Plastic Waste and Milk Bottles Used in Road Construction in China
Thousands of used milk bottles and plastic waste were evaluated in an eco-friendly project in Shanghai, contributing to the circular economy.
In an innovative infrastructure project in China's city of Shanghai, thousands of used milk bottles and plastic waste were used instead of traditional materials in the construction of a campus road.
Milk Bottles Converted into Infrastructure
Materials seen as ordinary waste on the streets have begun to be transformed into the fundamental building blocks of cities thanks to engineering moves. Within the scope of this project implemented in China, traditional materials were abandoned in road construction.
Project Implemented in Shanghai
More than 6,000 used milk bottles and various plastic wastes were utilized in the construction of a road at the Xuhui campus of East China University of Science and Technology. The work was introduced to the public on Earth Day.
Private Sector and University Collaboration
Carried out in partnership with material giant Dow and dairy brand Shiny Meadow, this exemplary project highlighted the importance of inter-institutional cooperation.
Processing of Low-Value Plastics
Low-value plastics, which recyclers struggle to accept due to milk residue, were processed using a special technology and incorporated into the asphalt pavement.
Contribution to the Circular Economy
Thanks to polymer-modified wastes, practical space was created for thousands of bottles that would otherwise go to landfills, and greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by extending the lifespan of the roads.