Important results from the project
The ReMembrane project explores recycling of plastic-based construction materials, focusing on air- and vapour barriers and tunnel membranes. Those products should function for 50 years or more. Prototypes from all project partners met the toughest durability standards. Geotextiles used in agriculture and road stabilization etc. are considered not recycleble. It shows in a lab study that mechanical recycling is feasible with proper pretreatment.
Expected long term effects
Long-term effects based on the project results: increased use of recycled plastic in the construction sector. The project results are one of the pieces of the puzzle that is needed, trust in the quality of recycled products. Pipe manufacturers with more than 10 years of project collaboration now have recycled pipes on the market. A similar development for barrier products is expected as the manufacturers are positive. Economic instruments will likely be needed to achieve this effect.
Approach and implementation
The project participants developed and manufactured 4-6 products each containing recycled plastic. RISE tested the lifespan as this property is important for long-lasting construction products. Geotextiles are used in large volumes for, soil stabilization etc. Data on total volumes is missing, as is data on waste and recyclability of the product. Through interviews, we tried to find out annual volumes of geotextiles. Lab tests investigated recycling. The cooperation with partners was good.
External links
The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.
