Building out of PPE Mask

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, PPE pollution exploded; 3.4 billion disposable face masks were discarded daily worldwide (source: National Geographic). Alongside this, manufacturers produced significant waste during the PPE production process. With limited disposal options—primarily landfillingor incineration—the environmental burden on government and private waste management systems has grown immense.

Brick 2.0 offers an innovative resolution by recycling PPE waste into eco-friendly building bricks.These bricks consist of 52 % shredded PPE and masks, 45 % industrial paper waste, and 3 % specially formulated binder The process includes careful CPCB approved hygiene measures; PPE waste is first quarantined for 72 hours, then disinfected, shredded, and mixed before molding and sun-drying.Brick 2.0 is twice the size of conventional bricks, cost effective compared to red and fly ash brick, fire retardant, lightweight, recyclable, and absorbs less than 10 % water, ensuring excellent plaster adhesion. Remarkably, it is also three times stronger than standard red clay bricks.

This project successfully recycled over 240 tonnes of PPE kits, transforming this waste into 100,000+ units of Brick 2.0. This achievement not only mitigates PPE pollution but also creates a sustainable, low-cost alternative to traditional construction materials. Each brick redirected non-biodegradable PPE away from landfills and incineration and offers an eco-friendly building solution. By up-cycling massive volumes of hazardous waste, the initiative significantly reduces environmental pollution, lowers carbon footprints, and alleviates strain on waste management systems; while contributing to affordable, sustainable construction practices. This innovation has been featured in various research papers and journals, 200+ international and national articles including World Health Organisation’s Health Bulletin and World Bank’sGlobal Report and only Indian invention to be featured in Scholastic’s Book of Records 2020 yearbook.