Boral has introduced a pioneering crumbed rubber asphalt bitumen derived from off-the-road (OTR) tyres, marking am achievement in Australia. The company claims this innovative product can extend pavement life up to twice as long as conventional road treatments, offering a sustainable and high-performance solution for infrastructure.

Addressing the challenge of OTR tyre recycling

OTR tyres, commonly used in mining and quarry operations, present a significant recycling challenge due to their size and volume. Tyre Stewardship Australia has previously highlighted the logistical difficulties associated with repurposing these tyres, which are often stockpiled across Australia’s mining sites.

A step toward more sustainable roads

Boral has developed its high-binder crumbed rubber asphalt using end-of-life tyres (ELT) from its own quarry and construction sites. The mix incorporates approximately two-thirds of an OTR tyre, equating to about 400 kilograms of rubber per tyre.

Key benefits of the new asphalt include:

  • Superior cracking resistance, reducing the need for frequent resurfacing
  • Anti-oxidation properties, combating UV damage – a leading cause of road deterioration
  • Improved durability, potentially doubling the lifespan of residential roads

Real-world testing and adoption

Boral collaborated with the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) and Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) to identify the optimum OTR-derived asphalt mix. The project involved:

  • Demonstrations across three sites, covering 7,000 square metres of local roads
  • Use of 10,000 kilograms of OTR-derived crumbed rubber
  • Diversion of 25 large earthmover tyres from landfill

Encouraging broader adoption

Boral sees this innovation as part of a larger effort to drive a circular economy and reduce the environmental impact of road construction.

“Finding ways to be more sustainable and drive a more circular economy is central to what we do at Boral,” said Richard Pearson, Executive General Manager, Asphalt at Boral.

He also urged councils and governments to embrace recycled materials in future road projects, reinforcing the potential of crumbed rubber asphalt to enhance sustainability in the construction sector.

Press release by Boral.