Recycled plastic is not just a waste to be managed: it can become a resource for building more durable and sustainable infrastructure. One of the most innovative applications is the use of recycled plastic in road construction. But how does this technology work? And what are the advantages over traditional asphalt?
How recycled plastic roads are made
There are two main approaches:
- Addition of plastic to asphalt
Shredded plastic is added as a binder or filler.
It improves resistance to deformation, cracking and thermal changes.
- Precast modules made of recycled plastic
Prefabricated hollow blocks made of recycled plastic
Faster installation, with internal space for cables, pipes or drainage.
Advantages of recycled plastic roads
- Durability: they resist wear, frost and heat better than asphalt.
- Environmental sustainability: up to 1 million plastic bags can be reused per km.
- Reduced CO₂ emissions: less use of bitumen and faster laying processes.
- Reduced maintenance: fewer interventions over time due to greater durability.
Where they have already been adopted
- The Netherlands: pioneered the first prototypes of recycled plastic cycle paths.
- India: has built over 100,000 km of roads by mixing plastic into asphalt.
- UK and USA: ongoing trials with promising results.
Challenges to overcome
- Standardisation of materials: each type of plastic has different properties.
- Initial costs: prefabricated solutions are still more expensive than traditional technologies.
- Research and development: long-term tests are needed to validate durability and safety.
Recycled plastic roads are a concrete solution to reduce waste and build more durable and sustainable infrastructure. With the right regulatory and technological support, they could become a widespread reality in Italy as well.
