NonCrete Bio-Polymer Bollard

Service Life Comparison: Concrete vs NonCrete™

Concrete bollards are commonly quoted as having a 15 to 25 year service life, based on the inherent durability of concrete as a structural material. However, these figures are often based on theoretical projections and do not account for the real-world conditions in which highway bollards operate. In practice, concrete installations are exposed to weathering, road spray, freeze–thaw cycles and occasional vehicle impacts, all of which can significantly shorten their effective lifespan.

Concrete is porous and brittle. In the UK climate, moisture ingress followed by freezing can cause surface spalling and structural cracking, especially in winter. Moss and algae growth further degrade the appearance and surface integrity. Even minor vehicle collisions can lead to immediate failure requiring full replacement. Research from the Concrete Society highlights freeze–thaw deterioration as one of the leading causes of early failure in UK concrete infrastructure.
Source: https://www.concrete.org.uk/fingertips-nuggets.asp?cmd=display&id=654

In contrast, NonCrete™ is made from a sugar cane-derived bio-polymer that is non-porous, UV-stabilised, frost-resistant and chemically stable. It does not absorb water, will not crack from freeze–thaw cycling, and does not support moss or lichen growth. These properties reduce the likelihood of both cosmetic and structural degradation over time.

TMP also draws on decades of experience with polymer products in live highway environments. Our Flecta bollard, made from a conventional (non-bio) polymer, has been in service for over 23 years in some UK locations without visible degradation. This provides strong real-world evidence that well-designed polymer street furniture can match or exceed the service life of traditional materials. While NonCrete™ is bio-based, it shares many of the same weathering and impact-resistant characteristics.

Additionally, polyethylene-based infrastructure products such as marine fenders and roadside barriers have been shown to achieve 20 years or more of outdoor life in similar conditions.
Source: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321987573_Polyethylene_Plastic_Materials_Performance_and_Lifecycle_Assessment

Based on this data and TMP’s own long-term field experience, the expected service life of the NonCrete™ bollard is at least 20 years under typical UK highway conditions. The product has undergone no design changes since launch, and early installations remain in service with no material performance issues reported.

Of course, neither polymer nor concrete bollards are invincible. Service life depends heavily on site conditions, frequency of vehicle impact, and how the product is installed and maintained. While we expect NonCrete™ to perform strongly in line with its material properties, real-world lifespan can vary based on these external factors.

Combined with a negative carbon footprint and full end-of-life recyclability, NonCrete™ offers a lower-maintenance, lower-carbon and long-lasting alternative to traditional concrete bollards.