According to WPB, In the context of rising environmental concerns, fluctuating energy costs, and the demand for long-lasting pavements, the asphalt and bitumen industry is undergoing a transformative phase. Engineers and infrastructure companies worldwide are increasingly seeking solutions that combine recycled materials, polymer additives, and advanced production technologies to enhance the performance and sustainability of pavements. Among these, three ongoing projects exemplify the current global efforts: the European cold-recycled bitumen-stabilized asphalt initiative, Dow Inc.’s application of recycled plastics in asphalt, and Sorigué’s development of polymer-enhanced asphalt mixtures.
The European project, titled Characterization of Advanced Cold-Recycled Bitumen Stabilized Pavement Solutions (CoRePaSol), focuses on evaluating cold-recycling techniques using bitumen-stabilized mixtures. Conducted across multiple European universities and research institutes, the project involves the design of recycled asphalt mixtures, fatigue and moisture sensitivity testing, and environmental impact assessments. Preliminary findings indicate that cold-recycled asphalt can achieve comparable performance to conventional hot mixes when designed correctly, while significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental footprint. Implementation and standardization efforts are still ongoing, and the project is expected to reach full completion around early 2028.
Concurrently, Dow Inc. is advancing its Recycled Polymer Modified Asphalt (RPMA) projects, which integrate post-consumer recycled plastics into asphalt binders using ELVALOY™️ RET additives. These trials, executed in several locations including highways in Texas, demonstrate that significant volumes of recycled plastics can be incorporated into pavements without compromising structural integrity, offering benefits such as cost savings, extended pavement lifespan, and reduced energy use in production. The expansion to commercial-scale deployment is expected to continue through 2026–2027, with ongoing evaluation of lifecycle performance and economic feasibility.
Similarly, the Spanish company Sorigué is piloting its Asfaplast project, which combines recycled plastic polymers with asphalt mixtures to produce durable, environmentally-friendly pavements. Conducted under regional innovation programs in Catalonia, the project emphasizes reduced production temperatures, lower CO₂ emissions, and high recycled content. Field implementation in Granada demonstrated a 20% inclusion of reclaimed asphalt and a production temperature decrease to below 140°C, achieving substantial energy savings while maintaining pavement performance. The technology is still being refined, with projected full-scale deployment for urban and highway networks by 2026–2027.
Collectively, these projects illustrate a clear trend in the asphalt industry: bitumen and asphalt mixtures are no longer solely reliant on virgin petroleum products, but increasingly incorporate recycled materials, bio-based additives, and performance-based lifecycle designs. The ongoing nature of these initiatives highlights the potential to reduce raw material costs, minimize environmental impacts, and extend the service life of pavements. While challenges remain, including long-term performance validation, economic feasibility, and standardization, these projects pave the way toward a sustainable, resilient, and cost-efficient future for global road infrastructure.
By WPB
Bitumen, News, Ongoing Global Projects, Asphalt
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