The SPWC Modular Platform
Samsara's Green Upcycling Process (GUP) advanced material science with modular manufacturing, enabling scalable production of superior building products. Samsara's Sustainable Plastic Waste Composite (SPWC) can be formed into different end market products for the construction industry that can replace conventional alternatives without sacrificing performance.
EcoBrik
Composed of SPWC, EcoBrik represents a significant advancement in building material technology. Independent laboratory testing confirms that EcoBrik delivers mechanical, structural, and chemical properties that significantly outperform conventional bricks while exceeding all relevant ASTM recommendations.
Key Features & Benefits
Lower Transportation Cost
EcoBrik provides a transformative logistical advantage, weighing 50% less than conventional bricks of the same dimensions. This weight reduction effectively doubles shipping capacity per load, allowing for twice the volume of material to be transported in a single trip. Consequently, this efficiency halves both fuel consumption and transportation costs, significantly lowering the project's overall carbon footprint.
Lower Installation Cost
EcoBrik is designed to prioritize both installer safety and project efficiency. Its lightweight composition significantly reduces the risk of repetitive strain and wrist injuries. By eliminating the need for masonry saws and specialized drill bits, EcoBrik reduces overhead on tool and accessory costs while streamlining the workflow. Special cuts can be completed in seconds, cutting overall installation time by 15% to 25% and delivering substantial savings for contractors.
Superior Strength
Engineered for superior durability, our material boasts strengths of 79 MPa (compressive) and 34 MPa (flexural). This makes it substantially stronger than most conventional concrete bricks and places it well above the industry benchmarks set by ASTM.
Ultra-Low Water Absorption
With a water absorption rate of just 0.2–0.4%, EcoBrik far outperforms traditional concrete bricks, which typically average 8%. This ultra-low porosity ensures superior durability in high-moisture environments and provides critical protection against freeze-thaw damage and moisture-related degradation.
Up-Cycling Non Recyclable
Global plastic production is projected to double from 400 million tonnes annually to 800 million tonnes by 2050. With half of these materials currently destined for the waste stream, landfills are rapidly reaching capacity. By extending the operational lifespan of existing sites, upcycling plastic waste can delay hundreds of millions of dollars in mandatory investment for new landfill infrastructure.
Plastic and CO₂ Reduction
Currently, 19% of global plastic production is incinerated, discharging 228 million tCO₂e into the atmosphere annually. Upcycling plastic waste provides a significant environmental benefit: for every tonne of EcoBrik produced, we avoid approximately 0.9 tCO₂e in emissions by diverting plastic from incineration, while effectively sequestering plastic waste and preventing it from entering landfills or the natural environment.
Zero Cement
EcoBrik is completely free of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) and all other cementitious binders. By eliminating cement—one of the construction industry's largest contributors to global carbon emissions—and displacing conventional concrete masonry units, each 1.5 kg EcoBrik unit avoids approximately 0.54 kg CO₂e in embodied carbon emissions by displacing standard concrete masonry.
Microplastic (MP) Avoidance
A UK study indicates that traditional plastic recycling plants can release up to 6% of their processed material as microplastics (MP) into the water stream. In contrast, Samsara's GUP is a dry, zero-waste process that prevents all water-based MP emissions. EcoBrik—composed of 45% plastic waste—releases a mere 0.0017% MP over time, significantly outperforming industrial recycling. This method doesn't just process plastic; it sequesters it, locking it safely inside the brick and away from the environment.
EcoBrik Paver
EcoBrik offers a high-performance, aesthetic solution for walkways and light-traffic driveways. While its natural grey finish complements organic landscapes, its technical specs are even more impressive:
- Superior Strength: Exceeds ASTM C902 for heavy-duty use.
- Enhanced Safety: Naturally slip-resistant for secure foot traffic.
- Significant Savings: Installation costs are 15% to 25% lower than traditional alternatives. Because EcoBrik is 50% lighter and requires no specialized masonry accessories, installers can perform custom cuts in seconds. This eliminates the need for expensive saw blades and drastically reduces labor time.
EcoBrik Wall
EcoBrik's high-density composite delivers exceptional structural performance for vertical construction applications.
- Thermal & Acoustic Shielding: High density and low water absorption make it an ideal thermal barrier and sound insulator for high-traffic urban areas.
- Unrivaled Strength: Delivers a flexural strength of 34 MPa, exceeding ASTM C67, C902, and C1272 standards by a factor of ten.
- High-Rise Ready: The combined flexural and compressive strength provides the structural foundation required for buildings up to 15 stories high.
- Versatile Application: Fully supports vertical construction, including retaining walls, sustainable housing subdivisions, and complex landscaping projects.
EcoBrik Cladding
EcoClad outperforms conventional concrete bricks by simplifying the construction process and lowering overhead.
- Seamless Integration: Uses familiar installation methods—no additional training or specialized skills required.
- Structural Efficiency: At least 50% lighter than concrete, reducing pressure on supporting panels and allowing for more versatile design.
- Standardized Tooling: No specialized masonry accessories needed. You can cut, drill, and mount EcoClad using standard wood saw blades and inexpensive wood screws.
- Rapid Installation: Cutting and fastening takes mere seconds. By replacing expensive masonry screws with cost-effective wood fasteners, total project costs are reduced by a significant margin.
EcoBrik Performance Specifications
| Property | EcoBrik | Concrete Brick | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | >79 MPa (>11000 psi) | 20–40 MPa | ASTM C902, C67 |
| Tensile Strength | 34.4 MPa (5000 psi) | 3.3 Mpa (475 psi) | ASTM C67, C902, C1272 |
| Water Absorption | 0.2% cold - 0.4% boiled | 8% cold - 11% boiled | ASTM C902, C1272, C216 SW |
| Post Freeze-Thaw | >48 MPa (>7025 psi) | >16 Mpa (>2320 psi) | ASTM C1262 |
| Post Weather | >48 MPa (>7025 psi) | >16 Mpa (>2320 psi) | ASTM G155 |
| Leachate Release | 0.0017% | N/A | EPA 1315 |
| Flammability | 26mm~29mm/min | Good | ASTM D635 |
Applications Under Development
EcoDecking Module
A sustainable and high-performance alternative to traditional timber and Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking, engineered for long-term durability in residential and commercial outdoor environments. Its mineral-rich SPWC composition is inherently hydrophobic and fully resistant to rot, biological degradation, and moisture damage, ensuring the board remains dimensionally stable without swelling, creeping, or expanding — even under prolonged exposure to rain, humidity, and direct sunlight.
EcoBoard Module
A high-performance, marine-grade solution engineered to thrive in the world's most challenging climates, from salt-sprayed waterfront docks and piers to the heavy precipitation of deep forest environments and the intense UV and temperature swings of mountain regions. Its mineral-rich composition provides a naturally non-slip, hydrophobic surface that remains unaffected by biological degradation or rot, making it a superior alternative to traditional materials in high-humidity zones.
EcoSiding Module
High-performance, low-maintenance cladding engineered for long-term durability and energy efficiency.
- Coastal & Wet Climate Ready: Hydrophobic SPWC core resists moisture, swelling, and salt-air degradation.
- Thermal & Acoustic Performance: Improves energy efficiency and reduces urban noise through dense composite construction.
- Lower Lifetime Cost: No staining, sealing, or frequent replacement—delivers lower total cost of ownership than wood or vinyl.
- Fast, Contractor-Friendly Installation: Installs with standard tools, reducing labor time and cost.
EcoPost Module
SWPC can be formed into different posts including Sign posts, Fencing posts, Agricultural posts
- Durable: Does not rot, support heat up to 100°C. EcoPosts are excellent replacement to wooden posts used in urban, rural and agricultural fencing.
- Price: EcoPosts cost considerably less than metal posts
- Installation: Easier to install than metal posts.
- Recyclability and Circularity: Can be reprocessed into other SPWC products, cutting waste and improving environment
Installation & Handling
Cutting
Cuts smoothly using standard masonry or circular saws.
Drilling
Accepts screws, anchors, and bolts using common drills - no special tools needed.
Handling
Lightweight units (1.55 kg) reduce worker fatigue and allow faster placement.
Ready to Specify EcoBrik?
Download technical specifications or contact us to discuss your project requirements.