Starpath's Story
Starpath is a surfacing technology: a zero-energy solution that transforms any resin-bound surface into a light-responsive, sustainable pathway, emitting light for up to 10 hours. Applied over the existing surface (usually tarmac or concrete), the light-responsive granules are composed of a strong composite material, perfectly formulated to transform pathways and road surfaces into self-sufficient areas.
A surfacing system has now been developed, which further enhances the original Starpath technology, to ultimately deliver a more cost-effective, even brighter surface. Starpath is available as a full surfacing system, complete with resin and aggregate mix, or alternatively as just its glowing granular component. It's preferable for customers to source the aggregates locally to avoid expensive and unnecessary shipping costs.
The process works by absorbing UV rays during the day and expelling them at night as a soft blue glow, and can be applied to pretty much any solid surface including tarmac, concrete and wood.
The application is carried out the same way as any other resin-bound footpath. The aggregates are mixed with the glowing granules and then coated with UV-stable resin (to prevent any colour damage from the sun). This mix is then trowelled onto the surface and smoothed out to dry, and after a few hours the surface is ready for foot traffic.
There are no ongoing energy costs, and the process is environmentally sound. It can also be used in the repair of resin-bound pathways that have come to the end of their lifetime. Although the process couldn't replace the need for bright lights on busy streets, it is perfect for areas with reduced footfall – especially as these places are also where councils are likely to try and cut costs by eliminating lights altogether.
Starpath creates no light pollution. People walk down it and cycle down it quite happily and they don't even know they've been on it. Starpath responds to the light level - so if it's a light evening it is possible to see where you're going on a path, and if it gets very dark it'll glow brighter.
The invention was first trialled in Christ's Pieces park in Cambridge in 2013, where 150 square metres of path were converted, ready for use in under four hours. Paths have now been installed in several places elsewhere in the UK, and across the world.
Useful Learnings from Starpath
The product needs to be installed in a dark area for maximum effect.
Do not use cheap resin binder.
It's best to source aggregates locally.
Starpath's Metrics
Numbers of paths installed.
Savings to councils.
