Kao and CMU Build Roads from Recycled Plastics
Mrs. Narumol Nakakes, Vice President of Chemical Sales and Marketing at Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated, 'Our partnership with Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Engineering on the Green Pavement project is a proud milestone for Kao. It brings our NEWTLAC innovation to life in a meaningful way and aligns directly with our zero-waste strategy. This project proves that discarded PET plastic bottles can be transformed into high-value, durable, and safe infrastructure.'
Research by Kao Corporation in Japan shows that just 100 square metreers of NEWTLAC-enhanced pavement can recycle up to 1,430 PET bottles. This pilot road stands as a powerful prototype, paving the way for more environmentally friendly infrastructure development across Thailand.'
The Green Pavement project is comprises a prototype stretch of porous asphalt road enhanced with Kao's NEWTLAC 5510 technology. This innovative material is made produced by chemically processing used PET plastic bottles into a fine, yellow powder resembling granulated sugar. When mixed blended with traditional asphalt, it produces creates a highly durable, water-resistant surface that significantly extends the road's lifespan. With Kao providing 1.23 million baht in funding and materials, the project involved the renovation of a 469-metreer roadway, covering more than 3,000 square metermetres within Chiang Mai University. A total of 1.3 tonnes of NEWTLAC was used—recycling 18,909 PET bottles—resulting in an environmentally friendly road that combines structural strength, excellent water permeability, and protection of the campus's existing ecosystem.
Associate Professor Dr. Thongchai Fongsamootr, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Chiang Mai University, remarked, 'The Faculty of Engineering is committed to becoming a leading institution in driving research and innovation for sustainable infrastructure. We are proud to partner with Kao on the Green Pavement project, part of our broader initiative, titled 'Plastic Road Pavement from Kao NEWTLAC as Recycled PET Product.'. This project not only addresses key challenges in civil and environmental engineering but also serves as a 'Living Lab,' where students and faculty can engage with real-world applications of alternative materials. The road's strength, durability, and excellent water absorption, along with its ability to preserve mature trees and the natural landscape of our campus, exemplify its potential as a model for sustainable development in Thailand.'
The Green Pavement at Chiang Mai University marks the third real-world deployment of Kao's NEWTLAC technology. Earlier pilots were carried out at two other locations: a 500-square-metre stretch at Amata City Industrial Estate in Chonburi, and a 1,500-square-metre section at the Din Daeng toll plaza on the inbound Don Mueang Tollway, covering both inner and outer lanes. The consistent success across all three sites underscores Kao's steadfast commitment to sustainable innovation and delivering long-term environmental benefits to Thai society.
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