London Biggin Hill airport has become the first airport in the UK to trial a non-crude oil-based asphalt binder and the world's first to do so on an operational taxiway.

Known as Bio-Bitumen, the asphalt binder is made from renewable resources, specifically a combination of naturally occurring hydrocarbon resin and an organic extract. The material was installed during a live demonstration, conducted by Associated Asphalt Contracting, together with their partners B2Square – Bitumen Beyond Oil, attended by aviation and paving experts at Biggin Hill in May.

Tony Embling, head of technical services, London Biggin Hill Airport, says: “As we work towards our goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2029, we're committed to driving meaningful progress towards more sustainable initiatives. This project reflects London Biggin Hill Airport's proud history of innovation, from pioneering air-to-air communications during the First World War to today's trials of new taxiway materials under live operational conditions. It's a significant milestone for the industry as we work to develop more resilient, lower-impact infrastructure.”

Derek Lock, business development consultant, Associated Asphalt Contracting, adds: “This is a unique opportunity to test durability, flexibility and surface performance in conditions far more demanding than traditional road surfaces. Through this project, we'll be gathering valuable data from a real-world setting to support the use of more sustainable materials that meet the standards of aviation environments.”

Frank Albrecht, CEO, B2Square – Bitumen Beyond Oil, adds: “We're presented with a great opportunity to demonstrate the viability of bitumen alternatives and highlight their commercial and environmental potential across the sector. By working in partnership with Associated Asphalt and its client London Biggin Hill, we've been able to progress beyond controlled testing to an operational taxiway, used daily by business aircraft. We look forward to seeing how this project accelerates the conversation around more scalable, sustainable infrastructure solutions.”