PlasticRoad, a concept developed by KWS, a Royal VolkerWessels company, Wavin and Total consisting of a prefabricated, modular and hollow road structure based on (recycled) plastics, has received a grant of € 700,000 from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.
The funds will support the further development of the concept towards industrial production. Production of the PlasticRoad elements will take place at the Wavin site in Hardenberg.
“At PlasticRoad, our objective is to develop the most sustainable infrastructure in the world”, said Anne Koudstaal, inventor and director of product at PlasticRoad.
“The grant of the Ministry of Economic Affairs enables us to upscale and fully prepare our product for industrial production. In addition, this funding serves as independent confirmation of PlasticRoad’s contribution to the circular economy and its strong potential in terms of carbon savings.”
Next to a reduction in carbon emissions - compared to conventional roads, the results of the two pilots demonstrated a 52 to 72% in carbon savings - the PlasticRoad also helps in finding a solution for plastic waste issues.
The product is made from recycled plastics and is itself recyclable. The prefabricated production, the light weight and the modular design of the PlasticRoad make construction and maintenance faster, simpler and more efficient compared to traditional road structures.
The design includes a hollow space that can be used in various ways: to (temporarily) store water, to prevent flooding during storms; for the transit of cables and pipes; or even for installing sensors or for charging electric vehicles.
Initial applications of the PlasticRoad include a bike path, parking lot, railway platform, and sidewalk. Already available for order, the first elements are targeted for delivery in the first quarter of 2021.