A large-scale trial of asphalt made with recycled plastic incorporated into the bitumen binder has been conducted by Fulton Hogan at Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand.
Half of Christchurch Airport’s fire station has been paved with PlastiPhalt, and approximately 250 tonnes have been laid, using 3100 four-litre plastic oil containers which would have been sent to landfill.
The material is made by shredding used plastic containers and granulating them into an ideal size to incorporate into bitumen.
The mix laid one week ago was specially designed for heavy to extreme vehicle traffic loading for ports and airport projects.
Fulton Hogan’s National Environmental and Sustainability Manager, Sophie Kennedy said the trial is part of the company’s ongoing drive to use sustainable practices in the manufacture of roading and industrial pavement surfacings.
“This trial dovetails in nicely with Christchurch Airport’s goal of being a sustainable and carbon neutral business and is a huge step towards our own goal of reducing plastic waste streams, internally and externally, by incorporating previously un-recyclable plastic into a quality, high performing surfacing solution,” Ms Kennedy said.
“Fulton Hogan collects around 2.5 million litres of used oil each year from businesses such as workshops and garages and reuses this as an alternative fuel source. These containers could not previously be recycled due to the residual oil left on the inner surface,” she said.
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