Plastics in Asphalt Pavements: Unlocking Opportunities and Addressing Environmental Concerns for a Circular Economy

The hunt for sustainable recycling solutions is fueled by the significant environmental issues posed by plastic waste. Recycled plastics have shown promise as an additive for asphalt pavements, improving their resilience to moisture, longevity, and resource efficiency while cutting waste. However, problems like microplastic leakage, inconsistent performance, quality control, and economic viability prevent broad use. Standardized testing, life-cycle assessments, and supportive regulations are necessary to advance this strategy, as is additional study on emissions and long-term performance. Plastics in asphalt have the potential to greatly advance the objectives of the circular economy and sustainable infrastructure with intensive efforts.