The material is formed of waste items that would usually be left to stew in landfills, including printer toner cartridges and used tyres.

“This demonstration, in partnership with the City of Boroondara, proves that with the right technology and capability we can produce 99% high quality renewable asphalt,” said Downer’s executive general manager of road services Dante Cremasco.

“Improved recycled material availability and process improvements for large scale production means that we can work with progressive and environmentally conscious suppliers and customers to achieve world’s best practice.”

The best practice in Australia at the moment is to incorporate around 30-40% of reusable materials, and though some others have achieved higher results than that, nothing has matched what Downer has formulated.

By utilising these waste materials, Downer and Boroondara get a double bonus, lowering carbon dioxide emissions while also increasing the durability and operating life of the roadway.

Specifically, it was shown to provide a 30% improvement in deformation resistance, in addition to a 16% boost to the stiffness, the latter of which improves both bearing capacity and the ability to lay it down in thinner applications, driving down emissions further.

Statistics also show that 10,000 tonnes of this recyclable asphalt could use 7.5 million recycled glass bottles, 1250 used car tyres and 425,000 printing cartridges, as well as 24.7km of re-used asphalt.

“It is exciting to be involved in such an innovative project, which offers great sustainability outcomes for our city and fantastic possibilities beyond Boroondara,” said Cotham ward Councillor Judith Voce.

“By showcasing this initiative on World Environment Day, it gives council and Downer an opportunity to raise global awareness and highlight projects that are having a positive environmental impact.”

Downer has liaised and consulted at all stages of the process with various green companies, including Somerton-based Close The Loop and mixing plant producer Ammann.

“Our relationship with Downer is one of partnership, where we work together collaboratively to further improve the way we design and manufacture our plants to continuously deliver more effective, efficient and sustainable products,” said Ammann Australia’s managing director Paul Vandersluis.

You can view a factsheet on the new material here