Using Plastic Wastes in Construction: Opportunities and Challenges

Urbanization and the evolution of people's lifestyles have a significant impact on the quantity of waste that is generated and dumped each year. In addition, due to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of masks has increased significantly, and the amount of plastic waste generation worldwide has doubled. These wastes have had a negative impact on the environment and have attracted the attention of many departments. Faced with both increasing amounts of generated plastic wastes and the growing interest of sustainability, the construction sectors must take an advantage using recycled plastic wastes in construction applications to reduce the negative impacts of the generated plastic wastes, while meeting future infrastructure demand. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges of plastic waste application in the construction industry. In this context the objective of the study is to (i) explore the most used plastic wastes in construction industry, (ii) explore potential application of plastic waste in construction industry, (iii) explore potential application of COVID-19 plastic waste in construction industry, (iv) outline challenges and opportunities involving the applications, and (v) Provide recommendations for advanced research required for plastic waste application in construction industry. It is concluded that the use of plastic waste in construction will significantly improve environmental sustainability, reduce the construction cost, improve the performance of construction, and serve as a reliable supply of construction materials. Finally, to overcome challenges areas for further research are also suggested.