Oltco: Revolutionizing Pathways at The Eden Project

Overview

The Eden Project in Cornwall stands as a global symbol of environmental innovation and sustainability. This world-renowned ecological attraction, famous for its distinctive biomes housing plants from diverse climates around the world, welcomes over a million visitors annually. As foot traffic increased over the years, Eden Project managers faced growing challenges with their existing pathway system—deterioration, drainage issues, and maintenance concerns were becoming increasingly problematic across the site.

The Eden Project's commitment to environmental stewardship demanded a solution that would align with their core values while meeting the practical needs of a high-traffic tourist destination. They sought a partner who could provide a sustainable, durable surface solution that would complement the natural beauty of the surroundings while demonstrating environmental responsibility in action.

Oltco, with their pioneering Recycle Bound product, presented the perfect answer to this challenge. Oltco offered a revolutionary pathway solution that would not only solve practical problems but also serve as a living demonstration of innovative waste plastic repurposing.

Brief

The Eden Project management approached Oltco with specific requirements for their pathway renovation:

1. Implement a solution that visibly demonstrates the Eden Project's commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles
2. Create pathways capable of handling extremely high visitor numbers without deterioration
3. Ensure full SUDS compliance to address water management across the expansive site
4. Install pathways that would aesthetically integrate with the unique visual identity of the Eden Project
5. Complete the work with minimal disruption to visitors and the delicate ecosystems within the attraction

Solution

Oltco approached this high-profile project with meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the Eden Project's environmental ethos. After comprehensive site assessments and collaborative planning with Eden Project staff, Oltco proposed an extensive installation of their award-winning Recycle Bound surface throughout key visitor areas.

The Oltco team systematically transformed the pathways section by section. The unique challenges of working within a living environmental attraction required exceptional care and precision—qualities that were demonstrated consistently throughout the project.

The environmental impact of this installation was remarkable. Each square meter of Recycle Bound incorporated the equivalent of 3,000 plastic straws diverted from landfills and oceans. Across the Eden Project installation, this translated to millions of pieces of plastic waste being repurposed into beautiful, functional pathways that would be seen by visitors from around the world.

The completed pathways exceeded expectations in both form and function. The natural stone appearance with subtle earth tones perfectly complemented the Eden Project's botanical displays. The permeable surface provided effective drainage even during Cornwall's heaviest rainfalls, eliminating puddles and reducing runoff that could potentially damage delicate plantings.

The success of the Eden Project pathway renovation has become a showcase example for Oltco, demonstrating how their Recycle Bound product can meet the needs of even the most demanding and environmentally conscious clients. For the Eden Project, the new pathways serve as both practical infrastructure and a tangible example of their commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions.