- New recycled-plastic cover delivers 63% greater load-bearing capacity than a conventional concrete cover while weighing over 80% less; the current pilot of 6,105 covers returns more than 6.5 tonnes of plastic to productive use
- Frasers Property Thailand plans to make the innovation available for adoption by other property developers on a royalty-free basis, supporting wider use of more sustainable construction solutions in Thailand’s property sector
Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited (SET: FPT) has partnered with DOS Life, a specialist in comprehensive water management systems under Thammasorn Group, to jointly develop a recycled-plastic inspection chamber cover made from post-use high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as an alternative to conventional concrete inspection chamber covers.
The new cover has delivers 63% greater load-bearing capacity, while weighing over 80% less, helping to improve workplace safety and reduce transport and maintenance requirements. With a service life of at least 30 years, six times that of a conventional concrete cover, it also lowers replacement frequency and lifetime costs, making it a sound business choice as well as a more sustainable one. In addition, it reduces the use of virgin resources. Together, the 6,105 covers currently being piloted return more than 6.5 tonnes of plastic to productive use, equivalent to a reduction of over 1,123 kgCO2e in greenhouse gas emissions.The pilot is taking place across four of Frasers Property Thailand’s landed housing projects, with the company targeting an expansion to more than 70 new developments by 2027.
Mr. Somboon Wasinchutchawal, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited, and Acting Chief Executive Officer, Residential Business, said, “The company places great importance on managing resources in line with circular economy principles, with a focus on reducing the use of virgin resources, minimising waste and enhancing the value of materials so that they can be put back to productive use. The rainwater inspection chamber cover is one example of this approach. Conventional concrete covers can be prone to cracking and water pooling, which may require replacement. We worked with DOS Life to develop a recycled-plastic alternative that aims to address these issues, reduce waste, support effective cost management and improve strength as well as ease of transportation and installation.
“We believe that advancing sustainability requires collaboration across the industry. The company is therefore making this innovation available as an Open Innovation, allowing other property developers to build on and adopt it widely on a royalty-free basis. This aims to help raise sustainability standards across Thailand’s property sector more rapidly.”
Mr. Dhiti Towiwat, President of Thammasorn Group, the parent company of DOS Life, said, “Frasers Property Thailand and DOS Life worked together to further develop the recycled-plastic inspection chamber cover, from structural design and performance testing to the selection of materials suited to real-world use, through more than a year of continuous joint development.” The innovation has five key features:
- Cost-effective over its service life: Based on current product specifications, the recycled-plastic cover has an expected service life of at least 30 years, compared with an average service life of five years for the conventional concrete cover used as the benchmark. Its longer service life aims to reduce replacement frequency, maintenance requirements, and waste from repairs and replacements, which may offer better value over the long term.
- Strong and durable: Made from recycled HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene), the cover incorporates a reinforcing-rib structure designed to enhance the material’s strength, durability and flexibility. Testing using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM), based on the test method referenced in the draft Thai Industrial Standard TIS 2962-2562, showed that the cover could withstand 63% more load than the conventional concrete inspection chamber cover used as the benchmark.
- Easier and safer to install and transport: The cover’s fin design allows the gap between the cover and the chamber rim to be adjusted appropriately, keeping the cover securely in place and reducing movement. Being up to 80 % lighter than a conventional concrete cover, it also reduces transport costs, fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, while lowering the risk of injury to workers from lifting heavy loads.
- Efficient drainage: Four-way drainage channels improve water discharge and reduce the accumulation of leaves and debris, while an open-and-close drainage opening helps prevent insects and pests from entering the chamber.
- Attractive and safe design: The slip-resistant surface features a pattern that enhances the product’s appearance and visual appeal, making it suitable for a wide range of settings.
Frasers Property Thailand is currently piloting the recycled-plastic inspection chamber covers across four developments: GUTE Sukhumvit 76, GUTE Sathorn, Grandio Rama 2–Taksin and Goldina Ngamwongwan–Prachachuen.
“Frasers Property Thailand also places importance on water management through its partnership with DOS Life, a specialist in comprehensive water management systems under Thammasorn Group. The collaboration covers clean-water storage and supply systems for homes, grease traps and household wastewater treatment systems, as well as centralised wastewater collection and treatment. Treated wastewater is recycled and disinfected before being reused to maintain green spaces within our developments. The recycled-plastic inspection chamber cover is another solution designed to support water-management efficiency while bringing recycled materials back into productive use and reducing demand for virgin resources, as part of our continued efforts to advance more sustainable construction practices,” Mr. Somboon concluded.
