Asphalt Positively Impacts the goals of the European Union and Commission

Asphalt Advantages Campaign Adds 12 Advantages Focusing on Long-term International Sustainability and Economic Benefits

The European Union’s (EU) goal, as stated in its Waste Framework Directive, is to recycle at least 70% of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste by 2020. Additionally, the European Commission has adopted an ambitious Circular Economy Package, which includes revised legislative proposals on waste to stimulate Europe's transition towards a circular economy that will boost global competitiveness, foster sustainable economic growth and generate new jobs. While asphalt has a presence in our daily lives as we travel on roadways, railways, bridges and airport runways, its safety, sustainability, comfort and economic advantages are driving measurable results that far surpass the pavement that is laid. Asphalt Advantages’ online campaign, now in its second year, has added 12 new Advantages that provide statistical information that supports the long-term, positive impacts that asphalt provides.

Did you know that the asphalt industry is already recycling and re-using up to 80 percent of asphalt with a potential up to 100 percent1? Furthermore, asphalt is largely collected unmixed with other Construction and Demolition (C&D) materials and often recovered immediately on-site. Other fractions of the C&D waste such as concrete, bricks, gypsum and wood have much lower recycling rates1).

It is statistical information like this that showcases that there is more knowledge and science involved in this material than most people realise. The fully integrated website, www.asphaltadvantages.com, is the hub for technical information that supports the advantages of asphalt pavement and is useful for road authorities, road owners, politicians, interest groups, media and general public/road users. The information is targeted globally, with a concentration on the European Union, with translations in English, German, French and Turkish.

“The Asphalt Advantages campaign had reached millions, and we look forward to showcasing how asphalt is aiding in meeting the EU’s and European Commissions’ sustainability and economic goals,” stated Carsten Karcher, EAPA director. 

Everyone is encouraged to visit the website, sign up for the Asphalt Advantages campaign newsletter and join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Weekly feeds provide beneficial information that emphasises the importance of choosing asphalt pavement.

1 Service Contract on Management of Construction and Demolition Waste-SR1, Final Report, February 2011, A project under the Framework contract ENV.G.4/ FRA/2008/0112, Bio Intelligence Service. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/pdf/2011_CDW_Report.pdf

For more information:
Website: http://www.asphaltadvantages.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AsphaltAdvantages
Twitter: https://twitter.com/asphalteu
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asphalt-advantages

About Eurobitume
Eurobitume’s mission is to promote the efficient, effective, and safe use of refined bitumen in road, industrial, and building applications throughout Europe. They aim to provide clarity on technical and health & safety issues, and the creation of a positive environment for sustained bitumen demand based on the highest performance standards.

About EAPA
The  European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) is the trusted voice of the European asphalt paving industry. With 36 Members and Associated Members, EAPA already represents the majority of the asphalt pavement industry and engages in asphalt road construction and maintenance in the whole of Europe. EAPA and its mission is to remain the acknowledged contact point for its members, other industry organisations, and of course the European Institutions.