From Black to Green

Global waste is an issue that is too big to ignore. We believe the asphalt industry can be a leader in solving this problem. Since Polyco’s inception, we have been on a journey to reduce our environmental impact by developing innovative products that repurpose waste into high-performing, sustainable solutions. As our industry evolves, we are committed to ensuring the future is built on sustainable infrastructure.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

The key to advancing asphalt sustainability is already on the road. Reusing end-of-life tires is an innovative, clean way to divert them from landfills or prevent them from being burned for fuel. Only our proprietary Rapid Digestion Process^TM (RDP) liquefies rubber tires and asphalt into a sustainable, homogeneous concentrate that creates high-performance materials, like our SigmaBond product.

SigmaBond Closes the Loop

By reducing the need to source virgin materials, SigmaBond enables asphalt products to be upcycled again and again. In both roofing and paving, this promotes the use of even more recycled materials (such as RAP and RAS) and up to 40% tire rubber, further diminishing the waste stream. Additionally, leveraging the performance properties of tire rubber enables SigmaBond to extend the life of the shingles and roads it is applied to.

Paving the Way Forward

While product innovation is at the core of our sustainability initiatives, we know it must not stop there. At Polyco, that means truly supporting our workforce and the communities we serve to drive change. Our journey from black to green leads to a future where people and the planet thrive together.

1

Building Sustainable Infrastructure

What we put into our infrastructure determines what we will get out of it. That's why it's critical to enhance the performance of recycled materials. More recycled materials in roads and roofs will lower our carbon footprint and dependence on non-renewable materials for the health of our planet.

2

Reducing Life Cycle Costs

Sustainability extends beyond the environmental benefits. We must view infrastructure holistically in order to maximize public and private investment. This includes analyzing materials, processes and performance to ensure we extend the life cycle of products.

3

Creating Resilient Communities

People deserve to live, work and play in communities that keep them safe. By advocating for well-built and well-maintained infrastructure, we are actively contributing to the well-being of society.

4

Cultivating a Nurtured Workforce

Investing in the development of our workforce is key to innovation — for our company and our industry. We must continuously foster a pipeline of solutions-driven professionals who are committed to making our world a better place.

Partnerships and Commitments

Resources

Safety Data Sheets

Technical Data Sheets

Videos

Brochures

Insights

Our experts share their thoughts on asphalt sustainability, innovation, safety and creating a culture of care.

The Evolution of Waste Tire Rubber in the Greening of the Asphalt Industry

The greatest innovations often have the most humble beginnings. So is the story of the use of waste tire rubber in asphalt pavements. Charlie McDonald – dubbed the father of asphalt rubber – pioneered this concept more than 70 years ago. McDonald’s camping trailer was leaking, and he needed a flexible material to effectively patch …

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