Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of the Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, is encouraging local people to donate their plastic waste for the building of roads on the airport campus.
BIAL is partnering with FMCG giant ITC’s foods division and popular Indian radio channel Big FM in the major initiative, known as #PlasticBeku. The campaign also aims to raise awareness about waste segregation at source.
The #PlasticBeku collection program will be undertaken at three BIAL-adopted schools, as well as local districts, private schools and resident welfare associations in North Bengaluru. Students and teachers will be encouraged to give their household waste plastic to the airport.
Working with ITC, BIAL will also extend the collection drive to a further 20 schools across Bengaluru.
BIAL will use the plastic waste collected through this drive to pave its internal roads. After a successful road trial using a mix of plastic and bitumen, the company has decided to go ahead with building polymerized roads that have a strong binding ability and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Based on scientific research, it has been found that these roads are expected to last longer than asphalt roads.
The process of paving roads using waste plastic is in accordance with the guidelines laid out by the Indian Road Congress. The aggregate and the bitumen will be heated in parallel at 150°C (302°F) and transferred to the mixing chamber, after which 6-8% of the shredded plastic will be blended with the heated mix before spreading it on the road.
“As an airport, we generate a large quantum of waste each day. BIAL has, however, been ahead of the curve in managing our waste – including plastic – in a very responsible manner. Eliminating irresponsible use of plastic is just one among BIAL’s many sustainable initiatives,” said Tom Shimmin, chief project officer, BIAL.
“Building strong and durable roads with waste plastic is an easier and more ecologically efficient way to dispose plastic waste that is otherwise scattered all over. We have always believed that BIAL must lead the way and be a role model for sustainable development. The #PlasticBeku campaign is one initiative that we believe can change the world.”