The Netherlands is set to introduce roads made from recycled plastic waste following the successful trial of bike paths made from the material.
Road-maker KWS installed two bike paths in the cities of Zwolle and Giethoorn which were not only made from recycled waste, but were also found to produce up to 70% less CO2 in their construction than traditional asphalt and concrete paths. Trials have shown that the paths can withstand wear and tear even from heavy vehicles, and they cope well with excessive water as well as very dry conditions.
KWS, plastic pipe maker Wavin and oil firm Total have now perfected the design to be transferred to full-scale roads, with the new material expected to be available in early 2021. The new material is even stronger than that used in the paths, meaning it will be suitable for applications as diverse as motorways, pavements and school playgrounds.
The companies hope that after initially installing roads in the Netherlands, other countries will catch on to the idea – a solution that not only finds a use for plastic waste but also provides an alternative to environmentally unfriendly asphalt and concrete.
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The Netherlands is set to introduce roads made from recycled plastic waste following the successful trial of bike paths made from the material.
Road-maker KWS installed two bike paths in the cities of Zwolle and Giethoorn which were not only made from recycled waste, but were also found to produce up to 70% less CO2 in their construction than traditional asphalt and concrete paths. Trials have shown that the paths can withstand wear and tear even from heavy vehicles, and they cope well with excessive water as well as very dry conditions.
KWS, plastic pipe maker Wavin and oil firm Total have now perfected the design to be transferred to full-scale roads, with the new material expected to be available in early 2021. The new material is even stronger than that used in the paths, meaning it will be suitable for applications as diverse as motorways, pavements and school playgrounds.
The companies hope that after initially installing roads in the Netherlands, other countries will catch on to the idea – a solution that not only finds a use for plastic waste but also provides an alternative to environmentally unfriendly asphalt and concrete.