Seels Technology rolls out plastics trial in Marion Council area
Roundabouts, gutters and traffic islands could soon be made from old bumper bars and plastic bottles, if a trial of recycling technology developed in Adelaide is successful.
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Gutters, roundabouts and traffic islands could soon be made of plastic, under a trial for a new plastic-based concrete.
Last week, Marion Council started trialling the product which uses old bumper bars, ice cream containers and plastic bottles to make concrete.
The product - called Toberite - was developed by Adelaide-based business Seels Technology.
The business’s founder Stephen Seeley said Toberite is quicker to install, stronger, and more environmentally sustainable than traditional concrete.
“It has been tested rigorously at an independent facility,” Mr Seeley said.
“Covering four cubic metres of driveway will consume about 100kg of plastic.
“We want to use as much of South Australia’s plastic waste as possible.
“The trial is a great opportunity to showcase our work.”
Hard plastic is melted and moulded into an artificial aggregate and then added to the concrete mix in place of the stone which is used in a traditional mix.
Two driveways on Quick Rd will be covered with Toberite as part of the trial.
Council staff will then assess the integrity of the work over the next 12 months.
Marion Mayor Kris Hanna said the product could possibly be used on gutters, traffic islands and roundabouts if the trial is successful.
“Disposing of plastic responsibly is a challenge the whole world is facing,” Mr Hanna
said.
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“This product has the potential to consume huge amounts of plastic waste and put it to
good use.
“The process could save time and provide greater value for ratepayers.
“We are constantly looking at new ways of reducing our impact on the environment.”
Plastic has been used in asphalt on parts of the $354 million Regency Rd to Pym St project.
Onkaparinga Council has also used a similar method to build roads made from plastic and glass.