Articles tagged with "recycled-materials"
Discarded seashells turned into low-carbon concrete mix ingredient
Researchers at the University of East London have developed a sustainable method to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by using discarded seashells, specifically scallop shells, as a partial replacement for cement. By grinding these calcium-rich shells into a fine powder, they can substitute up to one-third of the cement in concrete mixes. This innovation not only repurposes millions of tons of shell waste that would otherwise be discarded but also achieves a significant 36% reduction in carbon emissions associated with cement production, which is responsible for about 7% of global emissions. The shell powder enhances concrete performance by refining its pore structure, making it denser and less permeable, and actively participating in cement hydration to form additional binding compounds. This results in concrete that maintains most of its core structural properties even with moderate cement replacement. The research highlights the potential for this approach to be scaled industrially, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative that aligns with growing regulatory demands for lower carbon construction materials. Published in the journal Construction
energylow-carbon-concretesustainable-materialscement-replacementcarbon-emissions-reductionconstruction-innovationrecycled-materialsBMW, Mercedes to get 100% recycled aluminum wheels and cut energy use by half
German engineers from Entec-Stracon, supported by the German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU), have developed an innovative casting process called Turbu Pressure Casting for aluminum car wheels. This method significantly reduces energy consumption by half, cuts raw material use by 25%, and eliminates production waste, while producing wheels that are lighter, stronger, and more durable than those made by conventional low-pressure casting. The process forms alloy wheels in just 0.05 seconds by injecting molten aluminum sideways at high pressure, resulting in finer grain structures and improved mechanical properties. Additionally, the wheels can be made from 100% recycled aluminum, enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. The new casting technique also minimizes post-processing by using contour-near casting to create thin-walled cross-sections, reducing scrap and enabling the reuse of high-quality secondary material. The process consumes only 57 kilowatt hours per wheel compared to the usual 114, potentially saving around nine gigawatt hours of electricity annually per casting machine—equivalent to
energymaterialsaluminumrecycled-materialslightweight-alloysenergy-efficiencyautomotive-manufacturingHong Kong installation turns 9,200 recycled masks into public seating
The Tidal Stories installation in Tai Kok Tsui transforms over 9,200 recycled surgical masks collected from a local elderly care center into durable public seating, creating a unique urban space that reflects more than a century of coastal and urban change. Designed by Design PY, the helical structure serves as a physical timeline, illustrating Tai Kok Tsui’s evolution from a coastal settlement to an industrial and reclaimed area. Engraved metal tabletops embedded in the installation depict historical shorelines and industrial zones, linking the neighborhood’s maritime and workshop heritage with contemporary public use. The project emphasizes sustainability and community engagement through its modular construction, allowing easy transport and future reuse of components as individual chairs. Small solar panels provide off-grid lighting, highlighting renewable energy applications in public spaces. Collaboration with local printmakers introduced traditional letterpress techniques into interpretive panels, strengthening cultural heritage connections. Co-creation workshops involving community members and elders helped shape the design and materials, fostering a deeper public understanding of circular production and environmental responsibility beyond
recycled-materialscircular-economysustainable-designsolar-energypublic-installationmodular-constructionrenewable-energyDacia Hipster Concept cuts EV emissions by 50% with lighter build
The Dacia Hipster Concept is a minimalist electric vehicle designed to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% compared to current EV models. This ambitious goal is achieved through a lightweight construction that is 20% lighter than the Dacia Spring, extensive use of recycled materials such as Starkle panels and mass-dyed components, and a simplified manufacturing process that minimizes paint layers and production emissions. The car’s compact design includes a smaller battery optimized for urban and suburban driving, balancing sufficient daily range with lower environmental impact from battery production. The exterior features a single body color with only three painted parts, using mass-dyed materials to reduce paint waste and energy consumption. Its blocky yet balanced design maximizes compactness and functionality, with features like a full-width tailgate and integrated rear lights to reduce material use and costs. Inside, the cabin is space-efficient with vertical windows, a transparent roof section, and flexible seating that expands cargo capacity from 70 to 500 liters. The modular YouClip system allows
energyelectric-vehicleslightweight-materialsrecycled-materialssustainable-manufacturingbattery-efficiencycarbon-footprint-reductionThe Ocean Cleanup & Kia Support Guatemala with Initiative to Stop Plastic Pollution From Reaching the World’s Oceans - CleanTechnica
The Ocean Cleanup and Kia have partnered with the Guatemalan government and local organizations to prevent approximately 20,000 tons of plastic waste carried annually by the Motagua and Las Vacas rivers from reaching the Caribbean Sea. This initiative involves deploying two advanced floating trash capture systems—Interceptor 006 and the larger Interceptor 021—to intercept and remove plastic debris before it pollutes marine ecosystems in the Gulf of Honduras, a highly biodiverse area. Since installation, these systems have extracted over 23,000 tons of waste, demonstrating a significant local effort with global environmental implications. Kia’s collaboration with The Ocean Cleanup, established in 2022, aligns with its sustainability goals, including increasing the use of recycled plastics in its vehicles. Beyond supporting ocean cleanup efforts like those in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Kia aids in logistical, financial, and advocacy aspects of the project. Captured plastics are sorted for recycling or repurposing, with some transformed into consumer products such as limited-edition vinyl records
energysustainabilityplastic-pollutionenvironmental-technologyocean-cleanuprecycled-materialswaste-managementPirelli's tires made of rice, recycled materials to drive Range Rover
Pirelli has launched its first full production tires composed of over 70% bio-based and recycled materials, developed specifically for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). These new P Zero tires incorporate FSC-certified natural rubber, rice husk-derived silica, recycled steel, and bio-circular polymers made from used cooking oil and pyrolysis oil. This marks Pirelli’s initial global market tire with such a high sustainable material content. The tires will debut on select 22-inch Range Rover wheels, aligning with JLR’s sustainability goals for its luxury vehicles. The tires carry FSC certification and a distinct logo indicating their bio-based and recycled material content, verified by third-party Bureau Veritas. Pirelli’s R&D team balanced ultra-high performance with sustainability by using innovative materials like recycled steel and plant-based bio-resins, which enhance wet and dry performance without compromising environmental benefits. This collaboration builds on Pirelli’s 2021 introduction of FSC-certified natural rubber tires and JLR’s pioneering use of
materialssustainable-materialsrecycled-materialsbio-based-materialstire-technologyPirelliJaguar-Land-RoverThe New Volvo ES90: A Big Electric Car with a Small Carbon Footprint - CleanTechnica
The new Volvo ES90, launching production in summer 2025, is a fully electric vehicle designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability and a reduced carbon footprint. Produced using climate-neutral energy, the ES90’s life cycle carbon footprint is estimated at 31 tonnes when charged with the European energy mix, dropping to 26 tonnes when charged with wind energy. This footprint is significantly lower—about 50% less than the Volvo S90 mild hybrid and 30% less than the plug-in hybrid S90—making it one of the lowest carbon footprint Volvo cars to date. Volvo’s third-party verified life cycle assessment (LCA) report highlights the materials and processes contributing to emissions, covering raw material extraction through end-of-life, underscoring the company’s commitment to transparency and informed consumer choices. Volvo’s holistic sustainability approach for the ES90 includes the use of recycled and bio-based materials, such as 29% recycled aluminum, 18% recycled steel, 16% recycled polymers,
electric-vehiclesenergy-efficiencysustainable-materialscarbon-footprintrecycled-materialselectric-car-technologyclimate-neutral-manufacturingNew 3D-printed off-roading robot made from recycled materials
A European collaboration between Lemki Robotix (Ukraine), iSCALE 3D (Germany), and Zeykan Robotics (Czech Republic) has unveiled the world’s first fully 3D-printed autonomous off-road robot made entirely from recycled materials. The robot’s body, wheels, and rims are fabricated using reinforced recycled polymers—glass fiber-reinforced recycled polypropylene for the sealed body, puncture-proof recycled polyurethane for airless wheels, and carbon fiber-reinforced nylon for rims—ensuring durability in harsh outdoor environments. Equipped with 360° cameras, LiDAR, and Starlink satellite connectivity, it supports real-time remote operation and autonomous navigation via an onboard neural network, capable of functioning even in GPS-denied areas. Designed for challenging applications such as military logistics, search and rescue, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection, the hermetically sealed robot can cross shallow water and operate reliably in demanding conditions. This project exemplifies the potential of large-format 3D printing to
robot3D-printingrecycled-materialsautonomous-robotoff-road-robotsustainable-roboticsneural-networksUS turns recycled scrap into 3D-printed rocket parts with AI boost
robotmaterials3D-printingAIadditive-manufacturingrecycled-materialssustainable-manufacturing