Asphalt mix to capture carbon
A pilot project in northern Germany is demonstrating how road construction can become part of the climate transition.
Novocarbo, producers of high-quality biochar, has partnered with Hansa Asphalt, an asphalt supplier. Together they aim to bring an asphalt mix to the road that reportedly stores carbon long-term while enhancing material performance.
The asphalt mix is infused with biochar. Novocarbo claims the test has delivered promising results and may lay the groundwork for future standards in road construction.
Fine-grained biochar (<5 mm) was added at a 3% ratio to the top layer of asphalt – roughly seven tonnes in total.
The company say the results show key advantages, such as:
- Greater material efficiency - same mix volume, more surface coverage
- Raw material substitution - potential to replace filler materials or even bitumen
- Permanent carbon storage - creation of carbon removal credits.
The pilot took place at the Carbon Removal Park Baltic Sea in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Additional analyses, including core-sample testing, are underway to examine long-term performance benefits
The company claims the project permanently captures around 75kg of CO₂ equivalent per tonne of asphalt – adding up to 17.5t across the test site.
These carbon savings are certified by Novocarbo as Carbon Removal Credits and independently verified.
A commercial launch is scheduled for autumn 2025.
