The dangers of plastic use to the environment is now a worldwide problem.
Plastic
was invented way back in 1907. Since then, it became one of the modern
marvels that transformed everything in our lives. Plastic is used for
many things – from storing food, car parts, appliances, and even for our
bottled waters. If you have noticed, glass soda bottles are rare these
days. Plastic has definitely helped with the advancement of the society,
and the world, it is also starting to take over our environment.
Plastic
is now considered a hazard not only for humans, but also for animals,
plants, and the wildlife. People have tried to do everything they could
to find a solution to this problem. Experts have spent nights and days
to brainstorm on how to minimize the use of this material. However, most
of them seem to have fallen short of coming up with a solution.
However,
things are looking up thanks to a company in the United Kingdom that
has found a clever way to recycle old plastic bottles and use them to
improve the quality of the roads too!
This
technique will not only produce a better version of asphalt, but it
will also be way cheaper compared to the traditional way of making this
road-making material. Plastic just goes to waste and sent to a landfill.
So why not use them for a better purpose?
MacRebur
has developed a method on how to turn old plastic bottles into
renewable asphalt. This is not only an excellent solution, but it will
also last longer than the traditional asphalt being used these days.
Toby
McCartney, the CEO of MacRebur was working in Southern India with a
charity when he came up with this idea. During his stay in India, he
wondered why the landfill pickers would collect old plastic. He learned
that the people melt these plastics and turn it into filler for the
potholes. This is why his company started to create technology.
The result is an upgraded asphalt that would increase the durability
and the lifespan of the material. In addition to that, this idea will
also lessen the carbon footprint by reducing the amount of fossil fuel
that goes into the manufacturing process.
Sure
enough, not all kinds of plastics can be used, but most can. This
includes the most difficult plastic to recycle – black plastic.
This
upgraded asphalt is a mixture of granulated plastic waste and asphalt
concrete formula that is used to make roads. The type of plastic that
would work for this process should be very specific. The plastic should
be labeled as waste. This means that they cannot use new or recycled
plastic. Also, the plastic that can be used for this must melt at a
specific temperature.
Once
the plastic road is done, it will look just like any other asphalt
road. But the advantage is, this new road is more flexible. It can
better sustain heat and cold. It will also stand stronger against
elemental damages. And since this is an enhanced asphalt form, it will
last ten times longer and is proven to be 60% stronger.
This is definitely good news for drivers and commuters. Roads stay longer which means there will be fewer cracks and potholes!
