Reduced Emission Asphalt (REA)

Hanson’s new range of Reduced Emission Asphalt (REA) products help to minimise the impact of asphalt production and laying on local air quality.

We have completed successful REA trials using Shell Bitumen FreshAir, a specialist binder, which has been shown to reduce specific gases and particulate matter from asphalt mixes by an average of 40 per cent compared to conventional bitumen.

The binder can be used in all Hanson asphalt products and does not affect the properties of the bitumen or asphalt.

It acts directly with some of the chemical compounds affecting air quality, as well as odour-releasing molecules, helping to cut specific gases and particulates (NOx, SOx, CO, VOC and PMs) and reduce their release into the air during production and paving.

REA is particularly beneficial for ultra-low emission zones and other areas with poor air quality. Its use can improve air quality during the road building phase – particularly in tunnels, where ventilation is an issue, and urban areas – as well as during production.

Every kilometre switched to REA is estimated to have a similar effect on particulate matter (PM10) as planting 16 trees and a similar impact on the reduction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as removing 40 cars from the road.

Benefits

• On average 40% reduction of specific gases and particulate matter
• Reduced impact on air quality during production, paving and compaction of road surface
• Substantial impact on NOx, SOx, CO, VOC and PMs
• Similar effect on NO2 as taking 40 cars off the road per km asphalt laid
• Equivalent effect on particulate matter as planting 16 trees per km asphalt laid
• Active odour neutralisation of 95%-99%
• Perfect solution for Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZs)
• Can be used in any asphalt product range
• Suitable for all asphalt applications

Hanson Asphalt - a national business with a local focus

From sites across the country, Hanson Asphalt produces quality-assured asphalt designed to suit any application.

MQP