The M80 Upgrade in Melbourne’s North was the first Australian freeway project to use Downer’s Reconophalt™  in all pavement layers.

Reconophalt™ asphalt contains recycled materials like soft plastics and toner, helping divert 29.3 million plastic bags, 830,000 printer cartridges, and 13,000 tonnes of asphalt from landfill. This reduced CO₂ emissions by over 339 tonnes—equal to taking 140 cars off the road for a year. 

In 2023 the project received the Australian Construction Achievement Award for its innovative engineering, safety, innovation, and environmental performance.

Reconophalt: Australia’s first asphalt road alternative using soft plastics and glass | Sustainability Victoria