net-zero targets by replacing fossil fuel bitumen with locally sourced waste plastic .

Toby McCartney ( centre ) with the other directors and co-founders , Nick Burnett ( left ) and Gordon Reid .

By SHEILA ROZARIO

One company at the forefront of this movement is MacRebur Limited , a company dedicated to solving two global problems with a straightforward solution : cleaning up the waste plastic epidemic and , at the same time , enhancing the poor quality of roads we have to drive on .

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PREDICAMENT OF ASPHALT PRODUCTION

MacRebur ’ s Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) Toby McCartney highlighted the staggering global production of 150 million tonnes of asphalt annually , a substantial portion of which , approximately 7.5 million tonnes , relies on bitumen - a fossil fuel extracted from the ground .

“ This bitumen is the binding agent for aggregates in asphalt that make our roads , contributing significantly to the carbon emissions associated with asphalt production ,” said McCartney .

To envision a solution , McCartney proposed a revolutionary approach : replacing approximately 10 per cent of the bitumen in asphalt with sustainable polymers made entirely from waste plastics destined for landfill or incineration , specifically MacRebur ’ s MR6 or MR8 roads additive products .

The potential impact of this seemingly small change is profound - it has the potential to save an astounding two trillion tonnes of carbon emissions globally .

McCartney underscored the central mission of MacRebur , positioning themselves as key contributors to global efforts to reach

NAVIGATING POTHOLES

In the realm of road infrastructure , the perennial issue of potholes has long plagued municipalities and governments worldwide . However , a transformative solution is available , and its name is Mac- Rebur ’ s sustainable polymer mix , which is used as an additive in any asphalt design mix . MacRebur ’ s sustainable polymers offer a sustainable , long-term remedy to the deformation on our roads .

Already used in over 30 countries , MacRebur ’ s innovative additives are designed to combat the detrimental effects of temperature variations on road surfaces . McCartney shed light on the intricacies of this polymer-enhanced marvel , emphasising its capacity to endure diverse climate conditions .

McCartney pointed out the broader implications of MacRebur ’ s polymer mix for road infrastructure .

“ We use the engineered qualities of polymers to enhance the engineered qualities of bitumen , which leads to an improved asphalt mix that works to counter the deformation we see daily on our road networks .”

McCartney also highlighted the transformative potential of MacRebur ’ s technology in ensuring the enduring durability of roads . With its polymer infusion , the polymer mix emerged as a game-changer - offering a remedy for existing road issues and a proactive strategy for future-proofing road networks .

In McCartney ’ s vision , MacRebur ’ s products should be integral to the initial phases of road construction , fundamentally altering the approach to maximise longevity and minimise maintenance costs . This strategic shift promises enhanced road durability and significant economic advantages for municipalities and governments grappling with the financial burden of constant road repairs .

IMPACT ON GLOBAL CHALLENGES

In the world of road infrastructure , the vexing issue of potholes has long been a global concern . MacRebur , with its innovative sustainable polymer mix , offers a transformative solution that transcends geographical boundaries .

As the company addresses specific challenges faced by regions like the Philippines , the potential for job creation and the cyclical nature of pothole repair , road resurfacing , and new road building before elections emerge as universal issues faced by municipalities globally .

INTEGRATING MACREBUR ’ S SOLUTIONS FROM INCEPTION

McCartney ’ s passionate advocacy for the holistic integration of MacRebur ’ s solutions from the onset of road construction underscores the company ’ s commitment to sustainability and enduring impact .

MacRebur ’ s sustainable polymer additives symbolise forward-thinking infrastructure development .

“ Asphalt with MacRebur additives included costs less to manufacture , emits less CO2e , and enhances the roads the adduces are used in .

“ Adding to this , asphalt manufacturers using MacRebur additives are not required to change any of their current processes or buy in any additional machinery . They make asphalt as normal , and our products are designed to fit within the current asphalt standards in any country we work in ,” he explained .

CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND THE ROLE OF POLYMERS

Regarding concerns about adaptation scenarios and the impact of climate change on road infrastructure , McCartney , with an engineer ’ s precision , expounds on how MacRebur ’ s polymer-enhanced asphalt provides unparalleled flexibility and durability .

McCartney explained : “ In colder climates , the polymer prevents cracking , while in hotter climates , it resists rutting caused by melting bitumen .”

The adaptability of MacRebur ’ s technology positions it as a crucial asset for countries facing diverse and challenging climate conditions .

McCartney illustrates scenarios from Scotland to Singapore , showcasing the versatility of MacRebur ’ s polymer technology . In Scotland , where temperature variations lead to rainwater-induced road cracks during the day and subsequent freezing at night , the polymer prevents the asphalt from cracking .

Conversely , in hot climates like Dubai , where bitumen melting at 60-70 degrees Celsius causes rutting , MacRebur ’ s polymer ensures road stability with a higher melting point at around 80-90 degrees Celsius .

This adaptability speaks for MacRebur ’ s innovations ’ technical prowess and underscores their potential to contribute significantly to global climate resilience efforts .

The enhanced durability and flexibility of roads equipped with MacRebur ’ s polymer-infused asphalt emerge as a critical factor in addressing the multifaceted challenges climate change poses on road infrastructure .