The city of Doncaster, England has partnered with Duraproducts for a trial project to install recycled plastic curbing units at two sites within the city. The company’s product, called Durakerb, is a recyclable, lightweight curbing solution made from 88% recycled polymer content.
In planning the trial, the city’s Highway Operations department worked with the Highways Asset Management Team to research alternate methods to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for manual handling of concrete curbs and channels. They also took into consideration the impact of the carbon footprint involved in both the production and cutting of the concrete products. Concrete handling can lead to health issues, including hand-arm vibration – which arises from the excessive use of hand-held power tools – and silica dust exposure, which is produced when concrete is cut and can lead to the development of serious chest conditions.
Durakerb is lightweight – under six kilograms per unit – so that each unit can be easily lifted by hand, with no machinery required at any stage of installation. Durakerb units contain 88% recycled and recyclable polymer units, which are primarily sourced from milk bottles, caps and closures, and other household and commercial polymer waste. All Durakerb units can be either recycled into new products or repurposed in their entirety for different projects, further contributing to a more sustainable future.
“It’s great to see Doncaster Council leading the way in sustainable infrastructure,” said Andy Leah, general manager at Duraproducts. “By partnering with Duraproducts and implementing our innovative recycled plastic kerbing units, the council is not only improving the environment but also prioritizing the health and safety of its workforce. The successful trials demonstrate the viability and benefits of this sustainable solution, and we hope to see more councils adopting similar practices in the future.”
