The project is being spearheaded by VolkerWessels' enterprise, KWS, the largest road construction company in the Netherlands – in collaboration with Wavin, a world leader in plastic pipe systems, and oil and gas company Total. Together, we will combine knowledge, experience, and resources to build the first road made from 100% recycled plastic.
The birth of an idea
The PlasticRoad concept is the brainchild of KWS. The company took a look at the road-related problems that cities and urban areas face – such as the erosion of roads from weather and flooding, as well as the continuous need for maintenance and repair. These issues are costly and cause frustration, not to mention the potential safety issues due to potholes and road cracks. Another concern is that oil, the main component of asphalt, will become a scarce commodity in the not too distant future.
So, the idea of a road made... not from asphalt... but from 100% recycled plastic waste from the ocean begins to make sense. Concerns about noise reduction, water permeability and road flatness are effectively eliminated with the PlasticRoad concept. Additionally, switching from asphalt to plastic roads will likely reduce the carbon dioxide emissions significantly.
A collaborative effort to build a sustainable prototype
In order to take the idea to the next level, KWS decided to seek out partners who could contribute to developing a prototype. Wavin, with its knowledge base and expertise in recycled plastic pipe systems, is a natural choice as partner. Total rounds up the tri-company alliance. For all three, sustainability is at the heart of their corporate philosophy.