Karachi gets its first road made with recycled plastic

Plastic roads offer higher flexibility, durability and a lifespan almost three times longer than regular roads

A petroleum company has taken a significant step towards reducing plastic waste and promoting environmentally friendly practices by introducing a plastic-infused road in Karachi.

In a statement released on Monday, Shell Pakistan announced its collaboration with start-up BRR Enterprises and the local authority District Municipal Corporation (DMC) South to construct this innovative road using recycled Shell lubricant bottles.

Over 2.5 tonnes of discarded Shell lubricant bottles were successfully recycled for the construction of a 730 feet long and 60 feet wide road adjacent to Shell House in Karachi.

By incorporating these plastic bottles into the asphalt road using the dry process method, the company effectively reduced plastic waste while contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious solution.

Plastic waste has long been a major concern due to its non-biodegradability and toxic nature. Studies have shown that a simple plastic bag can take up to 500 years to decompose, while a plastic bottle can persist for approximately 300 years. Recognising this threat, Shell Pakistan's initiative aims to address the issue of plastic waste and its impact on the environment.

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Plastic roads offer several advantages over traditional roads. They are known for their higher flexibility, durability, and an extended lifespan nearly three times longer than regular roads. Additionally, construction materials for conventional roads tend to be more expensive, whereas plastics can be obtained at a minimal cost, significantly reducing construction expenses. This innovation not only provides a sustainable solution but also addresses the pressing social problem of plastic waste.

Waqar Siddiqui, the Chief Executive and Managing Director of Shell Pakistan Limited, inaugurated the newly-built road in Karachi and expressed his enthusiasm for the project. He stated, "This is the first time we have used our discarded lubricant bottles to make a road, and I'm amazed to see the result. This innovative method helps reduce plastic waste and can provide an environmentally friendly option for future infrastructure projects in Pakistan. Innovative solutions such as this need to be tried and tested, and I hope will be adopted to contribute to building a cleaner society."