Anyone who has ever driven on Czech roads will have noticed their condition – some excellent, others with visible deficiencies. And behind these asphalt surfaces lies a story that could change the future of Czech construction. The Faculty of Environment at Jan Evangelista Purkyně University (FŽP UJEP) and the Asphalt Performance Group of BASF SE have joined forces to bring innovation to asphalt mix recycling. Their collaboration is not only ambitious but also essential for a more sustainable future.
Why recycle asphalt? A problem that not only burns the environment
According to the European Asphalt Mix Manufacturers Association (EAPA 2023), approximately 7 million tonnes of asphalt mixtures are produced in the Czech Republic every year. However, up to 30% of this amount of milled asphalt ends up in landfills. By comparison, in Germany this figure is only 1%. This difference is alarming and shows the enormous potential for improvement not only in terms of environmental protection but also in terms of the economic use of this material.
“The aim of the research is to investigate which asphalt, modified with different polymers and additives, is more suitable for recycling in terms of quality and quantity,” explains Roman Otáhal, a PhD student at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and an employee of BASF. “We are also focusing on energy efficiency and reducing emissions, which has a positive effect on the health of workers.”
New technologies
The key to the project’s success is testing new technologies not only in laboratory conditions but also directly on the road. On a selected section in the Czech Republic, layers of new and recycled asphalt will be laid, subjected to the same climatic conditions and traffic loads. The results of these tests should provide valuable information on the properties of recycled asphalt.
“In the laboratory, we are studying the chemical processes of asphalt ageing, rejuvenation and mixture modification,” otáhal adds. The innovation also includes the use of a renewable additive that should reduce the need for new asphalt binder. This paves the way for greener and more economical production.
Collaboration as an engine of innovation
This project is a prime example of how collaboration between academia and industry can bring about real change. Associate Professor Jiří Orava from the Faculty of Science at the Jagiellonian University, who heads the Department of Environmental Chemistry and Technology, stresses the importance of partnerships: “Cooperation with BASF’s Asphalt Performance Group opens up new opportunities not only in research but also in the practical application of results. At the same time, we share know-how and infrastructure, which accelerates our research.”
Moreover, this project fits into the faculty’s broader strategy of focusing on sustainable technologies – a pillar that is increasingly important in times of climate change and the growing need to protect natural resources.
The future of Czech roads? Efficient and environmentally friendly
If all the planned steps of this project can be implemented, Czech roads could take on a whole new dimension, meaning not only a better quality surface, but also more environmentally friendly production and material recycling. And who knows? Maybe one day the Czech Republic will become one of the leaders in sustainable construction.
One thing is for sure, the revolution in asphalt recycling is just beginning. And thanks to the cooperation between the Faculty of Asphalt and BASF SE, we have the chance to be part of it.
Source: revised TS, J. E. Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem
