In our ongoing commitment to sustainable solutions for the paving industry, we’re diving deep into the groundbreaking possibilities of SigmaBond — our high-performing asphalt material made from waste tire rubber. Building upon our last blog post, “Harmonizing the Hallmarks of Sustainable Pavements,” where we looked at perpetual pavements and balanced mix design, this installment will dig deep into how SigmaBond signals a new era of sustainability in asphalt paving construction.

Use More Recycled Materials

SigmaBond is more pliable and easily blends with recycled materials due to our patented Rapid Digestion Process™, which completely liquifies end-of-life tires and asphalt into a homogeneous concentrate. SigmaBond’s unique composition not only enables contractors to use up to 50% tire rubber in their terminal blend mixes but also allows up to 35% recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and recycled asphalt shingles (RAS). 

SigmaBond’s superior workability also allows contractors to achieve proper pavement density and compaction. Furthermore, SigmaBond contains no tire rubber particles that could contaminate unprocessed RAP. This improved constructability pushes the threshold of recycled content for quality pavement construction, reducing the need to source virgin binder and lowering overall material costs.

Close the Sustainability Loop

According to a report from NAPA, incorporating higher levels of recycled materials in asphalt mixes can significantly reduce landfill waste — by as much as 34%.¹ This practice also decreases the demand for virgin materials, creating a regenerative pavement lifecycle that minimizes resource extraction and improves profitability.² 

At every step of the paving lifecycle, SigmaBond diminishes the asphalt waste stream and helps close the sustainability loop. We’ve already diverted over 1.5 million tires from landfills since SigmaBond went into production, and will continually innovate to further reduce waste. With a higher percentage of binder containing recycled materials in the mix, the environmentally harmful process of sourcing virgin materials is naturally reduced. Repeatedly upcycling asphalt pavements, shingles and waste tire rubber moves us closer to a circular economy that enhances profits by lowering the material cost of road construction.

Lower Carbon Footprint

The asphalt manufacturing process is energy-intensive, involving the heating and mixing of aggregates and bitumen at high temperatures. By reducing the need for new asphalt production and utilizing recycled materials like waste tire rubber, RAP and RAS, SigmaBond helps curb the carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption tied to this process.

Furthermore, by engineering roads that last longer, SigmaBond minimizes the energy and resources required for pavement maintenance. When a pavement’s lifespan is extended, repairs, resurfacing and reconstruction are less frequent. Increasing the time between these interventions reduces the environmental impact associated with pavement upkeep. By making asphalt and emulsions that endure, we contribute to a healthier environment and a lower carbon footprint for everyone.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our journey from “Black to Green,” there’s an exciting revelation on the horizon. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post, when we’ll unveil SigmaBond’s Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). This groundbreaking release will quantify SigmaBond’s contribution to reducing CO2 emissions, provide data-driven insights into its environmental benefits, and help paving contractors and road agencies make informed decisions about their material choices and sustainability goals.

SigmaBond is more than an innovative asphalt material; it’s a sustainability powerhouse. Join Polyco in embracing the future of sustainable infrastructure, where SigmaBond pushes the limits, creating high-performing and environmentally responsible solutions for the asphalt pavement industry.

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1. https://www.driveasphalt.org/uploads/documents/SR213_-_RAP-RAS_Synthesis-lr.pdf ↩︎
2. https://www.uspolyco.com/insights/sigmabond-results-in-upcycled-performance/ ↩︎