BPCL Launches Geocell Technology to Tackle Plastic Waste in Road Construction

New Delhi, July 14, 2025: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), in collaboration with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), has unveiled Geocell, a new technical textile solution designed to repurpose end-of-life plastic waste for infrastructure applications. The innovation aims to address plastic waste management challenges while enhancing road construction practices in India.

Developed by BPCL’s Corporate Research & Development Centre, Geocell builds on the company’s earlier success with its Waste Plastic Module technology, which has already utilized over 250 metric tonnes of plastic waste in infrastructure across India. The new technology targets mixed and multi-layered plastic waste, which remains difficult to recycle and is typically excluded from road-building standards.

India’s first field trial using this plastic-based Geocell technology was inaugurated on July 11, 2025, at Loop No. 1 of the DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway in New Delhi. The pilot project spans 1,280 square meters and incorporates 20–25 tonnes of plastic waste in the form of both modules and Geocells. It was executed jointly by BPCL, CRRI, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), with support from Tata Projects.

“This trial section, utilizing end-of-life waste plastic, is a collaborative effort between BPCL and CRRI. Upon successful validation, this approach may lead to increased application of waste plastic in the future,” said Mr. Chandrasekhar N., Head of R&D, BPCL, during the inaugural ceremony.

The launch event was attended by Dr. Kalaiselvi, Director General, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR); Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Director, CRRI; and senior scientists from BPCL.

The use of Geocell aims to improve pavement performance while offering a sustainable solution to the country’s plastic waste burden. The approach aligns with national goals under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and the drive toward Net Zero emissions.

Importantly, the Geocell application incorporates plastic types—such as multi-layered plastic—that are not currently recognized under existing Indian Roads Congress (IRC) specifications, potentially opening new avenues for plastic waste utilization in road infrastructure.

With this initiative, BPCL continues to advance its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and circular economy principles. The company has stated that scalable adoption of Geocell technology could redefine plastic waste management and set new standards for environmentally conscious construction.