Considering that more than 90% of the 5,5M km of European roads are surfaced with asphalt, a material easy to repair, 100% re-usable and recyclable, the European asphalt industry has the potential to become a key tool to help Member States to meet the ambitious objectives of the Transition Pathway.

EAPA has been producing extensive communication, through a wide range of channels (including different position and technical guidance documents addressing Industry and Road Administrations) with a clear position: to ensure that, when technically and economically viable, a proper road maintenance must be carried out to maximise the service life of our road networks, prevent waste generation and minimise the future exploitation of new resources. After that, the reuse of existing asphalt shall always be the first option and its recycling the second.

EAPA has also produced a guidance document on the use of waste and by-products from other sectors into asphalt.
EAPA has also published the Decarbonisation Roadmap of the European Asphalt Industry, a document, which presents a comprehensive roadmap outlining strategies and actions to meet the decarbonization objectives set by the EU in the asphalt paving sector. The paper begins by examining the current state of the asphalt paving sector in the EU, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for decarbonization. It then proposes a multi-faceted approach that encompasses technological advancements and the adoption of low-carbon techniques, such as the re-use of reclaimed asphalt, the manufacture at lower temperatures, the use of low-carbon binders or the transition towards more environmentally friendly fuels, among others. Moreover, the paper emphasizes the importance of regulatory frameworks that support sustainable practices and collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, research institutions, and civil society.

1.9 Local availability of products and techniques

3.1 Recovery targets for waste

3.8 Roll out industrialised techniques

3.13 Zero emission construction sites