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Road construction as a pioneer and trailblazer within the circular transition. It may not sound logical at first. But it is precisely within this specific discipline that it is possible to process waste streams extracted from society into a new sustainable binding agent. It is an initiative for which Latexfalt from Koudekerk aan den Rijn has developed a complete and successful process. GWW is closely following the rollout.
After Latexfalt reported through GWW last year on the theory by which it is able to develop a circular binder, the announcement followed in early 2023 that, in the form of a prototype, the first success had been achieved. When we ask Hans Hendrikse, group R&D leader within Latexfalt, about the current status regarding the bitumen substitute, there is plenty of jubilation. "We have succeeded in manufacturing the first asphalt test pieces within a laboratory setup," he says. "A result that we intend to build on through collaborations with various external parties."
Asked about the exact state of affairs, Hans explains the following. "In the form of various contractors, suppliers and knowledge institutes, we have now gathered a number of partners around us. With their help, we have provided proof that it is actually possible to convert waste streams into asphalt (see photo, ed.). In addition, we also recently became part of the Circuroad project. Within this framework, we hope to contribute our expertise to ensuring that future binders perform even better and are as circular as possible."
Making next steps together and sharing knowledge on the circularity path is Latexfalt's ultimate ambition. Hence the production method entitled Characterization and Design of Circular Binders was recently published in the scientific journal Sustainability. "We are always open to cooperation," Hans concludes. "Anyone who wants to contribute to circular road construction can therefore contact us."
