Monash, PACT Group, Integrated Recycling and other partners develop tram platforms from recycled plastics

A project between industry partners, Monash Institute of Railway Technology (Monash IRT) and Yarra Trams has developed modular platforms out of recycled materials for use throughout Melbourne’s tram network.

According to a statement from Monash on Tuesday, the team researched, designed and developed recycled components for the platforms after being awarded grant support through state government agency Sustainability Victoria.

The resulting solution “may be used to progressively replace tram stop platforms across Melbourne” and repurposes “plastics from kerbside and industrial waste”, said Monash. 

As well as the organisations mentioned above, the project involved industry partners PACT group, GT Recycling, DKSH Australia, and Integrated Recycling, and researchers from Monash’s Faculty of Engineering and Monash Art, Design and Architecture (MADA.)

Monash is a long-time collaborator with Integrated Recycling on Duratrack railway sleepers.

“Unlike traditional tram stop platforms, this new modular design offers a cost-effective, sustainable and accessible solution,” said Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Director of Monash IRT. 

“The design of this product offers a more sustainable solution to build new platform stops and encourages local communities to improve segregation of materials for recycling and reduce waste destined for landfill.”

The work appears to be the Development of Next Generation Tram Stop Platforms Using Recycled Materials project, announced in 2021 with a $300,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria.

Picture: model of the tram stop platform (supplied)

Further reading

Monash rail research centre hosts Ayres

Monash University signs R&D MoU with international rail industry body

Australian Railway Research and Innovation Network launches

$500,000 grant will assist industry, Monash IRT develop recycled plastic sleepers for mainline use

Recycled plastic tram stop project awarded $300,000 Victorian government grant