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 pioneering sustainable construction by testing a 200-meter stretch of airfield road made from cashew-based asphalt, a first for any airport.
Developed by B2Square, this biogenic asphalt utilizes natural cashew shell extracts instead of petroleum, significantly reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing durability, and incorporating atmospheric carbon dioxide.
The initiative aims to lower the airport's carbon footprint, with potential for broader implementation across the apron area if the two-year performance monitoring proves 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.