Biobased alternatives to fossil bitumen

These are challenging times for Dutch road construction. Not least because of a number of important and fundamental adjustments the originally traditional sector is making. For example, it was previously agreed to greatly reduce production temperatures in asphalt plants by 2025. In addition, through Circuroad, road authorities such as the Department of Public Works, provinces and municipalities are moving together with the road construction industry toward bio-based alternatives to fossil bitumen. Latexfalt, as a knowledge carrier in the field of bitumen, has a leading role around these developments.

On the road to a greener, fossil-free future, Latexfalt plays a crucial role as a developer of products based on bitumen and polymers; important raw materials in road construction. Last year, together with various partners, the Koudekerk aan den Rijn-based company laid a test section with a new pigmentable low-temperature binder. Thanks to clever adjustments in the binder's raw materials, Latexfalt managed to halve both the environmental cost indicator (EQI) and emissions in the process. "At the same time, this binder can be processed under a temperature of 140 degrees Celsius," says Hans Hendrikse, Manager Research & Development. "That also makes it useful for running as Warm Mix Asphalt and thus suitable for the goal we want to achieve as an industry in 2025."

100 percent biobased

Another success is the realization of a test section using a 100 percent biobased binder. This trial section, installed in October 2024 on a busy N-road in the province of Utrecht, proved itself during last winter. "A biobased binder consists of completely different components than a regular binder, which is normally burned as a residual product from other industries," Hendrikse says. "As a result, it has plenty of potential to make the transition from fossil to biobased and, wider than road construction, to achieve a circular economy. Without reducing quality. The latter is vital. After all, a road that has to be replaced quickly is not good for the environment, for the mood of the road manager and for the reputation of the contractor." 

Pigmentation

Although Latexfalt originally developed the biobased binder for regular black roads, the product is also suitable for pigmentation due to its lighter colored components. For example, around the construction of bicycle paths. "Last year's trials prove that a lot is already possible in the field of colored and biobased asphalt," believes Tom Peppink, Manager of Commerce. "Therefore, as an industry, from client to binder producer, we must now go ahead and gain experience with these products." A logical way to scale up further is the construction of bio-based colored asphalt. Here, the fact that pigmentable biobased binders can be used immediately is fully exploited. Peppink: "Within this initiative, we are using the experience we gained earlier on an A-road to guarantee the quality of the bike path. If then more people can also bike to work, we are simultaneously contributing to a healthier environment for all of us. Furthermore, the bright colors that can be achieved with these binders ensure a safer traffic image. In short, close cooperation and the industry-wide use of expertise to further develop these types of products gives us the opportunity to provide the Netherlands with a sustainable, circular road network. Regardless of whether that is the traditional color red or some other shade."