Successful trials of road materials can still take years to lead to widespread use on UK roads. ACI Group says closer collaboration across the highways sector could speed this process and improve network performance.
Andy Bowers, Business Unit Manager at ACI Group, will outline the call at Highways UK 2026, held at the NEC Birmingham on 14–15 October. ACI shares Stand AS11 with chemical specialist Nouryon.
Sharing data to clear adoption hurdles
Bowers points to challenges caused by differing approval processes between highway authorities. "A product may pass multiple trials but struggle to gain wider acceptance because each authority has different specifications and processes," he explains.
He adds, "Twenty successful trials with twenty authorities may not be enough if evidence isn’t shared and confidence in performance data is absent. The sector must work together to create clearer routes from trial to application."
Testing materials against extreme conditions
Road operators face rising traffic volumes, climate pressures, and stricter carbon targets. Recent UK summer temperatures reached 58°C on road surfaces in the North East, nearing the softening point of some bitumen types. This exposes roads to rutting, fatigue, and water damage.
Bowers stresses that materials should be judged on long-term performance, not just initial cost or carbon savings. "Reducing carbon is vital, but it must be combined with extending road life and enhancing durability to deliver real value," he says.
From trial to multiple sites
ACI Group’s Ecoflakes material illustrates this approach. Following the Live Labs 2 programme, Ecoflakes has been laid on several UK sites. Early results show improved polymer-modified asphalt performance with carbon dioxide reductions.
Besides emerging products, established materials like warm mix asphalt and surface treatments remain important. Warm mix asphalt lowers production temperatures, cutting energy use and emissions. Preventative treatments such as micro asphalt and surface dressing protect existing surfaces and prolong their life.
Practical support and knowledge
At Highways UK, ACI Group and Nouryon will highlight how chemical additives and technical expertise help contractors and authorities tackle real-world maintenance and construction challenges.
"The industry has more open discussions about innovation than before," Bowers observes. "Now we need to build on this by sharing evidence and giving effective technologies a clear path to prove their value on UK roads."
Visitors can meet ACI Group and Nouryon on Stand AS11 at Highways UK / Asphalt World UK, NEC Birmingham, 14–15 October 2026. More at www.acigroup.biz.
