For the toner from a laser print cartridge to decompose in landfill, it takes 450 years. Moock Environmental, a recycling and environmental company, proposed a unique innovative solution to the construction industry. They believed incorporating Recovered Toner Powder (RTP) – a finely engineered, hydrophobic hazardous waste product – into precast concrete could colour the concrete and improve its water resistance.

Redirecting hazardous waste like toner from landfill and into building materials could strengthen both our natural and built environments.

Moock Environmental sought practical testing to discover RTP’s commercial viability in precast concrete, helping to try to take it from the laboratory and into the supply chain. The feasibility trials examined how RTP affected production and performance.

Inverurie Precast Ltd, using the state-of-the-art testing facilities in the University of Dundee, tested different concretes using RTP. The trials proved RTP works well as a pigment and waterproofer: improving consistency, bleeding, finish, colour, UV resistance and water resistance. This enhanced performance came at a slight reduction in compressive strength; however, RTP’s improvements in permeability benefit precast concrete’s durability far more. Compared to conventional precast concrete pigments and waterproofers, RTP is a cheaper and more sustainable alternative.