Plastic focused startup looks to build a sustainable future
by Startacus Admin
Plastech Innovation is a startup on a mission to reduce the plastic waste entering our natural environment...
When we featured BioCellection, we said that an estimated 91% of plastic waste does not get recycled. Given the amount of plastic we use every day, that is a massive amount of un-recycled plastic. There are various reasons for this lack of recycling. Surface contamination can cause the markets to which they’re sold to say no, so even the slightest food residue and grease can mean the plastic doesn’t get recycled. Even colour additives in the plastic can make its makeup too inconsistent to be recycled. Instead, these plastics go to a landfill, an incinerator, or get dumped into the ocean, where they are responsible for the death of marine life.
At the current rate, there will be 4 lorry-loads of plastic dumped into the ocean every minute by 2050.
A Durham-based startup and soon to be spin-out from Durham University, Plastech Innovation is developing a solution to reduce the volume of plastic waste entering our natural environment.
Their idea is similar to BioCellection, except that rather than breaking plastics down into chemicals, they are processing it for use in construction using their expertise in material science and nanotechnology. The idea is to replace the heavy aggregates in concrete and other construction materials with this plastic aggregate, which is lighter-weight, eco-friendly, and thermally insulating.
This process is beneficial to everyone involved. The plastic is sourced from waste management companies, who save money and improve their environmental impact as they become more eco-friendly. Construction companies save on transportation costs, not least of all because of how much lighter the plastic aggregate is compared to current aggregates, and also improve their reputation as environmentally-conscious companies, an important thing to be in an increasingly eco-aware society.
We can’t pretend to know whether the savings will carry through to the end consumer who buys the new construction, but if they’re less likely to see a dead whale the next time they visit the beach, we’d call that a benefit.
In January, Plastech was invited onto the first cohort for the Durham City Incubator, and just a few months later they went through to the final of Shell LiveWIRE and were announced the winners of Bright SCIdea 2019. At the end of April, they were announced as the winners of that Shell LiveWIRE Smarter Future Award and the £5k to go with it. Most recently, they have made it through to the finals of the Durham University Blueprint Competition, and we wish them luck!
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The lowdown on Manchester-based startup Sticky and its innovative no-code solution to help businesses turn any physical space into an engagement opportunity.
Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
The group payments solution that's better for businesses and customers alike, thanks to innovative fintech startup Hands In.
The lowdown on FuturePlus, the startup that's on a mission to make sustainability accessible, achievable and affordable for all businesses.
.jpg)
John McLachlan, author and co-founder of Monkey Puzzle Training & Consultancy examines the differences between action-oriented and reflective leaders and which approach is best.
The fitness app that's not just about physical fitness; GoJoe helps employers to engage, motivate and connect their people across all pillars of wellbeing.
Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
London-based startup Deep Render tackles the internet’s data and bandwidth challenges via its innovative AI-powered file compression technology.
Published on: 5th May 2019
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- Startup Sook Receives Investment from Tobin Capital 24th May 2023 Tobin Capital continues to expand its portfolio by investing in pop-up marketplace Sook, the startup on a mission to revolutionise the high street.
- L Marks Seeking Startups and Scaleups for Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator 23rd May 2023 Sodexo and L Marks open call for applications from innovative startups and scaleups to join their inaugural Sodexo Healthcare and Seniors Accelerator.
- United Utilities Innovation Lab launches call-out for innovative ideas for fifth programme 18th May 2023 Now in its fifth year, North West England water firm United Utilities opens call for Innovation Lab, its pioneering ideas incubation programme.
- OneTech Spins Out from Capital Enterprise to Support Underserved Communities in Tech Across the UK 18th May 2023 Not-for-profit OneTech has spunout from Capital Enterprise to expand its offering and continue its mission of creating a more equitable, diverse and supported startup ecosystem.
