Reducing GHGs where the rubber hits the road

Testing a new, sustainable ingredient with real world road construction improvements

The Opportunity

Petroleum based products are a staple in road construction. The unique qualities of fossil fuel-based binders and resins are hard to duplicate. But the construction industry is seeking alternatives that are easier on the planet. BioDiffusion Technologies (BDT) has developed a plant-based bio-resin that has multiple applications in road construction that reduce cost, GHG and prolong road life.  In road paving applications this resin can generate results that are the same or better than traditional fossil-based products, drawing strong interest from industry and municipalities.   

The Challenge

BDT’s unique product was of high interest to industry, but they needed to provide proof of its effectiveness in real-world conditions. Building base strength or increasing recycled content in asphalt needs to be simple, cost-effective and meet or exceed industry standards. The road construction industry – like other traditional industries that BDT could serve – demands specific testing and data before considering integration of any new ingredient.  Lab and field trials are expensive and time consuming, so attracting willing participants is more difficult. 

NPC’s Solution

BioDiffusion, a long-time member of the NPC community, was successful in receiving $250,000 through the Proof of Concept Program. This supports their work with multiple municipalities and their application partner, Dufferin Construction, to test and demonstrate different applications of their ‘Green Roads’ resin in real field applications that serve as a pre-cursor to global commercialization activities.