Plastic recycling has been a problem for decades. As reported in an earlier article, less than 10% of the plastic collected is recycled. Small efforts like caps to benches have gotten some notable news coverage but the bigger projects are often not known to the public. One of these projects is the use of plastics in the construction of roads. Most Americans have never heard of these efforts.
Plastic roads are constructed by using 100% recycled plastic. Plastic roads are famous for being a sustainable and cost-efficient choice over standard bitumen, concrete, and asphalt roads. This technology has been tested in many countries worldwide with advantageous outcomes. Plastic roads can last up to three times longer than standard asphalt roads.
Plastic roads possess various advantages when compared to standard asphalt roads. Their primary benefits are that they are far more durable, resilient, and flexible than asphalt roads. Other advantages include the fact that they are smoother and more comfortable to drive than asphalt ones, and they decrease the friction between tires and road surfaces. This can reduce noise levels, creating a more enjoyable trip.
The immediate cost savings of plastic roads is the cost of materials. They are constructed of far fewer materials than asphalt roads and need less energy and resources to construct. Thus, they can be constructed up to 50% cheaper than standard asphalt roads and need significantly less maintenance.
According to the World Economic Forum, plastic roads have been proven to be three times more durable than standard asphalt. This implies they can withstand harsher weather and are less vulnerable to potholes. A structural benefit over other paving materials is that plastic roads can turn and adjust to movements in the ground. Plastic permits the roads to stretch with the altering of the terrain and temperature.
