Away from recycled plastic at Schiphol Airport

At the initiative of VolkerWessels Infra Schiphol, consisting of KWS and VolkerRail, Schiphol is the first airport in the world to have a road made of recycled plastic (PlasticRoad). The constructed PlasticRoad is made of waste from the terminal. As the founder of PlasticRoad, KWS is proud of its successful introduction and implementation at Schiphol.

The parking bays behind VolkerWessels Infra Schiphol's implementation cabin are made of PlasticRoad and another part of a runway will follow at the end of the year. The two locations are part of a test to show whether the recycled road is a good alternative to standard asphalt roads in the future, thus contributing to a more sustainable infrastructure at the airport. 

Second life for plastic waste at Schiphol Airport

PlasticRoad has many advantages over regular asphalt pavement. The sustainable and circular solution captures rainwater, filters it and gradually lets it sink into the ground. This leads to better and natural water management, provides a water buffer during heavy regular rainfall and contributes to improved groundwater levels. 

The filter system also captures debris coming from traffic so it does not end up on the roadside. In addition, the road provides a second life for plastic waste at the airport, is easier to maintain, has a longer lifespan and is quicker and easier to implement, helping to reduce CO₂, NOx and particulate matter emissions. This fits well with the sustainable ambitions of both Schiphol and KWS and VolkerRail. The use of Plastic Road at these locations will save 82% of CO₂-emissions.

Reuse plastic waste locally

Oscar Maan, Innovation Manager at Schiphol, says: "We are very happy to be able to do this pilot with PlasticRoad at Schiphol. The arrival of PlasticRoad contributes to our zero waste goals. It allows us to reuse our plastic waste locally. We consider it important to invest in a sustainable infrastructure as we work towards a waste-free and emission-free airport by 2030. This plastic road also has the same driving characteristics as asphalt and has many sustainable benefits for us. If the test turns out well, we plan to fit more roads at Schiphol with this type of road surface in the future."

Strategic partner

KWS has been working as a strategic partner for Schiphol in the VolkerWessels Infra Schiphol combination for over ten years. Our responsibilities include the management, maintenance and projects for the infrastructure and systems needed to handle aircraft at Schiphol. Examples of assets that VolkerWessels Infra Schiphol works on are passenger bridges and aircraft stands.