Story perspectives

Outdated specs and permits still block green road materials

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 3:51 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. firms say low-carbon concrete, recycled asphalt and smart plastics are ready but lag hinders adoption.
Patty Mishic O’Brien of Teknor Apex reports a resin “fairy dust” additive boosts durability.
Eunice Heath of CRH says caps limit recycled asphalt to ~20%, but CRH can use 40-60% for 35% emissions cut.
O’Brien and Heath say outdated specs and fragmented permitting block green materials, requiring reform and 12–24-month scaling without faster approvals.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. firms say low-carbon concrete, recycled asphalt and smart plastics are ready but lag hinders adoption.
Patty Mishic O’Brien of Teknor Apex reports a resin “fairy dust” additive boosts durability.
Eunice Heath of CRH says caps limit recycled asphalt to ~20%, but CRH can use 40-60% for 35% emissions cut.
O’Brien and Heath say outdated specs and fragmented permitting block green materials, requiring reform and 12–24-month scaling without faster approvals.