ROBOVOID, an Australian innovator and manufacturer of recycled plastic solutions to reduce carbon in concrete construction, has collaborated with Prainsa Precast, Saudi Arabia, to trial the use of their recycled plastic void former in production of precast concrete panels. Prainsa, is a prominent Saudi precast concrete manufacturer located in Dammam. The trial’s aim was to demonstrate the ease of using the ROBOVOID system to achieve a significant reduction in concrete mass CO₂ emissions for these precast panels.
There are many mega-construction projects happening in Saudi Arabia at present and over the next decade. As ROBOVOID’s system significantly reduces CO2 in concrete construction (and upcycles waste plastic in the process), this trial with Prainsa is well timed to demonstrate the system's environmental and performance credentials to the Saudi market.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. John Stehle and Scott Olding, ROBOVOID’s recycled plastic void formers are transforming traditional concrete construction. Crafted from 100% recycled plastic, sourced from G T Recycling, the ROBOVOID system reduces concrete in slabs, suspended floors, walls, retaining walls and more, resulting in lower CO₂ emissions (and less steel reinforcement in some applications). The cost of deploying the ROBOVOID system is typically cost neutral but can often save on project cost. The reduced weight per section can allow for more concrete sections to be delivered to site per truck, and reduce the size and capacity required in cranes. This circular economy solution is a great step forward in sustainable construction.
G T Recycling, based in Geelong, Australia, is proud to have worked closely with ROBOVOID over a number of years to produce a suitable recycled polymer to be used in the manufacture of its void formers.
Brett McLean, Business Development Manager at GT Recycling says “Our aim is to strive towards a circular economy. It’s been exciting to collaborate with ROBOVOID and to see this solution be applied outside of Australia, and align with projects where sustainability and cost efficiency come together.”
Beyond this trial in Saudi Arabia, ROBOVOID has been deployed in numerous high-profile projects worldwide, including:
Mumbai, India: A sustainable apartment project where developers sought lighter, eco-friendly solutions.
Melbourne, Australia: Ground slab for the Keon Park level crossing, a key infrastructure project led by John Holland for the Victorian State Government. By using ROBOVOID, 38% less concrete was used compared to a traditional concrete slab of the same thickness, significantly lowering CO2 emissions for this slab.
Geelong, Australia: Wall and retaining walls for a factory extension.
ROBOVOID’s technology has been proposed for upcoming large scale infrastructure projects in Victoria and commercial property developments.
Integrating ROBOVOID’s solution at the outset of project design can maximise efficiency and sustainability. As John Stehle highlights. “Planning voids from the initial design stage can streamline adoption and reduce project challenges. Our goal is to build confidence in ROBOVOID’s solution within local markets, paving the way for more sustainable practices.”
Brett McLean adds “We’re thrilled to grow our support of local manufacturing, and also to produce valuable resources for both domestic and global applications.”
Over 25 years, G T Recycling has specialised in the collection, processing, and recycling of end-of-life plastics such as shrink pallet wrap film, wheelie bins, garden pots, milk crates, bread crates, poly pipes, bulka bags, bumper bars, mud guards and plastic drums.
GT Recycling has recently expanded its Geelong facility featuring ROBOVOID’s 100% recycled plastic voids made from recycled resin in the walls of the building. This new facility will house a new advanced LDPE recycling technology to process a range of hard-to-recycle soft plastics.
From years of local collaboration including support from the Victorian and Federal Government, Sustainability Victoria and the Geelong Manufacturing Council, G T Recycling continues to play an important role diverting plastic waste from landfill and contributing to the circular economy.
If you would like to discuss how G T Recycling can supply recycled plastic for your next project, please reach out to our team at sales@gtrecycling.com.au or via phone +61352480473.
Commentaires