Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) is currently participating in a New End Market Opportunities (NEMO) study analyzing the performance of post-use plastic in asphalt. The NEMO model of the Plastics Industry Association focuses on improving and expanding uses for recycled post-use plastic.

CPChem recently used a specialized asphalt mix containing approximately 1,000 kilograms of recycled plastic to pave a 67,000-square-foot parking lot at its Port Arthur, Texas, facility. CPChem’s newly paved lot is estimated to contain the equivalent of more than 191,000 plastic bags, redirecting these valuable materials from ending up in a landfill or unintended places in the environment.

Provided by GreenMantra Technologies, a polyethylene wax additive made from recycled plastic films is incorporated into liquid asphalt to bind aggregates like sand and rock. Expected to match the specifications of traditional asphalt mixes, the innovative asphalt composition used to pave CPChem’s new lot will now undergo periodic inspections to measure its real-world performance.

Along with CPChem, three additional companies have volunteered spaces for this study aimed at reducing plastic waste through its use in improving the performance, environmental impact, and lifespan of asphalt applications.

CPChem believes all recycling methods have a role to play in reducing plastic waste. The company proudly supports this Plastics Industry Association project that aligns with CPChem’s work to advance a circular economy for plastics. For more information on sustainability at CPChem, please visit www.cpchem.com/sustainability.