* sustainable development, whilst impact on the environment is minimized,
* optimizing the use of natural resources,
* increasing restrictions on the dumping of reusable material, possibly leading to a ban on their disposal into landfills,
* potential economic incentives to encourage the recycling and re-use,
will promote increased recycling of asphalt mixes and assess for suitability, alternative sources of recyclable material.
These materials will be combined along with technical innovation and enhanced quality management systems to produce an improving product that retains the potential for approaching 100% re-usability.
The European asphalt industry takes care of the environment and feels responsible for its product during its whole lifetime. EAPA therefore strongly supports, where economically and technically feasible, all efforts to optimize the recycling and re-use of asphalt. In addition EAPA holds the position on so-called “Construction and Demolition Waste”, that it is a potentially re-usable/recyclable product, and therefore should not automatically be defined as a waste, where doing so would restrict or prevent its subsequent use as a secundary material. Further reference is given in the “EAPA Environmental guidelines on Best Available Techniques (BAT) for the production of asphalt mixes”.
Whilst pursuing the above objectives the asphalt industry will ensure continual improvements in workplace health and safety and that overall impact on the natural environment is minimized.
These principles will determine whether in addition to reclaimed asphalt, by-products produced by others also can be incorporated into new asphalt. The suitability for inclusion will be determined by technical performance, economical assessment, along with potential environmental and health and safety constraints.