Transmutation
Rebuilding with waste: Creating sustainable construction materials from recycled plastics
Transmutation, a recycling and manufacturing company based in Robe, South Australia, is addressing the challenges of plastic waste and the carbon footprint of construction materials by transforming hard-to-recycle plastics into certified limestone blocks. Using its proprietary PostPrime® technology, the company collaborates with partners like Center for Regenerative Design and Collaboration and Jaffa Limestone to convert contaminated plastics, such as soft plastics and automotive parts into durable, thermally efficient building products.
These limestone blocks are produced by replacing a portion of traditional aggregates with recycled plastic and stone aggregate, delivering strength, durability, and thermal benefits while significantly lowering embodied carbon. In collaboration with Jaffa Limestone, Transmutation conducted pilot runs to validate the material mix, followed by third-party testing against Australian Standards for compressive strength, fire resistance, and thermal performance.
By integrating waste plastic into the block matrix, this initiative diverts materials from landfill and reduces reliance on virgin quarry resources. The recycled plastic contributes to improved flexibility, insulation performance, and reduced brittleness in the final product. Testing showed that at 5–20% plastic replacement, the blocks retained structural integrity and showed promising improvements in energy efficiency.
To date, Transmutation and Jaffa Limestone have manufactured thousands of trial blocks, repurposing over 40 tonnes of waste plastics. The blocks are already being considered for local government and commercial applications, and offer an attractive option for builders targeting Green Star or IS ratings.
Key lessons include the need for precision in plastic formulation, rigorous compliance testing, and early engagement with certifying bodies. As interest grows, the model shows promise for replication at regional micro-recycling hubs, linking waste processors with local construction product suppliers.
Please note that the information provided has been submitted by the organisation and has not been independently verified.
