The decision to use the product reflects APRR’s desire to curb the environmental footprint of projects on the motorway network it operates. This trial of a low-carbon plant-based asphalt on a concession-operated motorway was a first in France. The carbon-neutral project consisted in the application of 2,000 tonnes of asphalt over a two-kilometre, two-lane section in the MâconGeneva direction in the Vonnas (Ain department) area.

Biophalt®, a plant-based asphalt delivering high technical and environmental performance, was developed in 2018 by Eiffage Route’s research and development teams.
It helps to rise to the challenge of low-carbon road construction by combining several innovations:

• a bio-sourced binder obtained from the timber sector as well as by products of the paper industry replacing all the petroleum-based bitumen traditionally used;
• recycling over 40% of the asphalt aggregates from the existing road surface, which helps to conserve natural resources of new quarry materials;
• lowering the production temperature, which helps to curb energy consumption and carbon emissions.

In 2019, Biophalt® won a prize from the Comité Innovation Routes et Rues (CIRR) as part of a call for innovative projects launched by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition. Since then, it has been used in a number of experimental projects for clients keen to test out innovations, with Cerema monitoring them over a 3- to 5-year period.

The Trophées des TP 2022 awards, which spotlight infrastructure technology advancing the energy transition, are held jointly by the FNTP, a French public works trade body, and Le Moniteur, a trade publication. This year’s awards were dedicated to innovations unlocking new decarbonised building methods and infrastructure.

The Grand Prix des Trophées FNTP prize is given out to a major innovation by a public works company that helps to develop and/or industrialise low-carbon materials and processes suitable for projects and the needs of users and clients.