Tarmac and Multipave deliver sustainable solution in Blackpool
Combined solution mixes recycled aggregates with Tarmac’s innovative surface course
ROAD surfacing contractors Multipave have set a new benchmark for environmentally responsible road construction, using a combined solution that mixes recycled aggregates with Tarmac’s innovative surface course, as part of groundbreaking a 4,500m2 carriageway reconstruction project for Blackpool Council.
At the heart of the project were 735 tonnes of Multipave’s cold recycled bound material (CRBM), produced at their aggregates recycling facility in Leyland. This material was created using waste planings from the existing carriageway, demonstrating a circular approach to road building.
To complete the surface layer, Tarmac supplied their Bio Ultiflex high-performance, low-carbon thin surface course. This Clause 942 BBA HAPAS-certified material incorporates high-PSV aggregates and a polymer-modified binder to ensure long-term durability even under demanding traffic conditions.
The solution was deemed viable only after comprehensive investigation work to ensure that waste materials from the severely deformed carriageway could be reused.
Working collaboratively with Tarmac to find the right surface course, Multipave not only put forward an environmentally friendly recycled material, but also minimized transport movements. Waste planings were backhauled on the same wagons that delivered the CRBM to site, reducing transport movements to nearly half of those typically associated with traditional base layer installation.
This is the second project on which Multipave have teamed up with longstanding partner Tarmac to deliver Bio Ultiflex in combination with their CRBM. On this scheme they utilized the latest generation of CRBM, which includes a biogenic additive that actively locks carbon into the material structure without compromising quality or performance.
By mixing at ambient temperatures, CRBM offers significant energy and carbon savings over traditional hot-mix asphalt – an enhanced solution made possible thanks to the use of Tarmac’s Bio Ultiflex surface course.
Total carbon emissions were reduced by 34.9%, showcasing a significant step forward in sustainable infrastructure delivery. Moreover, material production emissions (A1–A3) were 40% lower thanks to the combination of the Multipave CRBM binder course and Tarmac’s Bio Ultiflex surface course. Emissions from material transport (A4) were also reduced by 62.4% through optimized logistics and integrated recycling operations.
In addition, the combined solution reduced emission intensity per square metre by 35%, underlining its potential to drive meaningful carbon reduction across large-scale projects.
Stuart Bradshaw, technical and innovation manager at Multipave, said: ‘This project presented significant challenges, not least because of the condition of the existing carriageway, but we’re delighted to have developed a truly sustainable solution in every way.
‘From the material itself that keeps waste materials in productive use, to the smart transport planning, we’ve delivered advancements in sustainability that help to set a new benchmark for environmentally responsible road maintenance.’
Gabrielle Fairweather, Tarmac’s aggregates and asphalt account manager - North West and Yorkshire, said: ‘Bio Ultiflex has been designed to deliver lasting performance in a variety of locations, from rural roads to heavily trafficked motorways, and as Multipave have proved in their CRBM solution, it is the perfect surface course to support sustainability strategies.
‘In fact, when used as a warm-mix asphalt, using Tarmac’s Ultilow binder technology can help deliver up to a 15% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
‘Moreover, Bio Ultiflex is only available for installation by accredited contractors who have full access to our expert training, advice, and technical support, or by our own expert Contracting division. This ensures it is laid to the highest industry standards, and we’re delighted to have worked closely with Multipave once again on this pioneering project in Blackpool.’
