Plant-based asphalt can reduce emissions from road construction, research shows

By incorporating plant matter into the asphalt mixture, it is possible to reduce emissions of harmful substances during road construction by 30 to 60 percent, researchers from Wageningen University concluded. This can replace fossil fuels that come from the remains of prehistoric dead animals and plants. The use of these substances negatively contributes to climate change. One of the substances in asphalt is bitumen, a component of petroleum that is used to bind stones together. Researchers from Wageningen investigated the possibilities of replacing bitumen with lignin. It is a substance found in some trees and plants. If half of the asphalt is replaced by lignin, it could prevent the emission of 85 to 170 million kilograms of carbon dioxide and other substances in the Netherlands alone by the middle of this century. If bitumen were completely replaced by lignin, emissions would be reduced by a double amount. Globally, lignin in asphalt could reduce harmful emissions by 102 billion kilograms per year. "This development will make a significant contribution to the achievement of European and global climate goals," the Wageningen researchers said. A few years ago, a road surface with bio-asphalt was laid in Sas van Gent, Zeeland. Half of the bitumen was replaced by lignin. The first test roads without asphalt should be built this year or next year. (ANP news)