Plasterboard is made from a layer of gypsum plaster that is “sandwiched” between two layers of strong recycled paper. In house construction, it is used as a quicker alternative to traditional lath and plaster. Plasterboard is easy to paint on. Some types of plasterboard can also provide sound isolation.

Gypsum used in plasterboard comes either from natural, or synthetic sources. Naturally occurring gypsum is mined, while synthetic gypsum is a by-product of coal-fired power plants. The production process of plasterboard requires a lot of energy and water usage. Besides, usually different additives are used to make plasterboards more efficient – for example, glass fibre or silicone. All the things considered, plasterboard is an unsustainable material.

In England, Germany, and the Canadian province of British Columbia, gypsum-based waste is prohibited from being sent to landfill. It is classed as hazardous waste: it can become dangerous when discarded alongside general waste. If it gets wet and breaks down, it creates a toxic gas called Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S). It can be toxic for people and is extremely harmful to the environment.

More sustainable alternative is Wheatboard