.