Shell Pakistan introduced a plastic-infused road in Karachi by recycling discarded Shell lubricant bottles. The organisation collaborated with start-up BRR Enterprises and the local authority District Municipal Corporation South to construct the road, which helps reduce plastic waste materials and promotes environment-friendly practices.
Over 2.5 tons of discarded Shell lubricant bottles were recycled to construct a 730 feet long and 60 feet wide road on which Shell House is located in Karachi. The discarded Shell lubricant’s plastic bottles were incorporated into the asphalt road’s construction using the dry process method, reducing plastic waste. Plastics pose a threat to nature by being non-biodegradable and toxic. According to research, a simple plastic bag can decompose for up to 500 years, while a plastic bottle can take around 300 years.
Plastic roads offer higher flexibility, durability, and a almost three times longer lifespan. Moreover, the construction materials for regular roads are more expensive, whereas plastics are practically free, taking down construction costs by several folds. The innovation is considerably more sustainable. And most importantly, it contributes to helping our social problem of plastic waste.
The Chief Executive and Managing Director of Shell Pakistan Limited, Waqar Siddiqui, inaugurated the newly built road in Karachi and stated, “This is the first time we have used our discarded lubricants bottles to make a road, and I’m amazed to see the result. This innovative method helps reduce plastic waste and can provide an environmentally friendly option for future infrastructure projects in Pakistan. Innovative solutions like this need to be tried and tested, and I hope I will be adopted to contribute to building a cleaner society.”
Shell responsibly provides energy: we aim to limit environmental impact and support the transition towards a lower-carbon future. We recognise the importance of climate change and our role in helping people achieve and maintain a good quality of life.