Cracking idea: UK city trials biobased traffic pillars

In the UK, a local city council is installing traffic-control pillars made out of a plant-based biopolymer. 

Commonly called bollards, such obstructions are meant to protect pedestrians from contact with vehicles—be it unintentional or otherwise—in high traffic areas. 

According to Hampshire County Council, the biobased bollards are lower weight—and thus easier and cheaper to install—than concrete bollards and generate fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional concrete bollards. Each plant-based bollard saves the city £40. 

“It’s a first for Hampshire, as we’re proud to trial low-carbon street furniture,” the Council says. “We’re determined to play our part on the critical issue of climate change and carbon reduction and lead the way in sustainable construction.”