
Polysand Fenceposts
Design Engineering MEng Project, Imperial College London
Polysand project, developed with WasteAid, focused on creating fenceposts using a cost-effective, sustainable material made from 75% sand and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste. Designed for use in Gunjur, The Gambia, the project optimized manufacturing techniques and cross-sectional geometries for affordability and performance. Polysand demonstrated significant environmental benefits compared to conventional materials, with lower energy consumption and carbon footprint. Sand and LDPE were used in the Polysand project because sand is a readily available, low-cost filler, while LDPE (a common plastic waste) acts as a binder, creating a strong, lightweight, and durable material. This combination despite reducing recyclability, enables repurposing plastic waste and reducing the carbon footprint compared to traditional materials.