Cemex expands Vertua Range for more Sustainable Asphalt Solutions
Cemex’s VIALOW, VIAFLOW®, and VIACOURT® asphalt, plus newer products that use a lower carbon bitumen, now form a new series of high-performance asphalt solutions which have been stringently classified to join the Vertua® product family, as part of Cemex’s Vertua® brand expansion programme.
All Cemex products which carry the Vertua® brand must meet strict criteria for at least one of five sustainable attributes ranging from lower carbon emissions, increasing energy efficiency, water conservation, through to incorporating recycled materials and design optimisation. These attributes have been identified in line with Cemex’s dedicated Future in Action climate action strategy.
VIALOW is a low temperature, reduced carbon asphalt which comes with the option to offset residual CO2 to make it a CarbonNeutral® product, in accordance with The CarbonNeutral Protocol. VIALOW’s specially formulated bitumen additive enables manufacture at up to 40°C lower than standard asphalt mixes with no compromise in performance, and the added benefit of achieving up to 20% reduction in embodied carbon emissions. Cemex’s lower temperature asphalt solutions are enabled by the company’s technically advanced admixtures capabilities, a further differentiating lever that enables Cemex to continue leading the path in developing innovative, more sustainable solutions.
Cemex’s latest lower carbon asphalt innovation, features a new bio-component binder which locks carbon into asphalt. This reduces the carbon footprint of the bitumen by up to 250 kg of CO2e when compared with conventional bitumen, which in turn reduces the CO2e in the asphalt by as much as a third. The solution involves the addition of biogenic components engineered to ensure bitumen compatibility that won’t compromise the performance characteristics of asphalt. The end-result is an asphalt that can be recycled whilst also retaining captured bio-carbon in the long term.
VIAFLOW® is a range of permeable asphalt mixes with a highly durable, free draining surface, which allows water to pass through to the underlying structure or drainage system. Rated highly for its water management properties, VIAFLOW® is suitable for use as part of a designed Sustainable drainage system (SUDS), either through distribution to ground/drainage or for use in ‘greywater harvesting’ applications. VIAFLOW properties can be further enhanced when forming a system with Cemex’s Permaflow permeable concrete, ensuring an optimal solution for surface and storm water management.
VIACOURT® is an optimum asphalt material designed and engineered for use in high performance sports surfaces. Designed to provide a rapid draining surface for tennis courts and other sports surfaces, VIACOURT® allows sport to recommence soon after periods of rain fall.
Scott Jones, Director of Asphalt and Paving Solutions for Cemex EMEA, comments: “Our comprehensive range of Vertua® asphalt solutions allow customers to measure the sustainable impact of their projects because the attributes are now verifiable. This can be reflected both in the product manufacturing process and in the useful life of the project. Vertua®’s single-minded ambition is to extend its value to all products in Cemex’s portfolio, leveraging cutting-edge technology and pioneering innovation to help clients meet their construction needs more sustainably.’’
Vertua® asphalt solutions are integral high-performance products offered by Cemex’s Urbanisation Solutions Europe business. Capabilities also include a range of next generation of admixtures to enhance product attributes such as strength, workability, and water demand, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.
The complete Vertua® product portfolio forms a central part of Cemex’s broader Future in Action strategy to be a net zero CO2 company by 2050, providing customers and partners with efficient solutions to meet environmental goals and lead the way for responsible construction.
