The material, called Green Roads PolyPave is the work of aggregates producer Alex Fraser Group. Managing Director, Peter Murphy told Quarry Magazine that PolyPave shows how a circular economy can work while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of typical road manufacturing methods. He said:
“The City of Yarra’s progressive approach to the use of sustainable material is an excellent illustration of how local councils can proactively reuse the waste generated in their communities to build and maintain their cities.”
The two trial road resurfacing projects used up about 55,000 glass bottles and 7,300 plastic containers, which is equal to 1,500 full standard sized recycling bins. Council recycling projects are often conducted with help from brochure printing services.
The company says PolyPave is not limited to use on roads which see only light traffic. Tests had shown it has the same traction as ordinary asphalt. It also found that it is more heat resistant than bitumen as it has a higher softening point, as well as being less susceptible to damage from UV radiation and less likely to become rutted.