Компания Dow Canada получила премию за технологию превращения сельскохозяйственного пластика в прочное дорожное покрытие

Fort Saskatchewan innovation turns plastic waste into roads Article content Dow Canada has been named the winner in the Emerging Solutions category at the 35th Annual Emerald Awards for environmental excellence thanks to its innovative use of plastic waste recycling. The company was recognized for advancing circular economy solutions through a technology that turns difficult-to-recycle agricultural plastics into stronger, more resilient pavement. Recommended Videos In Canada, only about nine percent of plastic waste is recycled, with hard‑to‑process materials like agricultural plastics often destined for landfill. At the same time, roads in cold climates endure relentless stress from extreme temperature swings, leading to cracking, potholes, and costly, frequent repairs. Dow Canada is tackling both challenges with a paving solution that turns agricultural plastic waste into a performance advantage. Using advanced materials science, this technology chemically bonds those difficult‑to‑recycle plastics with asphalt binders, creating stronger, more resilient pavement engineered for Alberta’s extreme climate conditions. First deployed in 2024 at Dow’s Fort Saskatchewan site, the project incorporated approximately 13,000 kilograms of agricultural plastic waste, equivalent to roughly 2.4 million grocery bags, into 12,000 square metres of roadway. The technology demonstrates how innovative materials science can transform waste into durable infrastructure while supporting Alberta’s circular economy. Dow Canada was one of this year’s Emerald Award recipients recognized during a ceremony held June 4 in Calgary. The event celebrated organizations, projects, and individuals from across Alberta who are addressing environmental challenges and helping build a more resilient and sustainable future. “For 35 years, the Emerald Awards have recognized the people, projects, and organizations helping shape Alberta’s environmental future,” said Marisa Orfei, Executive Director of the Alberta Emerald Foundation (AEF), the non-profit that presents the Emerald Awards. “This year’s recipients offer a powerful snapshot of the work happening across Alberta today—from grassroots initiatives and youth leadership to applied research and industry innovation, each of which is creating lasting benefits for Albertans and beyond.” The Emerald Awards celebrate the organizations, projects, and individuals across Alberta working to address environmental challenges and build a more resilient and sustainable future. As one of the only award programs of its kind in Canada, the Emerald Awards have recognized more than 400 recipients and 900 finalists since 1992, showcasing Alberta as a leader and innovator in the environmental space. To learn more about Dow Canada and this year’s Emerald Award recipients, visit AEF’s website. [email protected]