Nynas breaking new ground for lower-carbon roads

Polymer-modified bitumen containing biogenic material set to reduce carbon footprint of roads

IN a recently published white paper, Nynas have outlined benefits and carbon footprint calculations for an upcoming range of binders incorporating biogenic material. The new product range, which will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of a road, will be launched during autumn 2021.

Extending the useful life of the pavement is one of the best things that can be done to improve the sustainability credentials of a road construction; over the lifetime of the road less new raw material will be used and fewer maintenance interventions will be needed, leading to fewer diversions and traffic jams. Altogether, this will lead to a lower carbon footprint.

A well-known technique for achieving a longer useful pavement life is to use a polymer-modified bitumen (PMB). However, along with the many benefits of polymer modification comes a drawback – the polymer adds significantly to the carbon footprint of the binder.

To compensate for this and reduce the overall carbon footprint, Nynas have developed a PMB containing biogenic material. ‘Polymer modification extends the useful life of a road and with this product development we can offer all the benefits of PMBs, and more, without increasing the carbon footprint,’ said Carl Robertus, technical and research director at Nynas Bitumen.

Not only does the biogenic material compensate for the larger footprint due to the polymer, but through a number of academic studies involving Nynas, it has also been demonstrated to bring a number of additional benefits, including among others, enhanced resistance to ageing, better adhesion, and improved performance when reused.

With the new range of binders, available from 2022 in selected markets, Nynas say they will offer the road construction sector a tool to reduce the climate impact of its activity.

Nynas also invite their customers and their customers’ customers to a webinar on 16 September 2021, to provide more information and answer questions on why using the biogenic material to produce PMB is the most responsible choice. For the full white paper and webinar registration link, visit: nynas.com/bitumenmatters