Bharat Petroleum Corporation has unveiled a pioneering solution for one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, plastic waste disposal. In collaboration with the Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), New Delhi, BPCL has developed an innovative technical textile product called Geocell, designed to repurpose end-of-life and mixed waste plastics for use in road infrastructure.
The launch marks a significant step forward in sustainable construction practices, building upon BPCL R&D’s earlier success with the Waste Plastic Module, which has already consumed over 250 metric tonnes of plastic waste across various Indian states.
The Geocell technology, which addresses the complexities of unsegregated municipal waste, especially multi-layered plastics (MLP), has been successfully tested in plant trials conducted in partnership with TATA Projects. These trials demonstrated the technical and economic viability of using such plastics in infrastructure applications, particularly in road construction.
Taking a major leap from lab to field, India’s first field trial using technical textiles made from end-of-life plastic was inaugurated on July 11, 2025, at Loop No. 1 of the elevated section of the DND–Faridabad–KMP Expressway, New Delhi. The initiative is a joint effort by BPCL, CRRI, and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The inauguration was graced by Dr. Kalaiselvi, Director General, CSIR, along with Chandrasekhar N, Head of R&D, BPCL, and Dr. Manoranjan Parida, Director, CRRI, in the presence of senior BPCL scientists including Dr. Ravikumar, Dr. Chiranjeevi Thota, and Dr. Mahesh Kasture.
In his inaugural address, Chandrasekhar N. stated that, “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.”
The field demonstration covers approximately 1,280 square meters, utilizing 20-25 tonnes of plastic waste in the form of both Modules and Geocells. Notably, the use of multi-layered plastic waste – currently not covered under existing Indian Roads Congress (IRC) specifications – could significantly enhance plastic utilization in future infrastructure projects.
This initiative aligns seamlessly with India’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and Net Zero goals. Beyond environmental benefits, the technology provides tangible improvements to pavement durability and performance, representing a win-win for both sustainability and infrastructure.
With this successful field deployment, BPCL continues to lead from the front in sustainable innovation and circular economy practices. The scalable application of such technologies could redefine plastic waste management in India and set new standards for the global infrastructure community.
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