All good things must come to an end…
Following a prolonged and successful period of preventative maintenance using RHiNOPHALT® asphalt preservation, the surface course properties, such as aggregate polishing, will eventually degrade to a point where replacement becomes necessary. However, thanks to its proven performance, many clients have benefitted from multiple applications of RHiNOPHALT®, significantly extending the service life of their asphalt well beyond its original design specification.
A prime example of this is the M40 motorway in the UK, where RHiNOPHALT® has been applied at 5-year intervals since 2007. Some of the original SMA/TSCS surfacing is over 26 years old and still in great condition – far exceeding its expected lifespan.
This proactive, lifecycle-based approach not only delays the need for costly resurfacing but also supports more sustainable infrastructure management by reducing material consumption and environmental disruption. Importantly, RHiNOPHALT® does not compromise the recyclability of asphalt. When resurfacing is eventually required, the treated asphalt can still be safely reclaimed, processed, and reused in new pavement structures – maintaining alignment with circular economy principles.
By keeping materials in use for longer and enabling safe reuse, RHiNOPHALT® contributes to a more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible approach to infrastructure maintenance.
#circulareconomy
The Environmental and Sustainability Benefits of Asphalt Recycling
Recycling asphalt is a cornerstone of sustainable infrastructure. By reclaiming, processing, and reusing existing pavement, we reduce the demand for virgin aggregates and bitumen, conserve natural resources and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
This approach supports key sustainability objectives: minimising waste, reducing the carbon footprint of construction and extending the useful life of materials through closed-loop systems. Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP), when properly processed and tested, delivers high-quality, durable asphalt, making it an essential step toward a regenerative and low-impact construction industry.
Prior to reuse, RAP undergoes laboratory testing to ensure it does not leach harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or heavy metals. These compounds, if present, can pose health and environmental risks during cutting, milling or heating. Confirming the non-hazardous nature of reclaimed material ensures safe reuse and compliance with environmental regulations.
Effective recycling of asphalt pavement reduces dependence on virgin materials, lowers CO₂ emissions from extraction and transport and supports a sustainable lifecycle – but only when reclaimed material meets safety and quality standards. This reinforces the importance of thorough testing and responsible recycling practices.
Waste Acceptance Criteria (WAC) & Hazardous Waste Classification Tests
WAC testing is often used in conjunction with waste classification in determining whether the material can be safely reused or necessitates controlled disposal. It can verify that hazardous contaminants, especially PAHs, are within acceptable limits, helping to protect both human health and the environment.
It is essential to confirm whether any surface treatments applied during the pavement’s life have not compromised its recyclability, especially where tar-based treatments have been used. These treatments may contain substances that can leach harmful contaminants, potentially impacting the test results and the classification of the material.
RHiNOPHALT® – a safe and sustainable asphalt surface treatment
RHiNOPHALT® contains Gilsonite which is a naturally occurring bitumen resin. It is classified as non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and non-mutagenic. Importantly, it contains no harmful PAHs, which are known to pose environmental and health risks. Because of its natural composition and clean safety profile, Gilsonite is exempt from REACH registration.
This makes RHiNOPHALT® a safe, regulatory-compliant choice for asphalt surface preservation – supporting worker safety and environmental stewardship. Its ability to extend pavement life without compromising recyclability makes it a strong asset in sustainable infrastructure planning.
Request test data
To ascertain the safety and non-hazardous nature of the asphalt surface treatment, kindly request the test data from the supplier. WAC testing can be performed on treated and untreated asphalt samples to evaluate differences in hazardous content.
Reviewing PAH and Hazardous Content in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
To determine whether a product contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), consult its Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Relevant information is typically located in the following sections:
- 2. Hazard Identification
- 3. Composition
- 11. Toxicological Information
- 15. Regulatory Information
Conclusion
By combining the long-term preservation benefits of RHiNOPHALT® with rigorous testing and responsible recycling practices, infrastructure owners can ensure both the performance and sustainability of their asphalt pavements. This integrated approach extends pavement life while promoting safe, circular reuse and reduced environmental impact.
