Rombus Industries’ patented plastic grid mesh offers a revolutionary alternative to traditional concrete and asphalt, designed for strength, durability, and sustainability.
Concrete and plastic are two materials that define the modern world. They are also two of the biggest environmental challenges of the modern age, creating non-biodegradable waste and excessive carbon emissions.
In order to ease these pressures at the source, we’re pioneering a new construction product. It’s made from 100% recycled plastic and engineered to reduce concrete requirements.
The result? Less plastic waste, lower carbon emissions in construction, and a plastic grid mesh material that can be used in everything from driveways to highways.
See how Rombus recycled plastic driveway grid improved traffic flow for Lift Equipt.
The environmental challenge of traditional concrete pavement
Concrete and asphalt dominate construction. In fact, concrete is second only to water as the most-consumed resource on the planet.
The environmental significance is immense. According to a recent Chatham House report, cement production alone contributes 8% of global CO₂ emissions.
Traditional methods are unsustainable for a world focused on combating climate change. And yet, that same Chatham House report presents a bleak outlook.
“Well-known barriers stand in the way of deep decarbonisation of cement.”
“Alternative materials are often not readily available at the scale required. Meanwhile, architects, engineers, contractors and clients are understandably cautious about novel building materials.”
“Low expectations around the prospects for a radical breakthrough in cement production are reflected in the limited attention given to the sector in key assessments of low-carbon pathways in recent years. As one recent report notes, ‘When cement emissions are mentioned at all in public debate, it is typically to note that little can be done about them.’”
We’re aiming to change this outlook. Innovation in concrete production is an urgent global challenge, and our plastic grid mesh is one of the first truly scalable solutions.
Rombus plastic grid mesh is a game-changer in construction
Rombus Industries has developed an innovative solution that redefines eco-friendly construction. Our Rombus Grid plastic grid mesh is made in Australia from 100% recycled plastic, rubber and non-degradable waste materials. It yields a compressive strength between two and four times higher than conventional concrete, with 60% to 90% lower carbon emissions from concrete consumption.
How Rombus plastic grid mesh reduces carbon emissions in construction
Reducing plastic waste
Each year, Australia generates 400 million tonnes of plastic waste. Around 130,000 tonnes end up in oceans and waterways.
Much of this is single-use and non-biodegradable, contributing to a mounting microplastic problem. We’re addressing this growing crisis by transforming discarded plastic and rubber into a high-performance paving solution.
Using recycled polypropylene to manufacture Rombus Grid means that every square metre helps to reduce Australia’s plastic pollution problem while contributing to a circular economy.
Curbing carbon emissions from concrete
Rombus Grid reduces CO₂ emissions from concrete by an average of 60%. A 25m² area requires just 1m3 of concrete – substantially less than a standard concrete slab.
At the commercial and civil scale, this means that Rombus Grid actually generates carbon credits for businesses.
Beyond installation, the exceptional durability reduces the need for repairs and maintenance, while the ability to integrate drainage solutions further minimises project complexity.
All these efficiencies contribute to significant emissions savings. From inner-city applications like recycled plastic driveway grids, to remote and regional settings like mining access roads, there is potential for those savings to be widespread and long-term.
Use our carbon calculator to estimate your emissions savings.
Additional eco-benefits of Rombus Grid
- Improved efficiency: Rombus Grid is 40% faster to install than traditional concrete slabs and requires 33% less labour, reducing environmental impact across the project lifecycle.
- Less equipment: The simple three-stage installation process eliminates the need for pump trucks, steel reinforcement and formwork, meaning your project consumes less materials and requires less heavy equipment.
- Reduced dust: There’s no need to remove the existing wearing course during construction, and Rombus allows for non-destructive sub-grade repairs down the line, causing less dust and environmental disturbance.
- Fuel and chemical resistance: Rombus is designed to withstand fuel and chemical spills, preventing these harmful chemicals from slipping through the cracks in concrete slabs.
- Chemically inert: Unlike other civil construction materials, Rombus Grid is not bothered by harsh weather and will not leach chemicals into waterways or surrounding ecosystems.
How Rombus plastic grid mesh works
Ground preparation
At just 40mm thick, Rombus requires less earthmoving compared to concrete.
Easy transportation
Rombus is stackable on pallets, reducing transport costs and vehicle emissions.
Grid installation
Installation is fast and straightforward. The lightweight and modular 1m x 1m grid design reduces labour costs by up to 33%.
Filling and finishing
A shallower depth means Rombus requires significantly less concrete, reducing emissions and curing timelines.
Real-world applications of Rombus plastic grid mesh
As a modular, hybrid pavement technology, Rombus plastic grid mesh can solve all kinds of construction challenges:
- Recycled plastic driveway grid that’s strong enough to withstand heavy equipment
- Concrete slabs laid faster, cheaper and with significantly less cement
- Hardstands, day yards and laydown areas for ports, logistics and heavy machinery
- Mining access roads and airstrips that are faster and more efficient to build
- Landscaping and golf courses from DIY projects to drainage systems and retaining walls
Rombus’ role in sustainable urban development
Rombus concrete grid solutions are resistant to cracking, erosion and extreme weather. It has been tested in the harshest remote environments, and now we’re eyeing up the next challenge: sustainable urban spaces.
By integrating hybrid pavement technology into urban infrastructure, developers can create greener inner-city spaces.
Supporting green building standards
Rombus Grids helps developers meet rigorous green building standards such as LEED and BREEAM by reducing the environmental impact of construction and promoting sustainable practices.
Roads and parking
With a high compressive strength of over 4,000 tonnes per m2 when filled with Rombus-approved material, our plastic grid mesh easily meets the demand of high-traffic areas. The system can be used to create roads, driveways and parking lots with minimal disruption, less excavation, and better long-term performance.
Room to grow
The modular nature of Rombus plastic grid mesh makes it easy to create space for vegetation on pavements. As well as looking appealing and offering much-needed urban shade, this enhances stormwater management, improves air quality and provides habitat for wildlife.
The bottom line: Rombus plastic grid mesh outperforms traditional pavement at every turn
From small projects – using Rombus as a recycled plastic driveway grid – to large-scale commercial construction, Rombus Grid offers wide-ranging and long-lasting benefits.
It reduces carbon emissions. It’s easier, faster, cheaper and less destructive to install. It boasts a high compressive strength, a low profile, and a long life.
When stacked against traditional concrete slabs, there is simply no comparison. Rombus Grid represents the future of construction, offering a greener alternative without compromising on cost or performance.
Learn more about Rombus Grid or get in touch to discuss your project requirements.