Estonia's Transport Department explores using recycled plastic in asphalt

Estonia's Transport Department wants to find out whether material derived from recycled plastic waste can be used in asphalt mixtures. Such a solution could reduce bitumen consumption, put residual materials to use, and save money.

Estonia produces roughly 1–1.3 million tonnes of asphalt mixture each year, requiring up to 65,000 tonnes of bitumen. If at least 5% of the bitumen binder could be replaced with material from recycled plastic waste, this could save around €1.5 million annually while also reducing the carbon footprint and giving residual materials a use.

Experience elsewhere

The department is starting a study to assess whether residual products from plastic waste recycling in Estonia can be used in asphalt mixtures. Mart Arusoo, head of the construction unit within the department's development division, told ERR that the approach has already been tested in various countries, but such solutions have not become widespread so far due to a number of technical and economic issues.

Estonia's specific conditions also need to be taken into account. Asphalt surface temperatures range from +60 to -30 degrees, freeze-thaw cycles occur frequently, weather is often damp, and chlorides are used to combat icy roads.

Phased study

The research will proceed in stages, starting with mapping of residual materials and laboratory testing, followed by production trials, and finally the setup of pilot test sections. This should show whether material from plastic recycling can be used under Estonian climate conditions to partially replace bitumen binder or improve the properties of asphalt mixtures while still meeting road construction requirements.

If the study finds the proposed solutions suitable and sufficiently promising, implementation could become possible in 2029–2030. The department plans to complete its first pilot site by the end of 2028, which would then be monitored separately for four to five years. However, Arusoo noted this does not rule out gradually beginning to use the material earlier, before the monitoring period ends, if it proves suitable.

Broader rollout of the solution will also depend on whether a company can be found that is willing to produce the material and bring it to market. As a first step, the department is looking for a contractor to carry out a market study ahead of a procurement process.