This Country Is Launching The World's First Recycled Plastic Cycle Path

Within the next six months, cycle paths made from recycled plastic will begin appearing in the Netherlands. These innovative feats of engineering are designed to solve several problems at once and are reportedly more versatile than regular roads.

The project in question, which is known as PlasticRoad, has been under development since 2015 and was created by Dutch engineering firm KWS, in collaboration with pipe manufacturers Wavin and energy company Total. Rather than relying on conventional materials like tarmac or cement, the project uses recycled plastic to build lightweight prefabricated blocks of road, which can be transported in bulk and quickly installed at construction sites. As these blocks are hollow, it is possible to equip them with interior systems like drainpipes, electronic cables and traffic sensors before they are completed, creating made-to-order pieces of road that integrate seamlessly into pre-existing structures.

The blocks are easy to transport and install

According to PlasticRoad, these prefabricated blocks require considerably less maintenance than normal roads and may last three times longer than their older counterparts. After they are finally decommissioned, the blocks themselves will be recycled to create additional material for roadworks, in turn combatting environmental issues related to plastic waste. Although the blocks are strong enough to carry cars and other motor vehicles, during the project’s testing phase, PlasticRoad will use them to construct cycling paths.

The roads will be tested in the city of Zwolle

Other cities may commission the cycling paths in the near future

Though certainly inventive, this isn’t the first time that roads made from recycled materials have appeared in the Netherlands. In fact, over the past 18 months, several roads in the province of Friesland have been paved with a state-of-the-art type of asphalt, which contains a thickening agent derived from recycled toilet paper. Amsterdam also boasts many innovative and environmentally-conscious projects, including a plastic fishing tour that helps keep the city’s canals free from harmful litter and the world’s first plastic-free shopping aisle, which is located inside an Ekoplaza supermarket near Vondelpark.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.