AN ECO-FRIENDLY SOLUTION FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION: Turning Plastic Waste into Stronger Roads

The rapid growth in plastic consumption and the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste pose serious environmental challenges worldwide. Conventional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration result in pollution and ecological imbalance. The use of waste plastic in bituminous road construction has emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Shredded thermoplastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene are incorporated into bitumen or hot aggregates to improve pavement performance. Plastic-modified bituminous mixes exhibit higher strength, improved durability, reduced moisture damage, and greater resistance to rutting and cracking. This approach also promotes plastic waste recycling, reduces bitumen consumption, and supports sustainable infrastructure development.