In a significant step toward sustainable infrastructure, Swedish contractor Skanska is implementing its innovative Asfalt Zero product for a road project in Östra Tommarp, near Simrishamn in southeastern Skåne, under the direction of the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket). The project, which began recently, involves the use of approximately 1,500 tonnes of this eco-friendly asphalt.

Asfalt Zero uses pine oil to partially replace the fossil binder in the bitumen

Asfalt Zero, described by Skanska as its most sustainable asphalt solution, incorporates pine oil as a partial substitute for traditional fossil-based bitumen. The product also includes a high proportion of recycled asphalt and is manufactured in an asphalt plant powered by fossil-free fuel. This approach aligns with efforts to reduce environmental impact while maintaining performance standards.

A year prior, Skanska successfully applied Asfalt Zero to a cycling and pedestrian path in Kumla, a town roughly 15km from Örebro and 200km from Stockholm. That project utilized electric machinery, significantly lowering carbon emissions and supporting the municipality’s sustainability goals. In the Östra Tommarp project, the combination of Asfalt Zero and renewable fuels for machinery and transport is projected to reduce CO?-equivalent emissions by 87.5% compared to conventional asphalt and fossil fuel use. This far exceeds the 2025 industry standard set by Trafikverket, which requires 26kg CO?-e/tonne for ABT coatings.

“We are always curious and want to explore new ways to reduce our dependence on oil,” said Stefan Rittbo, project manager at the Swedish Transport Administration. “Every step towards a greener future is valuable and we want to actively contribute to improving our carbon footprint.”

“We are proud of our cooperation with the Swedish Transport Administration, which is now taking another step towards a more sustainable infrastructure together with Skanska,” said Jörgen Andersson, regional manager at Skanska Industrial Solutions. “Sweden is facing extensive infrastructure initiatives where this type of investment becomes an enabler for our common climate goals.”

Trafikverket, responsible for long-term planning and maintenance of Sweden’s state-owned roads, railways, shipping, and aviation infrastructure, continues to prioritize sustainable practices. The adoption of Asfalt Zero in Östra Tommarp underscores a shared commitment to advancing environmentally responsible construction methods, setting a precedent for future infrastructure projects across Sweden.