Noordzij realizes >95% reuse of bitumen joints along streetcar rail.

Noordzij Bitumen Processing BV of Gorinchem has designed a process in which more than 95% of the bitumen joint along streetcar rail reused. These joints are currently still seen as waste and as such disposed of and incinerated. Noordzij wants to make municipalities and the streetcar and road construction industry aware of this opportunity for circular construction and reduction of CO2 emissions by reusing bitumen joints along streetcar rails.

Reuse is a necessity

The Paris climate agreement established the need for a waste-free economy. It was determined that the Netherlands must be 100% circular by 2050. Raw materials must be used more efficiently. The government is making €80 million available for projects that contribute to the transition to a circular economy and to the CO2 reduction task. This emphasizes the urgency of circular business.

Noordzij feels the importance of CO2 reduction and wants to contribute to a circular economy. "The bituminous joints along streetcar rails are only a small part of an infra project, but for us processing bitumen is 100% of our business," said Marion Noordzij, co-owner of A. Noordzij Bitumen Processing BV. "I realize that we work with material that is a residual product of petroleum. Unfortunately, there are still no good, sustainable alternatives to bitumen in road construction. All the greater is the need to use bitumen economically and prevent waste."

Reduction of CO2 emissions

Bitumen grouting along streetcar rails are currently considered waste and disposed of and burned as such. New bitumen must then be extracted and processed to be applied to new joints. Exact figures are not known, but the List Emission Factors of www.CO2emissiefactoren.nl provides a unified list of key figures on CO2 emissions. This list indicates that burning bitumen causes 3.381 kg of CO2 per kg of bitumen. To that is added the extraction and processing of bitumen. Recycling the bitumen is not entirely CO2 neutral either, but it offers a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to current practices.

Accountability for municipalities, streetcar operators and contractors

Every recycling process of the bituminous joints along streetcar rails starts with a renovation or new construction request from municipalities or streetcar operators. The asphalt along the streetcar rail needs to be replaced, or the streetcar track needs to be renewed or renovated. "By no means all clients and contractors are yet aware of the possibilities for reusing the bitumen joints along rails," Marion Noordzij continues. "Ultimately, they decide whether a bitumen grout becomes waste or is recycled. We hope to inspire them to choose reuse on future projects."

Recognized method

Noordzij starts the recycling process by gouging out the bitumen joints along streetcar rail. They then collect and transport the bitumen to the recycling site. The bitumen is melted, sieved and stored again. More than 95% is suitable for reuse. The residues (<5%) are offered to a waste treatment facility. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has recognized this method of gouging and recycling bitumen used by Noordzij as "continued use" through a court ruling. As a result, the bitumen gouged is no longer classified as "waste."

"We are still exploring a number of issues, such as the number of times a bitumen can be recycled. This is how we want to keep professionalizing bitumen recycling," Marion Noordzij concludes.

About Noordzij

Noordzij Bitumenverwerking BV has more than 30 years of experience in applying bitumen for infrastructure projects. They are the market leader in creating joints along streetcar rails, working with unique rail joint sawing machines. These machines were custom developed by Noordzij's people with practical experience. Noordzij is known in the market as an experienced party. It is an innovative family business that works on various projects with pride and dedication. Besides rail joints, Noordzij also provides flexigote, repair of asphalt cracks and other bitumen joints. For more information visit www.noordzij.eu.