Auckland Transport (AT) is trialling a new type of roading asphalt that incorporates recycled tyres, marking a step forward in reducing waste and emissions from road construction.
The trial is being delivered through a collaboration between AT, Ventia, Downer, Road Science and REVYRE, bringing together expertise from across the infrastructure sector. It is testing practical innovations to help reduce environmental impact while maintaining network performance.
“This trial is about finding smarter, more sustainable ways to maintain Auckland’s roads while reducing our environmental impact,” says AT’s GM Road Asset Maintenance & Renewals, Alan Wallace.
“By testing new materials like this in real-world conditions, we can better understand how they perform over time and whether they can help us reduce emissions, minimise waste and deliver long-term value for Aucklanders.”
The trial, now in place on Blockhouse Bay Road, uses a recycled polymer made from end-of-life tyres to replace around 25 per cent of the synthetic polymer typically used in asphalt binder, and will be monitored over the next decade.
Around 1,000 kilograms of recycled tyre material was used in the project, supporting AT’s commitment to sustainability, reducing emissions, and supporting more circular outcomes in infrastructure delivery.
“This technology gives end-of-life tyres a valuable second life in infrastructure, helping to divert waste from landfill while contributing to more sustainable roads,” says REVYRE CEO Shaun Zykor.
Zukor added that REVPOL is not simply a crumb rubber filler, but a functional remanufactured polymer. Produced from end-of-life tyre crumb, REVPOL serves as a substitute for Styrene Butadiene Styrene (SBS), a virgin petroleum-based product widely used to enhance road performance and durability.
“It’s a practical example of how innovative recycling solutions can replace traditional materials and support a more circular economy, without compromising on quality or performance.”
Road Science designed and manufactured the materials used in this trial and provided technical support throughout the project. Results demonstrated that the modified binder could be successfully used in their FlexiPlus Bind product on a live project without compromising quality. Across blending, transport, and construction, the material performed broadly in line with expectations for the product.
The trial installation was completed under normal traffic conditions, with no safety incidents or disruption to the surrounding community.
“Delivering this trial under live traffic conditions demonstrates that innovative materials like this can be incorporated into day-to-day operations safely and efficiently,” says Ventia’s Group Executive of Transport Damian Pedreschi.
“It also shows how collaboration across the sector can bring new ideas into practice in a way that maintains safety, quality and minimal disruption for the community.”
AT will continue to monitor the road’s performance over time and compare it with standard asphalt surfacing to assess its durability and potential for wider use.
