Researchers are working on ways to build sustainable homes using recycled nappies. 

In a groundbreaking study published in Scientific Reports, researchers have unveiled a novel approach to sustainable construction: using shredded disposable nappies as a substitute for sand in concrete and mortar. 

The study, led by Siswanti Zuraida and her team at Japan’s University of Kitakyushu, suggests that up to eight per cent of the sand required to construct a single-story dwelling can be effectively replaced with this unconventional material, without compromising structural integrity.

Disposable nappies, commonly made from a mix of wood pulp, cotton, viscose rayon, and various plastics, present a significant waste management challenge, with the majority ending up in landfills or incinerated.

Zuraida's research proposes a solution that not only addresses this environmental issue but also offers a cost-effective resource for building low-cost housing, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.

The team's experiments involved creating concrete and mortar samples mixed with washed, dried, and shredded nappy waste, which were then cured for 28 days. 

By testing various samples for their pressure resistance, the researchers determined the optimal proportions of nappy waste that could replace sand in different construction materials, aligning with Indonesian building standards.

Their findings were promising: for concrete used in columns and beams of a three-story house, up to ten per cent of sand can be replaced with nappy waste. 

This figure rises to 27 per cent for a single-story home and even 40 per cent for mortar in partition walls. 

When considering the construction of a single-story house with a floorplan of 36 square metres, approximately 1.7 cubic metres of nappy waste could be utilised, marking a significant step towards more sustainable building practices.

The experts say they are stuck in the lab for now, as the implementation of these findings on a wider scale would necessitate collaboration among stakeholders in government, waste management, and construction to develop processes for the collection, sanitisation, and shredding of nappy waste. 

Additionally, building regulations would need adjustment to incorporate nappy waste as a viable construction material.

However, the approach highlights the potential for recycling materials in unexpected ways and could also pave the way for more sustainable and cost-effective housing solutions worldwide.

More details are accessible here.