Enabling Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics in the Built-Environment using Nanocomposite Flame-Retardants

A severe housing crisis in the UK is driving inequality, climate change, low productivity growth, obesity, and even falling fertility rates (J. Myers et al. 2021, Works in Progress). Government targets of 300,000 homes/yr, are unlikely to be met, and too low - they would take half a century to address the current 4.3mn home backlog (S. Watling et al. 2023, Centre for Cities).

Vector-Homes (UK) is looking to address these systemic marketplace failures, through materials-led innovation in modular-construction. By leveraging standardised and energy-efficient processes, modular-construction can enhance sustainability and scalability, particularly in affordable housing, aligning with the government's construction/net-zero targets (Greener Better Faster 2022, Make UK).

The first Vector model-home constructed in Salford University's Energy House 2.0 environmental chamber (August-2023) validated the rapid-assembly design and low-cost/carbon components. This project will support a partnership with Tosaf (Israel), global suppliers of polymer additives and sector leaders in innovative green flame-retardant chemistry. Together the partners will develop novel-nanocomposite flame-retardant additives, compatible with post-consumer recycled polymer feedstocks, and apply these to develop low-carbon, fire-safe eco-panel components for modular housing.