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Khaled Sawaftah - Jordanian, West Asia

2020 Winner | Civil engineer | Jordanian

Ploro is all about using recycled plastics to manufacture building elements that contribute to better thermal, humidity and sound insulation of homes and shelters. By using two of the most used plastic types (polypropylene and polyethylene) we managed to manufacture outdoor rooftop tiles, indoor floor tiles and hollow wall blocks that provide better insulation properties, while recycling these polymer resources. Ploro's very first released product is outdoor rooftop tiles, that have been tested by different accredited laboratories in Amman, Jordan. We have refined a specific formula using plastic additives in certain amounts to adjust the quality of our products to suit the application needed for construction - thus Ploro can take in recycled plastic from a wide variety of different sources with the outcomes always having the required quality for application. These products not only save plastic from going to landfill, the ocean and incinerators, but provide better insulation, thus saving energy and carbon emissions. They also save time, effort and money regarding the construction process - all in an environmentally friendly manner.

I am a recent graduate of civil engineering passionate about making a significant change in the solid waste field through my startup, Ploro. I have enrolled in various voluntary work and cultural exchange programs to gain new experiences and broaden my global horizons. I focus my energy on taking actions to provide a better life for future generations through innovation and creativity and am highly motivated to grow my experience to continue delivering back to my community.

Disclaimer: NOTE: This content was shared online for the 2019 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth programme and has not been updated. This listing does not constitute any endorsement by nor status with the UN Environment Programme.

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