LocationsTransforming Waste to Sustainable Construction Materials
Innovative youth solutions from the National Dialogue China 2024
Old clothes aren't the only waste that can be reclaimed. Another pressing challenge for green innovators is the surplus industrial waste generated by rapid industrialization, such as metal and chemical byproducts.
The sheer volume of this waste, combined with a lack of scalable and cost-effective solutions, has made its reuse increasingly difficult. Adding to the challenge is the hazardous nature of many industrial byproducts and the insufficient recycling infrastructure, which heightens the risk of environmental contamination, especially when dealing with large quantities.
Life of Industrial Waste
Waste Turned Sustainable Materials
To tackle these challenges, a team from Jilin Jianzhu University, known as “SWC-slag" has pioneered innovative methods to convert low-cost solid waste into lightweight building materials, specifically steel skeleton light expanded stone plates.
SWC-slag’s advanced technology repurposes steel slag, desulfurization gypsum (waste produced during sulfur removal), and water slag to create stone plates that are not only insulating but also lightweight. This makes them highly suitable for construction applications.
These plates provide structural support while remaining environmentally friendly, as they incorporate waste products into their composition. According to team member, Ziheng Chang, SWC-slag’s large-dosage technology significantly increases the proportion of solid waste in its products.
At the end of last year, SWC-slag introduced technologies capable of fully converting waste into zero-carbon cementitious materials, said Ziheng.
To date, it has successfully deployed its technology in the construction sector, partnering with businesses and enterprises across China.
With plans to expand its reach into agricultural and aquaculture industries, it also aims to strengthen its presence in Southern China.
“If we persist on the old path of only taking without giving back, focusing solely on development without protection, and emphasizing utilization without restoration, no country, company or individual will have a future."
In a world full of uncertainties, SWC-slag believes that adapting to and practicing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for long-term, sustainable growth.
Attracting the right, inspired people is key to establishing a solid foundation, according to Ziheng. He emphasizes that hiring individuals with the right attitude is essential, as "skills can be taught, but changing someone's work ethic is far more challenging."
Most importantly, he adds, "Believe in the importance of what you are doing. When you have nothing to lose, forge ahead fearlessly."
Note: SWC-slag was one of the many innovative youth teams that showcased their solutions and participated in the 2024 National Dialogue China. Visit the National Dialogue for more information.
This article does not represent an endorsement of any commercial or private enterprise.
About National Dialogue
National Dialogues are flagship country-level events of Youth Co:Lab, co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation, which bring together youth leaders and stakeholders to build capacities, foster innovation, and co-create solutions to national development challenges, while strengthening coalitions and shaping an enabling ecosystem. As the largest youth movement for empowerment, social entrepreneurship, equality, and social inclusion in the Asia-Pacific region, Youth Co:Lab has supported young people in 28 countries and territories, reaching over 300,000 participants.
At the national level, the National Dialogue China is co-hosted by UNDP, the China Song Ching Ling Science & Culture Centre for Young People (SCLSCC), and Citi China. Held annually, the event aims to empower Chinese youth to contribute to achieving the SDGs through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Over the past six years, the National Dialogue China has supported more than 300 Chinese youth-led start-ups, offering professional mentorship from experts across impact funds, incubators, and academia, while enhancing their access to funding opportunities from industry partners.
Every year, outstanding teams from the National Dialogue China are selected to join other teams from National Dialogues across the region at the Youth Co:Lab Summit, the largest gathering of youth social entrepreneurs in the Asia-Pacific region. They present their innovative business solutions alongside peers from other countries and territories, showcasing how youth can drive a green and just transition through social innovation and entrepreneurship.
