Plastic asphalt might sound like an odd concept, especially in a time where sustainability mindsets strongly advocate against the use of the material across the board, however, TechniSoil Industrial has eco-conscious plans for implementation.
The process entails for construction workers to "mix recycled plastic bottles with chewed up asphalt." In doing so, they will actually make the road stronger than before. The recycled PET plastic is a substitute for bitumen which is "a sludge leftover from oil refining." The new ingredient will be introduced in a liquid form and will be mixed in by the recycling train -- a machine "that grinds up the top few inches of a street."
The innovative plastic asphalt is being implemented on a street in downtown Los Angeles.
Photo Credits: TechniSoil Industrial
Plastic Asphalt
TechniSoil Industrial Attempts to Optimize Plastic Bottles for Road Use
Trend Themes
1. Plastic Asphalt - Replacing bitumen with recycled plastic bottles may be a disruptive innovation opportunity for road construction companies.
2. Sustainable Road Construction - The use of eco-friendly materials such as recycled plastic could disrupt traditional road construction practices.
3. Recycling Technology - Innovative recycling technology that can mix recycled plastic with asphalt could be a disruptive innovation opportunity for companies in the waste management industry.
Industry Implications
1. Road Construction - Road construction companies may benefit from exploring the use of recycled plastic as a substitute for traditional road-building materials.
2. Environmental Services - Environmental services companies may benefit from developing new solutions for recycling plastic and other materials in ways that benefit the environment and the economy.
3. Waste Management - Waste management companies may benefit from exploring new methods for recycling plastic and other materials, potentially creating partnerships with road construction companies or other stakeholders.