Van Oord and Van Aalsburg investing in circular materials

Van Oord and Van Aalsburg have signed a collaboration agreement to further develop circular fascine mattresses.

Fascine mattresses are mats of twisted willow that play an important role in maintaining embankment stability, preventing land degradation and protecting waterways from erosion.

At present, fascine mattresses often consist of geotextile cloths that contain microplastics. That is why Van Aalsburg, which specializes in sustainable willow products, developed a natural alternative: fascine mattresses with jute cloth.

This fabric is as strong as geotextiles and by using it, the fascine mattresses are made entirely of circular material.

Carlos Mollet, Commercial Director Dredging & Infra at Van Oord: “At Van Oord we work a lot with fascine mattresses. Examples include dyke reinforcements and port and waterway development. The fascine mattresses prevent the erosion of beds and embankments. It is important to carry out research and invest in circular materials. The collaboration allows us to take a step towards a more sustainable future for future generations and apply them on a larger scale.”

The signing of the collaboration agreement is in line with Van Oord’s vision to create a better world for future generations through Marine Ingenuity and innovative customisation. In the context of ‘Building with Nature’, the aim of Van Oord is to create sustainable solutions using natural materials. Circular fascine mattresses are an example of this and could be used in future soil and embankment defence works.