UK asphalt first for Aggregate Industries

Company launches SuperLow-Carbon – the UK’s first-ever commercially available biogenic asphalt

AS part of their ongoing commitment to decarbonizing the construction industry, Aggregate Industries have further developed their SuperLow product range with the launch of the UK’s first commercially available biogenic asphalt.

SuperLow-Carbon asphalt has been developed in partnership with Shell Bitumen as a pioneering product for more sustainable pavement projects. In an industry first, SuperLow-Carbon uses Shell’s low-carbon bitumen in a special formula that utilizes improved production processes and alternative energy sources to lower its embodied carbon footprint.

It also includes a biogenic material that effectively locks CO2 within the asphalt rather than releasing it back into the atmosphere, which creates a ‘carbon sink’ – something that absorbs and stores more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.

SuperLow-Carbon is manufactured at lower temperatures than standard asphalt, which means it requires less energy to produce than its hot-mix equivalent, without compromising on performance. Production at a lower temperature also reduces nuisance fuming, odour, and steam at the project site, which, in turn, lowers burn risk, improves visibility, and provides better working conditions for operatives.

In addition, the lower asphalt temperature during production reduces binder ageing and the product remains highly compactable for longer – allowing more time for full compaction, delivering enhanced performance and durability, and ultimately life expectancy. It also reaches trafficking temperatures much quicker than hot-mix products, allowing for earlier reopening of carriageways to the travelling public, resulting in less disruption and reduced build costs.

Vicky Smith, managing director of asphalt at Aggregate Industries, said: ‘As the UK’s leading building materials supplier, we have a responsibility to ensure we play a central role in the transition to net zero. That is why it’s crucial to us to never stand still when it comes to the production of innovative and sustainable building solutions.

‘We are pleased to have worked with Shell Bitumen to bring the UK’s first commercially available biogenic asphalt to the UK market. With highways agencies under ever-greater pressure to deliver a sustainable strategic road network, SuperLow-Carbon offers a unique solution unlike any other on the market. Containing biogenic materials that lock in CO2 – even when recycled – as opposed to releasing it back into the atmosphere, SuperLow-Carbon has the potential to change the way we create pavements.

‘We’re delighted with the result, which is a hard-working, sustainable, and low-carbon product that does not compromise on quality, performance, or durability.’

Ana Alvernhe, general manager of Shell Construction & Road, said: ‘This innovation is an excellent example of how both new and existing technologies can be combined to deliver a solution which reduces the embodied carbon of materials – a critical lever for decarbonizing construction.

‘Working with customers on technology development is a priority for Shell, and we are proud to have partnered with Aggregate Industries on this solution using our Shell Bitumen CarbonSink. Wide-ranging collaboration across the value chain such as this will be crucial in accelerating the pathway to a net-zero construction sector.’

The launch of SuperLow-Carbon is the latest in a series of steps taken by Aggregate Industries towards the development and use of more sustainable construction materials. In 2020 parent company LafargeHolcim became the first construction company to sign the Net Zero Pledge and since then Aggregate Industries have introduced a host of low-carbon products, including their SuperLow asphalt and ECOPact concrete product ranges.