As we settle into the new year, I’m reminded of the challenges the asphalt industry faced in 2021 and how we’ve worked (and continue to work) to rise above them. From pandemic-related shutdowns and extreme weather in several of our markets to workforce retention and supply chain setbacks, we’ve watched our customers and partners pivot on a dime to adapt. And, we’ve adapted along with them. Last year gave us some valuable lessons that we will continue to carry with us as we look ahead. 

Green Isn’t Going Away

Being sustainable is no longer a “nice to have.” More and more states are adopting sustainable practices, which has impacted both our roofing and paving customers. Many refineries have converted to renewable sources of energy in order to reduce their carbon output. And, on the paving side, states and municipalities are increasingly enthusiastic about adding more recycled materials (including recycled asphalt shingles) to their asphalt mix as a way to stretch their budgets. Additionally, as supply chain woes continue to impact raw materials sourcing, organizations throughout the industry are looking for more ways to draw down their reliance on imported resources.

Longer-lasting is the Way to Go

Extending the life cycle of pavements and shingles makes sense from both financial and sustainability standpoints. The longer they last, the longer before they need to be replaced, reducing waste. As roofing manufacturers are pushed to offer near-lifetime guarantees, they will inevitably look for ways that make them more resilient. In road construction, the industry has experimented with several ways to extend a pavement’s life — from additives and higher-quality mix formulations to the practice of “Perpetual Pavements.” The Asphalt Pavement Association has written at length about “Perpetual Pavements” and more local agencies have latched on to the concept. Perpetual pavements can resist structural fatigue distress for at least 50 years, which is significantly longer than traditional asphalt.

Polyco is Positioned to Perform

As the asphalt industry continues to adapt to meet the needs of the market, Polyco is poised to meet customers where they need to be. We understand that everyone’s needs are different. This is why everyone here — from our lab personnel to our operations team — pride themselves on customizing and delivering asphalt formulations that exceed customer expectations. Our Sigmabond product is an example of this innovative mindset. Sigmabond is a rubber modified asphalt that enhances the performance of asphalt products using end-of-life tires. In addition to our products and practices, the most important element we bring to the table is our people. Each and every one of us values a job well done and ensures that we take care of each other so that we can take care of our customers. 

With our commitment to sustainability and innovation firmly in place, I’m looking forward to seeing what exciting developments lie ahead of us this year and beyond.