A report from Standards Australia has uncovered a series of issues hindering the uptake of recycled content in roads, including a lack of nationally harmonised performance-based standards.
The report also detailed a roadmap designed to address the primary roadblocks, urging industry and the government to form a partnership in order to make progress.
Developed in partnership with the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR), the report outlines various ways to advance the use of recycled materials in roads and explore areas available to facilitate the transition to a circular economy.
“We have been delighted to work with Standards Australia to navigate the barriers to uptake of recycled materials in roads and explore how standards can support industry to overcome these barriers,” said Suzanne Toumbourou, CEO at ACOR.
“By working collaboratively together to identify actions to support the use of recycled materials, we can contribute to the circularity of roads and provide a more sustainable future for transportation infrastructure,” the ACOR CEO added.
According to the report, the barriers faced by Australian roads include gaps in procurement policies and a lack of maturity in some materials markets.
“Using recycled content in roads has considerable benefits, including a reduction in environmental impact, improved performance of materials, cost savings, and job creation,” said Roland Terry-Lloyd, head of engagement and strategic delivery at Standards Australia.
“Standards have a crucial role to play in addressing these barriers and facilitating the transition to a circular economy by establishing common definitions, measurements, and guidelines for industry, government, and consumers,” Terry-Lloyd added.
The report has called on the government and industry to create guidance material on the use of recycled materials in road construction, its benefits, and enabling standards to improve awareness, and address misconceptions.
Standards Australia said it has commenced the implementation of the recommendations made.
The organisation is also slated to establish an expert committee that will inform policy and collaborate with state and federal governments to take action.
