Establishment of road surface production in Astana
(NACE Code: 38.32.3 “Recycling of non-metal waste, including processing (cleaning, melting, grinding) of plastic or rubber waste into granules”)
GLOBAL MARKET
In recent years, there has been a steady growth of interest in various polymers. Since 2020, global demand for polymers has increased by 17%, reaching USD 205 billion, with China being the world’s main importer.
By the end of 2024, the volume of polymer exports amounted to USD 198 billion, and the total industry trade turnover reached USD 403 billion.
Source: Trade Map
*) 3901 Ethylene polymers
3902 Polymers of propylene or other olefins
3903 Polymers of styrene
3904 Polymers of vinyl chloride or other halogenated olefins
3905 Polymers of vinyl acetate or other vinyl esters
3906 Acrylic polymers
REGIONAL MARKET
In Kazakhstan, imports of polymers grew by 41% in 2024, despite unstable development during 2020–2024. Imports reached their peak in 2022, followed by a decline.
Exports are characterized by steady growth. In 2024, exports peaked, increasing almost 9 times compared to 2020.
Thus, the positive trend in polymer trade reflects the growth of both domestic demand and export potential.
Source: Trade Map
Source: SRC MF RK
The dynamics of polymer imports in Astana over the past five years show steady growth, reaching USD 42.8 million — a fourfold increase compared to 2020.
Exports show a positive trend, with a sharp increase in 2023–2024. In 2024, exports amounted to USD 92 million, a 306-fold increase compared to 2020.
POTENTIAL SALES MARKETS
The total polymer imports in neighboring countries in 2024 exceeded USD 4,211 million, indicating a stable and strong demand for this category of products.
The top three consumers of polymers are Russia, followed by Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Source: Trade Map
PRODUCERS
In Astana, there are 20 active small enterprises with NACE Code 38.32.3 engaged in plastic waste recycling.
RAW MATERIAL BASE
The technology of plastic road construction involves reusing finely shredded plastic waste (from candy wrappers to bags, etc.), which is added to heated bitumen (reducing bitumen usage by 8–10%). The mixture is then poured onto stones. For each kilometer of a single-lane road, 1 ton of plastic waste is required.
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Advantages of using plastic coverings in road construction:
- Improved resistance to surface-initiated cracking
- Improved resistance to aging and oxidation
- Improved resistance to fatigue failure and crack reflection
- Improved rutting resistance
- Better visibility at night
- Reduced tire noise
- Reduced construction time on site
- Lower road maintenance costs
- Contribution to hazardous waste disposal
- Environmentally friendly construction method
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
|
Plastic road pavement “Ruskompozit”, Russia |
Plastic road covering “KK PlasticWasteManagement”, India |
Road network in Vancouver built with recycled plastic, Canada |
 |
 |
 |
|
Plastic roads by VolkerWessels, Netherlands |
“EcoRaster” pavement, USA |
Pavement with rubber crumb additive, USA (Arizona) |
 |
 |
 |
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT MEASURES
Investment Preferences
- Exemption from customs duties (0% for up to 5 years on imports);
- Tax incentives (VAT, CIT, land tax, property tax – 0%);
- In-kind grants (land plots, buildings, facilities, etc.);
- Attraction of foreign labor (FLS).
Special Economic Zone Preferences
- Tax preferences (CIT, land tax, property tax);
- Customs preferences (import of raw materials and equipment);
- Land with ready infrastructure (free land lease);
- Simplified hiring of FLS (outside quotas).
Support for Kazakhstani manufacturers through QazIndustry – Kazakhstan Industry and Export Center JSC
Reimbursement of part of the costs for industrial and innovative activities:
- Improving labor productivity and developing territorial clusters;
- Promoting domestic processed goods in foreign markets;
- Promoting domestic processed goods, works, and services in the domestic market.
Economy of Simple Things
- Subsidizing (Base rate of NBK + 4.5%, final rate for borrower – 7%) with no restrictions on amount;
- Guaranteeing (up to 50% for loans up to KZT 1 billion, and up to 30% for loans from KZT 3 to 5 billion inclusive).
