In a Victorian first, Hobsons Bay City Council will trial Emesh, a 100 percent recycled plastic fibre product used to reinforce concrete as part of the Skeleton Creek Trail upgrade.
Mayor, Angela Altair, said an 80 metre section of the new path along the Seabrook trail will be reinforced with plastic fibres from waste that would likely otherwise end up in landfill.
“These fibres, which are mixed in with concrete, replace the need for traditional steel reinforcement and are perfect for salty and coastal environments like ours.
“Installing the Emesh product on the path has saved more than 108kg of waste from going to landfill and has avoided the use of 807kg of steel.
”The recycled plastic alternative has also reduced carbon emissions by almost 2,500kgs as less energy is consumed during its production compared to the production of steel.”
The Mayor said the product offers three-dimensional reinforcement as it runs throughout the concrete, instead of using a singular layer of steel.
“It also enables greater flexibility in design, such as curved paths and trails, therefore also avoiding waste generated by steel cut offs.
“The product is a great option. It is the same cost as steel and has the added benefit of introducing the significant environmental savings that our community is asking for.”
