The new surface in Passeig de la Verneda is made from non-recyclable plastic and helps cut greenhouse gas emissions during the manufacturing process and the subsequent handling process.
Estimates put the reduction in CO2 in the manufacturing process for the new material at 17 tonnes, compared to emissions generated in the process for the conventional material. A total of 4,500 kg of non-recyclable plastic was used, giving it a final use. This figure equates to some 3,000 bags of household waste, full of plastic.
The new surface laid in the Bon Pastor neighbourhood is a pilot project which will also be used to assess how well this type of asphalt stands up to heavy vehicles. The new material, with traces of end-of-life plastic, is more resistant than normal road surfaces and performs better in terms of use from buses.
If the pilot project is satisfactory, this type of surface will be used in other parts of the city. The material was laid in conjunction with the developing company AMSA and the engineering companies BAC and IM3, which were awarded the maintenance contract for road surfaces in Barcelona.