Paving News & Insights

The Most Recycled Product in the World Just Got Better

November 30, 2021
The Most Recycled Product in the World Just Got Better

Recycled Polyethylene (RPE) Paving Projects

Since the 1930's, reclaimed asphalt pavement, or RAP, has been used to produce new asphalt material for paving. The practice has long been known to reduce the use of petroleum-based products, conserve energy, conserve natural resources by requiring less virgin aggregate, and lower the cost of construction. Kansas Asphalt recently partnered with Target and Meijer to take that environmental practice one step further.

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After more than a year of planning and preparation, Kansas Asphalt’s Recycled Polyethylene (RPE) paving projects have been completed. Partnering with forward-thinking and eco-friendly companies, Meijer and Target, Kansas Asphalt installed over 12,000 tons of asphalt mix integrated with the store’s own post-consumer plastic to create a beautiful, long-lasting surface. The mix design lowers green house emissions and energy consumption, not to mention keeping plastic out of landfills.

Meijer Parking Lot Renovation

The Meijer project took place at a large grocery store in Michigan. The job consisted of a complete parking lot renovation with full-depth reconstruction. The formulation of the liquid asphaltic concrete containing 2% recycled polyethylene was created by Dow Chemical, and the hot mix was produced and installed by Rieth Riley Construction Company.

Overhead view of Michigan project

Dennis Caldwell, Lead Field Safety Manager for Kansas Asphalt, was onsite for the project. “I was intrigued by Meijer’s goal for green construction and new sustainable building methods and was able to see the material in person after working on the project for nine months. I noticed the mix had a more consistent and smoother look compared to other mixes in the area,” said Caldwell. “I’m excited to see down the road how the pavement holds together and if more opportunities present themselves to allow for this unique mix to be used.”

The laydown and the handling of the material was excellent considering the amount of plastic in the mix and the differing texture. The result was a definite success.

Target RPE Paving Project

The Target project was located in southern California. Kansas Asphalt installed 2,800 tons of asphalt with mix design and production provided by Granite Construction. The mix was made with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as well as 2,200 of the store’s recycled plastic bags and 1,200 plastic bottles.
 

Target RPE Project

The plastic was used as part of the bonding agent in the liquid asphalt with post-consumer products totaling 10% of the binder. The overall effect of this recycling project prevented 900 cubic yards of waste from entering a landfill.

“There was a learning curve in mastering the handling of the new material, but once we adapted to the differences, the laydown was quite simple.”

- Chuck Jeffries, CEO of Kansas Asphalt

Target RPE Project Target RPE Project
   
Target RPE Project Target RPE Project

 

Innovative Asphalt Paving

Kansas Asphalt is thrilled to be part of this new technology and is committed to finding innovative ways to make what we do even better for our world. We would like to thank all our partners who made these projects possible for their foresight and commitment to the planet we share.

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Featured Project

Distribution Center needs a new surface

After a concrete lot's total failure, Kansas Asphalt conducted a full assessment and developed a program to replace the surface and sub-grade over two years. The result was a new lot for this busy center, without interruption to business.

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"Kansas Asphalt has been one of the best companies that I have used in the Southeast U.S. for remediating lot surfaces – asphalt, concrete and limestone."

Regional Facility Specialist
Little Rock, AR
International Bottling Company

 

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Busy retail store needs a new lot

Kansas Asphalt led the way for the construction management of the asphalt and concrete spaces on this busy lot and the business stayed open during the remodel of the lot. Kansas Asphalt worked for both the client and the third-party engineering firm in coordinating the schedule, activites, and great execution.

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"This was a complex project, but it was easy working with Kansas Asphalt.”

Engineering Lead
Kalispell, MT
Large Engineering Firm

 

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A log deck needs to improve water quality

Kansas Asphalt installed an asphalt plant on site, and organized a program to pave the 17-acre log deck over three years.

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“Kansas Asphalt has been great to work with, consistently adhering to specs and timeframes as well as navigating any problems that we encounter on our projects.”

Vice President of Forestry Services
Large Timber Company

 

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Keeping the water out

A hospital customer was experiencing continual water intrusion at one of their city campus locations in an area enjoyed by staff and visitors alike. Kansas Asphalt was able to identify and resolve the problem.  

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"I know when I work with Kansas Asphalt the project will go smoothly."

Head of Real Estate
Large Hospital System

What We Do

Our capabilities to support parking lots are wide and deep. Whether you need a surface treatment, a full replacement or an expert to help with your project, we have a solution.

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