The Pros and Cons of Using Plastic in Road Pavements

This week our very own Christina Chin was featured in Roads and Infrastructure Magazine being quoted about the work she led on behalf of Austroads on the viability of using recycled plastics in asphalt and sprayed sealing applications. 

The article can be found here https://www.roadsonline.com.au/the-pros-and-cons-of-plastic/

This was an excellent piece of research and the 9 priority actions contained within it give clear guidance on the next steps that need to be taken to drive positive outcomes and give clear and consistent national guidance on industry practice.

The Austroads published report can be found here https://austroads.com.au/latest-news/the-benefits-and-challenges-of-using-recycled-plastics-in-asphalt-and-sprayed-seals

In prioritising research and development activities, a range of factors were considered, including:

• cost savings to road agencies/communities
• potential for the greater use of recycled plastic materials
• workplace safety and health effects
• performance benefits
• industry sustainability
• national consistency and harmonisation
• complementarity to other work being done
• the expressed need