The Revival Circularity Lab is a community-driven innovation hub addressing the overwhelming textile waste in Ghana’s Kantamanto Market, one of the largest secondhand clothing hubs in the world. By harnessing local expertise and combining it with modern techniques, the lab transforms discarded textiles into new circular products, extending beyond fashion to create home goods, accessories, and industrial materials.

Focused on recycling and downcycling, the lab empowers local artisans with tools and training to repurpose waste creatively and sustainably. It fosters a collaborative environment where discarded fabrics are reimagined as valuable resources, reducing environmental harm while creating economic opportunities.

This grassroots initiative not only tackles global textile waste but also sets a replicable model for integrating circular design and community empowerment. The Revival Creative Lab demonstrates that waste is not the end of the line but a starting point for innovation, sustainability, and equitable progress.

RevivalTex Brick: A Sustainable Innovation in Circular Construction

The RevivalTex Brick is an eco-friendly composite brick developed by The Revival Circularity Lab in collaboration with local plastic recyclers in Accra. This innovative building material is engineered from a blend of recycled textile fibers, shredded plastic waste, and binding agents, creating a durable, lightweight, and thermally efficient alternative to conventional bricks.

Composition & Process

The brick is composed of:

  • 80% Recycled Textile Waste (cotton, polyester, and blended fibers)

  • 15% Recycled Thermoplastics (primarily HDPE and PET sourced from local recyclers)

  • 5% Binder & Additives (resins and stabilizers to enhance structural integrity)

The production process involves mechanical shredding, compression molding, and heat treatment to achieve optimal density and strength. The result is a high-performance composite that resists moisture absorption and degradation, making it ideal for construction in tropical climates.

Key Properties & Advantages

✔ High Compressive Strength – Comparable to traditional concrete blocks, suitable for low- to mid-rise structures
✔ Water-Resistant & Mold-Resistant – Textile fibers are chemically treated to prevent microbial growth
✔ Thermal Insulation – Low thermal conductivity reduces heat transfer, improving energy efficiency in buildings
✔ Lightweight – Easier to transport and assemble compared to conventional bricks
✔ Low Carbon Footprint – Diverts textile and plastic waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions and pollution

Impact & Future Applications

By recycling textile and plastic waste into building materials, the RevivalTex Brick supports Ghana’s circular economy, mitigates environmental pollution, and provides an innovative solution for sustainable construction. This initiative aligns with global SDG goals on responsible consumption (SDG 12) and climate action (SDG 13), while fostering local employment in recycling and eco-construction industries.

Through continued research and development, The Revival Circularity Lab aims to expand this initiative, scaling up production and exploring biodegradable binders and modular applications to further enhance sustainability in urban infrastructure.