PlasticRoad selected as finalist for INDEX Award 2017
The PlasticRoad concept by the Dutch KWS led consortium for a recycled plastic road, has been announced as one of the finalists of the INDEX Award 2017.
The Danish award is the biggest and probably most important design award in the world and recognizes designers who address the world’s biggest challenges.
This 5th edition saw a record breaking number of 1,401 entries from 85 countries, ranging from drones delivering blood with parachutes to ways of beaming energy across the globe using satellites.
Eventually five winners will be chosen on September 1st.
A 3D printed road element.
Lightweight road structure
The now nominated entry by the consortium with KWS (lead), Wavin and Total, is a lightweight road construction made from recycled plastic.
The PlasticRoad concept features numerous advantages compared to conventional roads, both in terms of construction and maintenance.
Plastic is much more sustainable and opens the door for a number of new innovations such as power generation, quiet road surfaces, heated roads and modular construction.
PlasticRoad is a virtually maintenance free product. It is unaffected by corrosion and the weather.
Hollow structure
A major advantage of PlasticRoad is the hollow structure that allows the integration of other elements in the prefabrication phase.
These elements include traffic loops sensors, measuring equipment, and connections for light poles. It can also be used to buffer rainwater.
The consortium is currently working hard on the business case and is investigating the best way to produce the PlasticRoad. The development of a first prototype is expected to start soon.
About KWS
KWS, a subsidiary of VolkerWessels, is the market leader in road construction and the production of asphalt in the Netherlands.
About Wavin
Wavin supplies plastic pipe solutions for distribution of gas and water, management of foul and rain water and efficient heating and cooling of buildings.
They are a subsidiary of Mexichem, the global leader in plastic pipe systems and the chemical and petrochemical industries in Latin America.
About Total
Total is a international oil and gas company and the world’s second-ranked solar energy operator with SunPower. Its activities span oil and gas production, refining, petrochemicals and marketing in the field of polymers.
Read also on this website
● Innovation Expo Amsterdam: Welcome home circular economy!, 14 April 2016
● World’s biggest polymer mitre lock gates installed in Wilhelmina canal, the Netherlands, 12 January 2016
● Pentair, TenCate and Wavin supply GreenSource drinking water systems to schools in South Africa, 24 September 2013
More information
KWS
Vianen, the Netherlands
+31 347 35 73 00
www.plasticroad.eu/en
Index Awards
Copenhagen, Denmark
info@designtoimprovelife.dk
3D animation of the PlasticRoad concept by the KWS led consortium.