Publication: Plastic Waste in Road Construction - A Path Worth Paving?: Application of Dry Process in South Asia
Date
2023-05-24
ISSN
Published
2023-05-24
Author(s)
Patil, Pawan
Stankevich, Natalya
Tsydenova, Nina
Diana, Zoie
Abstract
As global plastic waste continues to
grow, the global community is coalescing to reduce plastic
waste. Some stakeholders are also exploring new options to
use plastic waste as partial substitute for raw material.
The use of plastic waste as a bitumen modifier in road
construction, referred to here as ‘plastic roads’, is one
option being explored. We reviewed the scientific
literature, news articles, and patents; conducted a
cost-effectiveness analysis; and interviewed representatives
from private companies and independent, scientific
researchers to determine the existing knowledge gaps
regarding the (1) technology feasibility, including
engineering performance; (2) environmental issues; (3)
occupational health; (4) economic viability; and (5)
industry standards surrounding plastic roads. We found that
many companies are starting to implement or pilot this
technology worldwide though key gaps in engineering
performance, such as cracking resistance, remain. The
environmental issues reviewed also have research gaps,
including the generation of hazardous air pollutants during
production; microplastics and nanoplastics generation during
use; and leaching of additives from plastic waste during
use. Industry standards for the use of plastic waste in road
construction are lacking. In addition, there is prevailing
uncertainty in the economic viability of the technology. As
a result of these key research gaps, the Ways Forward
section presents a roadmap for short- and longterm research priorities.
Citation
“Patil, Pawan; Stankevich, Natalya; Tsydenova, Nina; Diana, Zoie. 2023. Plastic Waste in Road Construction - A Path Worth Paving?: Application of Dry Process in South Asia. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/39839 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”