In another big step towards sustainability, the Victorian government is investing in a project to convert 1,600 tonnes of plastic into recycled railways sleepers.
As part of the Recycling Modernisation Fund, Mildura-based manufacturer Integrated Recycling received $1.6 million to install a new production line that will process these sleepers. The Duratrack sleepers, made from 85 per cent recycled plastic, combine plastics previously used for industrial and agricultural purposes and other polyethylene-based plastics, along with other waste materials.
Duratrack railway sleepers are used across Victoria’s railways, including Wyndham Vale stabling yard and Richmond Station.
“Transforming plastic waste into railway sleepers is a great example of the innovation we are encouraging in our waste and recycling industries,” said Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio.
“Through our investment in recycling infrastructure we are creating a better environment for all Victorians by reducing waste, creating jobs in new industries, and deriving more value from resources.”
The project will create 18 new full-time jobs while producing up to 35,000 Duratrack railway sleepers annually.
“Our regional facilities are the building blocks for a robust recycling network that will help us recycle more of our waste in regional Victoria, supporting the creation of regional circular economies and jobs,” added Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp.
The Recycling Victoria – Recycling Modernisation funds comes as a part of the Victorian government’s $515 million investments towards transforming the state’s recycling and waste industry.
Previously, Monash University’s Institute of Rail Technology had received almost $300,000 to undertake field research toward the plastic sleeper mix designs through the government’s Research, Development and Demonstration Grants.
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