122 | UK Enterprise Awards 2022 Ruskin has resulted in the approval of the largest KEEP+ grant ever awarded.” We ask Christie about the advantage of Roadfill’s UK base, she says, “The United Kingdom is an excellent location for innovation. The British government spends thirty million pounds on innovative roadway decarbonisation projects. We’re forging strong contacts with the local authority by addressing the renovation of local roadways. Recently we’ve offered to repair the deteriorated roads near Highpoint Prison in Stradishall for free.” Trust, flexibility, and diversity are the cornerstones of Roadfill’s company culture. Team members work to a flexible schedule that includes the option to work either in the office or remotely. The company is currently looking into piloting a 4-day working week with its dedicated and enthusiastic team. Christie says, “One of the things that I admire most about the team is how enthusiastic they -Filling gaps – feeling safe. That’s the promise of innovative plastic recycling company Roadfill. By transforming plastic waste into additives used in highway maintenance and renovation, the Haverhill-based company is reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability. We chat with the CEO and Founder of Roadfill, Christie Raptaki, to find out more. Potholes and plastic pollution. In the UK, these are two things we hear about, and see, on a daily basis. One company that is addressing both issues is Roadfill. The company uses waste plastic to make its flagship product, Roadworx®, which is used as an additive in asphalt mixes for road repair. Christie explains, “By utilising our recycled plastic products, we are able to reduce the level of bitumen additives required to repair or relay a road. Bitumen poses a health risk to workers, and it’s a significant source of air pollution. Asphalt emissions from road infrastructure may be higher than emissions from all petrol and diesel-powered vehicles combined.” The Roadworx® solution gained the accolade “Most Innovative Road Repair Solutions – London” in the Build 2021 Eco Excellence Awards. Intended for use by local governments and private contractors, the unique technology saves landfill waste, reduces CO2 emissions, and saves money. Roadfill uses sophisticated recycling methods to ensure no toxic metals or chemicals leach from its asphalt. Working smart, the company uses plastic waste from the areas local to each project. This reduces the need for transport and keeps local roads pollution-free. The company estimates that to re-lay 1 km of asphalt, using Roadworx®, recycles around 2,000,000 plastic bags. And, as an added bonus, the polymers that make up the Roadworx® product add extra flexibility to the road surface. This helps reduce tyre fatigue and makes the surface longer lasting. Christie tells us a bit about what Roadfill is doing to spread the word, “To research and test our products, we collaborate with academics and associates from different universities. The academic system has a wealth of resources that are underutilised by industry. We’re establishing a connection between the academic and business world to work on these problems. Our partnership with the University of Greenwich and Anglia Most Innovative Recycled Plastic Waste Products - South East Jun22125 are about the work they’re going to do. We’re looking into a reduced working week to provide team members with more time to spend on their own pursuits. This is expected to increase our level of output.” At the moment, Roadfill is creating an app that will allow members of the public to mark potholes on a map to display their exact location. Local authorities will then be able to identify areas for remedial action more easily. Roadfill’s primary objective remains to raise awareness about the impact of plastic on the environment. Media coverage of the product is helping to spread the word. Going forward, Roadfill will make more connections with educational institutions with the aim of educating more people about the need for sustainability. Contact: Christie Raptaki Company: Roadfill Web Address: https://roadfill.co.uk/
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