Danielis Fermín
El Inmobiliario
SANTO DOMINGO – Plastic has become an essential material in modern life. Its use is not only industrial but also part of people's daily lives. This is evidenced by the more than 430 million tons of waste produced annually worldwide, according to data from the United Nations (UN). The lack of proper management for its collection and reuse poses a threat to marine ecosystems and human health.
According to the Roadmap for Plastic Packaging Waste in the Dominican Republic, prepared by the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD) and IDB Lab, approximately 300,000 tons of plastic are generated annually in the country.
As a solution to reuse this waste and prevent it from reaching rivers, beaches and seas, the agronomist Fermín Capobianco introduced the production of plastic wood in the country more than 15 years ago.
This material is manufactured from recycled plastics, specifically high- and low-density polyethylene and polypropylene. Furthermore, its sheets can be used in the construction of houses, chairs, tables, and any other product traditionally made from conventional wood.
A prime example of its application is Nature Village, a sustainable community located in the municipality of Sabana Yegua Viejo, in the province of Azua. In this project, 70% of the materials used for the construction of the houses come from recycled plastics and polyaluminum (extracted from Tetra Pak-type containers), combined with cement and steel.
Fermin Capobianco. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
The homes built with these materials have been largely driven by non-governmental organizations committed to sustainability. “NGOs have been fundamental. They were the first to trust this material and have built homes for vulnerable communities. This has allowed us to demonstrate that it is a viable and safe option,” explains Capobianco.
Despite its benefits, introducing plastic lumber to the Dominican market has not been easy. “The challenge lies in the fact that many people assume that, since it is recycled, it must be cheaper. However, the manufacturing process is complex. The plastic has to be collected, transported, sorted, shredded, and transformed. Each of these stages involves costs,” the expert explains.
The purpose of this project was not to modify the traditional architecture of rural homes, but to replace conventional materials with recycled options. “We achieved up to 70% of each house being made up of reused elements. The plastic we use is 100% recycled, generating no waste,” emphasizes the founder of Capobianco Ecological Solutions.
Advantages
Model of a house built with plastic lumber in Nature Village. (EXTERNAL SOURCE).
One of the main benefits of this material is its durability. “It can last for over a hundred years without deteriorating. It is resistant to moisture, mold, insects, and extreme weather conditions. Even after a century, it can be recycled and used in other applications,” Capobianco emphasizes.
Furthermore, its resistance to moisture and solar radiation makes it an ideal choice for construction in coastal and forested areas. “The only factor that degrades plastic is the sun, but by manufacturing the boards with a thickness of one inch, we guarantee that the outer layer will wear down slowly, allowing the structure to last for generations.”.
Another innovative product developed by the company is corrugated sheets made of recovered and recycled polyaluminum for roofs, which offer an additional advantage: they reduce the internal temperature of homes by 7 to 10 degrees compared to zinc roofs.
“For a family living in an area without access to electricity, this represents a radical change in their quality of life. It’s not the same to be in a zinc house at 40 degrees Celsius as it is to be in a house with recycled tiles that maintain a cooler environment,” he points out.
Plastic lumber is worked in the same way as conventional lumber, which facilitates its adoption by carpenters and builders. “We didn’t want to change the construction method. The same equipment, nails, and tools are used. The idea is that any carpenter can use it without additional training,” Capobianco emphasizes.
Homes built with this system incorporate three key structural elements: cladding, internal partitions, and roofing, all made from recycled plastics. In the buildings, the main structure, including columns and supports, is maintained using traditional methods, as are the floors.
The materials leave the factory ready for installation, optimizing time and resources on every project. This model represents an innovative solution for the construction sector, merging technology, sustainability, and ease of application, with the potential to generate a positive impact on both the environment and the local economy.
Originally published in the 10th edition of El Inmobiliario print magazine.
Photos: External source.
