🌱 Meet The Innovator
Meet Padma Shri Rajagopalan Vasudevan, a professor from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. He has developed an innovative method to reuse plastic waste to construct more durable roads, tackling two major problems India faces – waste management and road durability.
💡 The Innovation
Professor Vasudevan’s method involves converting plastic waste into a substitute for bitumen, the main ingredient in road construction. The process is simple and cost-effective. Plastic waste is collected, cleaned, shredded, and heated at a specific temperature before being mixed with stone and bitumen.
📍 The Bigger Picture
Since the inception of this revolutionary technique, over 5,000 km of plastic roads have been laid across 11 states in India, providing a solution for the disposal of 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste. The roads constructed with this method have proven to be more durable and cost-effective than traditional roads.
🎯 Takeaway
Professor Vasudevan’s innovation offers an inspiring example of how a simple idea can have a significant impact. It is a reminder that each one of us, with our innovative ideas and determination, can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
To learn more about his work, click here.