Dutch companies BAM Infra Nederland and Joosten Groep are trialling a new biodegradable geotextile at a high-voltage station in Rilland. The project, in collaboration with grid operator TenneT, explores how natural materials can replace plastic in construction. The geotextile—Jogotex HV—is made from compostable Tencel wood fibres and breaks down in the soil without leaving harmful residues.

Traditionally, plastic geotextiles are used beneath temporary roads to stabilise the ground and prevent soil mixing. However, these plastic materials often last over 100 years and are hard to reuse. By contrast, this biobased textile can stay in place after use and safely disappear into the soil.

A Practical Test in Varied Conditions

To understand the material’s performance, the team set up two test areas of 500 m² each. These areas cover different ground types: sand, clay, and grass. Steel driving plates—common in construction—sit on top of the textile.

Over the next year, the textile will be examined at intervals. The research focuses on both technical strength and environmental impact. How well does it stabilise the ground? And how quickly does it break down in different soils?

Advancing Sustainable Construction Goals

BAM’s strategy, “Building a sustainable tomorrow,” focuses on reducing the environmental footprint of construction. According to project leader Richard Hubregtse, the test fits that goal perfectly. A geotextile that doesn’t need to be removed or cleaned—and leaves no waste—can streamline construction while cutting emissions.

Collaboration Drives Innovation

The pilot project highlights the value of collaboration. BAM brought the field expertise. Joosten Groep developed the material. TenneT provided the location and technical support. Together, they are testing how this material could fit into future infrastructure projects.

If successful, the next step is scale-up. One key opportunity is the Zuid-West 380 kV Oost power line project, where BAM is already applying circular building solutions. This new textile would be a natural addition.

Small Material, Big Results

Although geotextile is a minor part of a construction site, it has major environmental impact. Switching from plastic to natural fibres could reduce waste, lower CO₂ emissions, and simplify site operations. As Joosten Groep’s technical expert Marco Hazenkamp explains, “We’re not just solving today’s challenges. We’re preparing for the future by doing things differently.”

By focusing on small innovations like this, the industry can take meaningful steps toward circular and climate-conscious construction.

Source: duurzaam-ondernemen.nl
Photo: BAM