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Britain trials recycled tyre rubber in motorway asphalt construction

The United Kingdom has successfully implemented a sustainable road-building initiative that incorporates recycled tyre rubber into asphalt, with trials on the M1 motorway demonstrating the viability of the approach. The technology addresses waste management concerns while advancing environmentally conscious infrastructure development.

LSN India · 13 September 2026

Britain trials recycled tyre rubber in motorway asphalt construction

Britain launched a pioneering programme in 2019 to test the incorporation of recycled tyre rubber into road surfaces, with particular focus on the heavily trafficked M1 motorway. The trial was designed to evaluate how recycled materials perform under the demanding conditions of high-volume traffic, establishing practical benchmarks for large-scale implementation.

The initiative represents a dual approach to sustainable development: tackling the growing challenge of waste tyre disposal while simultaneously improving road infrastructure through innovative construction methods. By incorporating up to 750 tyres per kilometre of road, the programme demonstrates significant potential for waste reduction and resource efficiency in the construction sector.

Following successful performance data from the trial phase, Tarmac's ULTIPAVE R system—the proprietary technology behind the recycled rubber integration—received regulatory approval for expanded use. This clearance marks a pivotal moment in the broader adoption of environmentally friendly road construction practices across British infrastructure projects, signalling a shift towards circular economy principles in public works.