Frankfurt Airport Tests Cashew-Based Asphalt

German facility says the new blend is more sustainable.

Ryan Ewing

Wednesday, November 06, 2024 at 11:23 AM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Frankfurt Airport tests new asphalt. [Credit: Fraport]

Key Takeaways:

Frankfurt Airport (Fraport AG) is trialing a pioneering 200-meter stretch of airfield road made from cashew-based asphalt, developed by startup B2Square, marking the first use of such material at an airport.
This biogenic asphalt replaces traditional petroleum by-products with natural hydrocarbon resin and an organic extract from cashew shells, aiming to significantly reduce the material's carbon footprint.
The sustainable asphalt enhances durability, incorporates atmospheric carbon dioxide to offset greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizes energy consumption through a low-temperature application process.
Fraport views this two-year monitored test as a crucial step in reducing the airport's environmental impact, with potential for widespread adoption across the apron area if successful.

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Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport (EDDF) in Germany, is kick-starting a new approach to sustainable construction by testing a 200-meter stretch of road on the airfield made from cashew-based asphalt. This material, developed by startup B2Square, is the first of its kind to be used at an airport.

Traditional asphalt is produced from petroleum by-products. In contrast, B2Square’s biogenic asphalt utilizes a natural hydrocarbon resin combined with an organic extract from cashew shells.