Abu Dhabi: The first phase of the Etihad Railway Network will use 750,000 tonnes of recycled material.
Abu Dhabi's Centre of Waste Management has a 15-year deal with Thiess Services Middle East (TSME) for the construction and management of a recycling plant.
TSME is supplying aggregate generated from construction waste in Al Dhafra to railway builder the Al Jaber Group (AJG).
The first section of the railway is being constructed between Shah and Ruwais.
TSME is supplying the recycled aggregate for the sub-ballast layer.
The Centre of Waste Management said the Thiess Recycling Plant is the first of its kind in the Middle East and uses modern and eco-friendly techniques.
"The use of recycled aggregates brings important technical, environmental and economic benefits to our customers and to Abu Dhabi," said TSME general manager Tim Harwood.
"AJG saw the opportunity to utilise a sustainable and cost effective material in their construction."
Harwood added that AJG "have been a consistent and valued customer" of his company.
Stringent standards
Najib Arnous, contracting director of Al Jaber's transport and general contracting arm, said there had been no slip in the quality of the material.
"Our requirements for recycled aggregates are as stringent as those for any other sources of material," Arnous said.
"We are looking for very high quality, technical performance and environmental benefits.
"Our use of Thiess' recycled aggregates over the last two years has demonstrated the benefits to us and we are pleased to be leading the way in this important area of Abu Dhabi's sustainable development."
