Latvia's first experimental bio-asphalt road surface

For the first time in Latvia, a 400-metre-long bio-asphalt road surface has been laid. Spearheaded by Vianova, this project aims to develop bio-asphalt using lignin, a renewable biopolymer produced by Fibenol, to replace traditional bitumen.

The project will also conduct research, develop at least two sustainable bio-asphalt blends, and introduce at least two new bitumen-replacing biopolymer asphalt concrete products.

One of the biggest challenges in road construction is to replace non-renewable resources. One alternative is lignin, which can be used as a substitute for fossil raw materials, including in asphalt production. Lignin is the second most common biopolymer in the world after cellulose. It is found in all vascular plants. Research project manager Liga Gebauer says that by replacing bitumen, asphalt has the potential to meet higher demands. "The conclusion is that by replacing some of the bitumen with lignin, it is possible to achieve the higher intensity requirements set out in the standards and specifications. It is therefore worth considering and demonstrating that it is possible to use bio-based asphalt while reducing the share of non-renewable resources in construction."

Liga Gebauere believes that builders should consider how to minimize their environmental impact during construction. To achieve this, various methods are being explored to reduce the use of non-renewable resources in road construction. "The green course and the promotion of a circular economy are the future and must be respected. As builders, we should lessen our impact on construction processes, including using non-renewable bitumen. If we can achieve this by reducing the bitumen content, why not? Therefore, we are seeking multiple ways, not just binders, to enhance the sustainability of asphalt and decrease the reliance on non-renewable resources in construction."

Rolands Izaks, Head of the Production and Quality Department at Villanova Ltd, believes that the production of such a road surface will benefit society as a whole and that the bio-asphalt road surface will be no worse than the asphalt that has been laid on the roads, so far. R. Izaks: "If we look at it from an ecological point of view, it is more environmentally friendly. It's a win-win for society: much less emissions and environmental impact. The key is to make durability equivalent to traditional asphalt, not with worse properties. After the laboratory work, we have achieved an equivalent result."

Such a surface is laid near Bergi, but private investors have also shown interest. R. Izaks: "Before this pilot phase, private investors had a lot of interest in sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions. There is interest in the product, and it is awaited in the market."

Representatives of Vianova Ltd hope that bio-asphalt will prove its positive properties. In time, it will appear on more and more roads in Latvia. After about six months, the first conclusions on how it performed in the trial phase will be drawn.

Source: Press release (Author: ReTV)
Photo: ReTV