Alappuzha: Kerala has transformed thousands of tonnes of discarded plastic into a valuable resource for infrastructure development, with roads across the state benefiting from recycled plastic over the last decade.

According to figures released by Clean Kerala Company, a total of 4,447.93 metric tonnes of shredded plastic has been produced since the initiative began, enabling the construction of nearly 7,249 kilometres of roads. The programme is being highlighted as one of the state's major efforts to tackle plastic pollution while promoting sustainable development.

The recycled plastic is primarily used in plastic-mixed road construction, a method that is considered more durable than conventional road-building techniques while also providing an environmentally responsible solution for managing non-biodegradable waste.

Among government agencies, the Public Works Department (PWD) emerged as the largest user of shredded plastic, consuming 2,132.48 metric tonnes for road projects. Roads built by local self-government institutions accounted for the use of another 2,028.15 metric tonnes, while 17.08 metric tonnes were utilised in National Highway construction works.

Clean Kerala Company launched shredded plastic production in 2016 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen scientific plastic waste management across the state. Plastic waste collected from various sources is processed, cleaned and shredded before being supplied for reuse in infrastructure projects.

Officials say the initiative has helped divert large quantities of plastic waste away from landfills and the environment while creating a productive use for materials that would otherwise pose a long-term pollution challenge.

The collection network supporting the programme includes local self-government bodies, Haritha Karma Sena units, Resource Recovery Facilities (RRFs) and Material Collection Facilities (MCFs). The coordinated system enables the gathering, segregation and processing of plastic waste before it is converted into reusable material.

Data from the company shows that shredded plastic production and road construction have steadily expanded over the years. Production crossed 1,000 metric tonnes in 2020-21, one of the highest annual outputs recorded under the programme.

Shredded plastic production and roads built in Kerala

YearPlastic Produced (MT)Roads Constructed (km)
201623.8251.89
2017174.78358.35
2018439.19495.74
2019665.591073.75
202010001710.45
2021739.771277.13
2022371514.35
2023200.87339.54
2024350.99652.77
2025466.93745.98
202614.9929.36

*Figures for 2026-27 are up to the latest available period.