In a world getting increasingly worried about the effects of climate change, companies like PlasticRoad are stepping up to take action. One way they’re doing that is with the creation of their flagship product, the CCL Series. It’s an innovative, eco-friendly paving solution that deals with recycling of plastic waste, and managing increased rainfall, all while promoting a better and more natural water cycle in the surrounding environment.
What is the CCL series?
The CCL series is an alternative to conventional paving. It comes in two varieties, the standard CCL200, and the more premium CCL300. The paving can be laid down and used for a number of applications, including footpaths, bike paths, parking, pavements, platforms, school playgrounds, public playing fields, and for sports infrastructure.
The “CCL” name was coined to reflect the key attributes of this new eco-friendly paving solution, namely circular, climate adaptive, and lightweight. The ‘circular’ aspect is most key, describing how it keeps natural elements moving and in their natural cycle, rather than disrupting them or allowing them to build up to problematic levels as some conventional paving materials do.
The CCL road is laid in modules, making installation simpler and more stable. Each module is made of several layers:
- Deck
- Substructure
- Retaining Profile
The deck is lightweight but also provides a robust surface that can provide grip for pedestrians and light vehicles. It contains a thin aggregate layer and comes in a range of colors to suit the surrounding environment or structures. The deck has another function which is to protect the inner plastic components to ensure no plastic can escape the system and be left strewn about the surrounding area.
Under the deck is the plastic substructure and retaining profile, complete with spillway to help channel away rainwater. Excess water is retained by the structure until such time it too can be filtered away into the nearby subsoil. Filtering the water directly back into the soil is a good way to maintain the natural water cycle balance. Water that can’t be drained to the soil can be channeled to storm existing or new storm drains.
Each module is set to last for 30 years, and if any module needs replacing, it can be pulled away in full and replaced by snapping a new one in place. Each deck is connected via plastic snap connectors, so removing and replacing modules is easy.
Benefits of using PlasticRoad’s CCL system
Recycled plastic
Plastic waste is a growing problem. Every single piece of plastic that has ever been made is still in existence, which is a sobering thought. Putting the plastic to use in eco-friendly ways offsets its otherwise negative impact on the world and the environment.
Adapting to new climates
Cycles between dry periods and heavy rainfall are getting more polarized, with longer dry spells followed by sudden deluges of rain. The CCL system by PlasticRoad is built to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions and deal with record-breaking rainfall.
Versatile
The paving solutions can be used across a huge scope of applications in the public space, as well as for private spaces. In our efforts to build smarter, greener cities, it can be a valuable tool to achieving our goals.
Simple but durable
It may look complex in structure, but compared to regular asphalt paving, it’s actually relatively simple. The module design allows for maximum flexibility, as well as ease of replacement and repair when the time comes. What’s more, each module is designed to work for up to 30 years.
Learn more about PlasticRoad, its CCL system, and how it can be applied at their website.
