Napco National, Saudi manufacturing group, in collaboration with Dow, leading materials science company, combine R&D and expertise to develop new bitumen modifier that enhances road properties and extends lifetime while reducing environmental impacts.
Supporting local economy and Saudi Vision 2030, the companies signed a trademark license agreement that appointed RECOM, Napco National’s plastics recycling company, to manufacture and sell the product in Saudi Arabia.
Bitumen Modifier Benefits in Sustainable Roads
With extensive experience in the market, Napco National and Dow were able to develop a bitumen modifier that improves the durability of roads to sustain through exposure to tough external factors including high temperature, water, UV radiation, and traffic loads. This polymer modified bitumen increases road life compared to non-modified bitumen and results in less need for road maintenance.
The product provides high thermal stability and permeability, strong mixing properties to avoid separation or segregation, as well as high temperature properties and low temperature flexibility. It also restricts the environmental impact of roads by reducing natural resource consumption, integrating plastic scrap which diverts plastic away from landfills and the environment and reduces corresponding greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Napco National Commitment to Sustainability
As part of Napco National’s commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030, this project helps contribute to the economy through local manufacturing. Furthermore, as a member of the UN Global Compact, Napco National focuses on progressing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This project aligns with SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 Sustainable Cities & Communities, SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17 Partnerships.
About Napco National
Founded in 1956 in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, Napco National aims to create valuable products and customized services for GCC industries, while addressing social needs and taking measures to protect the environment. Napco National plants manufacture and supply plastic, paper, and corrugated raw materials and packaging to diverse industries, as well as produce consumer disposables for retail and away-from-home businesses in the GCC and beyond. Napco sources indigenous raw materials and recycles post-industrial plastic waste.