Old oil containers turned into new asphalt-like product Plastiphalt in Christchurch

Christchurch infrastructure company Fulton Hogan came up with the innovative concept four years ago.

Construction company Fulton Hogan is using old plastic oil containers to make a new product called Plastiphalt which competes with traditional asphalt.

The plastic used was previously considered to be un-recyclable, but Fulton Hogan is now trying out Plastiphalt at Christchurch International Airport's fire station.

The 250 tonnes of Plastiphalt used at the fire station contains the equivalent of about 3000 oil containers.

The product took about four years of research and development, as well as internal trials.

Vehicles at the fire station weigh up to 60 tonnes, so the surface needs to be hard wearing - but Fulton Hogan says Plastiphalt can stand up to the punishment.

The surface should last about 15 years, and after that it can be recovered and recycled again.

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