Fit for purpose carbon reduction
Ever since its release of the SAMIGreen range, the product and SAMI Bitumen Technologies as a company, has been welcomed by the road industry as a positive force focused on sustainability.
Two years ago, SAMI introduced its bio binder range as part of the road industry’s efforts to meet environmental targets. SAMIGreen is an elastomeric polymer modified binder (PMB) with a bio component that can achieve over 60 per cent carbon footprint reduction.
It’s available in both the Austroads elastomeric modified binder range and the crumb rubber modified binder range.
However, not all projects are designed with the budget to incorporate high carbon reduction solutions. Some low-budget projects have a requirement for cost-effective options that still contribute to carbon reduction. As Hamidreza Sahebzamani, PHD, MIEAUST, R&D and Technical Support Manager – SAMI Bitumen Technologies explains.
“To address this need, we’ve developed alternatives to the SAMIGreen range. Continuous research and development at our central laboratory in Sydney have led to the creation of products tailored to meet customer-specified sustainability requirements,” he says.
For example, SAMIGreen A15E LC70 (Deep Green) and SAMIGreen A15E LC30 (Light Green) achieve carbon footprint reductions of 70 per cent and 30 per cent respectively, compared to the standard A15E, without compromising its technical performance. The availability of these products now allows all projects, regardless of budget constraints, to incorporate carbon reduction measures.
This customisation is a feature across the entire SAMIGreen product line, which includes all elastomeric modified binders suitable for a wide range of asphalt and sprayed sealing applications, such as A10E, A15E, A20E, S25E, S20E, S15E, S15R, and A18R.
“An officially verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is also available for this range, providing transparency and validation of sustainability claims,” Sahebzamani says.
SAMI is committed to ensuring that the new bio-based materials integrated into traditional bituminous materials comply with all safety requirements. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures are rigorously upheld, with comprehensive Safety Data Sheets provided for each product.
The SAMIGreen CRUMBflex represents a significant advancement in sustainable construction materials. It offers a range of hybrid-modified biogenic binders suitable for various asphalt and sprayed seal applications. These binders can be tailored to any elastomeric modified grade, addressing diverse project needs.
Depending on the specific grade selected, SAMIGreen CRUMBflex products can achieve a carbon footprint (Global Warming Potential) that is over 60 per cent lower than traditional counterparts, while still meeting national technical specifications.
This innovative binder incorporates biogenic carbon sink material and crumb rubber sourced from local end-of-life tyres, thereby promoting a lower environmental impact and supporting the circular economy by utilising waste materials. Importantly, SAMIGreen CRUMBflex remains safe for crews, just like conventional polymer-modified binders.
“The technical performance of the SAMIGreen range has been thoroughly evaluated over several years. The binders conform to Austroads specifications, and all performance metrics for asphalts made with SAMIGreen have demonstrated high performance levels,” Sahebzamani says.
“Since its introduction in 2023, several successful trials have been conducted, and the acceptance of this binder continues to grow.”
The SAMIGreen range can be tailored to achieve desired carbon footprint reductions, making it a versatile and eco-friendly choice for modern paving projects and for those who care about the future.
This article was originally published in the April edition of Roads & Infrastructure Australia.
