Nova, GreenMantra Technologies Collaborate on Plastic Bag Recycling Initiative

Nova Chemicals and GreenMantra Technologies completed a second asphalt paving project in Ontario, Canada, incorporating the equivalent of 700,000 plastic bags in post-consumer recycled plastic materials into two pathways and a parking lot. The asphalt paving project was completed at the construction site of Nova Chemicals’ newest polyethylene manufacturing facility near Sarnia. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Nova Chemicals as they utilize GreenMantra’s waxes, derived from 100% recycled plastics, to enhance asphalt in a project here in our home province,” said GreenMantra President Domenic Di Mondo. GreenMantra is an advanced recycling provider that upcycles post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastics into specialty waxes and polymer additives that enhance asphalt, roofing, and plastic products. The Nova Chemicals paving project incorporated a polymer additive from GreenMantra that reportedly boosts the performance of the asphalt.

Last year, Nova Chemicals contacted GreenMantra to initiate a field paving trial, which included the equivalent of 118,000 plastic bags in two 1,700-ft long pathways located at its future Rokeby Site. The 2020 pilot was a significant test relative to the Canadian climate and the environmental impact of freeze-thaw cycles, UV rays, and moisture in addition to bearing the load of heavy construction equipment. Asphalt companies often use modifiers, like GreenMantra waxes, to help to make the asphalt more resistant to rutting and cracking, adding durability and longevity to pavements. Based on the positive performance of the test strip in 2020, Nova Chemicals and GreenMantra proceeded with the expanded paving project.

GreenMantra’s specialty polymers are certified as 100% recycled content and the company believes this can replace virgin polymers in industrial products. Asphalt is an emerging area for reuse of plastic materials.

At Nova Chemicals’ second Advanced SCLAIRTECH technology facility, located at the new Rokeby Site, there are nearly 1,800 workers, representing more than four million hours worked since the project started. An estimated 150 permanent full-time jobs will be created to operate and maintain the facilities.