In the ambitious CIRCUROAD program, Rijkswaterstaat, companies, governments and knowledge institutions work together to develop and apply fossil-free, biobased asphalt on all Dutch roads. On December 4, 2024, this unique chain collaboration reached an important milestone: the construction of three test sections with biobased asphalt on the InnovA58.
Replacing fossil bitumen with biobased binder
The Netherlands produces 6,5 million tons of asphalt annually for the construction and maintenance of 136.000 kilometers of roads. Asphalt consists largely of sand, stone and a binder. CIRCUROAD focuses on replacing the fossil binder bitumen with a biobased alternative, made from residual products from forestry, the paper industry and agriculture. This innovation contributes to the climate goals of 2030: 55% less CO₂ emissions and a halving of the use of primary raw materials.
The entire asphalt chain currently emits around 565 kilotons of CO₂ per year, of which 42% comes from asphalt production. Within this production, fossil bitumen plays a dominant role, responsible for around 80% of emissions.
Chain collaboration: the power of CIRCUROAD
The CIRCUROAD program brings together the entire chain: from binder suppliers and asphalt producers to knowledge institutions and road authorities. “What makes CIRCUROAD special is the integrated approach with all parties involved,” says program manager Joop Groen. “Together we work on the development, validation and eventual large-scale application of circular and biobased asphalt.”
Test subjects at InnovA58
After extensive laboratory tests in collaboration with companies such as KWS, Dura Vermeer, Boskalis and Asfalt Nu, three test sections were constructed on the InnovA58. These test sections contain stone mastic asphalt with biobased binders from CIRCUROAD partners Latexfalt, BMI Esha and BituNed. The practical results of this test will soon show whether the promising laboratory results are confirmed.
Growth model for sustainable impact
The ultimate goal of CIRCUROAD is to provide all Dutch roads with fossil-free asphalt. “We are working systematically towards this goal,” says Rijkswaterstaat program manager Dineke van der Burg. Joop Groen adds: “To maximize the sustainable impact, we are gradually increasing the share of biobased and circular raw materials in the binder. We are starting with at least 30% biobased material, which must be validated in 2030 according to an independent test protocol. Ultimately, we are aiming for 100% fossil-free asphalt in 2050.”
Municipalities and provinces wanted for follow-up tests
The test sections on the InnovA58 are a crucial step towards a fossil-free future. The next phase is the construction of test roads at municipalities, provinces, water boards and national roads. CIRCUROAD invites road managers who want to realise their circular objectives and test biobased asphalt. Interested parties can register with the Biobased Asphalt Test Garden of BouwCirculair, where, among other things, CIRCUROAD asphalt is being investigated.
Source: Rijkswaterstaat
