Circular Economy: The asphalt industry is prioritizing sustainability by adopting circular economy principles, which aim to reduce waste generation and use resources more efficiently. This approach emphasizes the reuse and recycling of materials at all phases of a pavement’s lifecycle, from production to rehabilitation. Asphalt recycling technologies such as cold in-place recycling (CIR) and full-depth reclamation (FDR) are being increasingly employed, enabling aging pavements to be rejuvenated with a fraction of the virgin materials that would otherwise be required. Efforts promoting extended producer responsibility (EPR), which would require manufacturers to manage the end-of-life of their products, are promoting the development of a closed-loop system.

Climate Resilience and Adaptation: As climate change increasingly threatens the resiliency of infrastructure, the asphalt industry is adjusting its practices to mitigate risks better and endure for the long run. New paving designs that account for the warming atmosphere, increased frequency of extreme precipitation, and rising sea levels are being developed to withstand the effects of climate change. Permeable asphalt surfaces are also widely used, as they help mitigate urban heat islands, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve water quality. Research into bio-based binders and alternative pavement materials that can better endure environmental stressors is also progressing, enabling the development of infrastructure solutions that are better equipped to withstand climate change.