Gautam ZEN UK, The Chemical Intelligence Network has announced that its latest research on XyloBIND®, a lignin-based carbon-negative asphalt technology developed for next-generation sustainable pavements, has been selected for poster presentation at the 2nd RILEM International Symposium on Bituminous Materials (ISBM2026) in Padova, Italy, taking place from 16–18 June 2026.
The accepted poster, titled “Laboratory Assessment of Stone Mastic Asphalt Containing Lignin Powder and Lignin-Based Composite Pellets”, highlights Gautam ZEN UK’s ongoing work with HOLCIM UK in developing lower-carbon asphalt systems using engineered lignin-based biogenic materials.
The research focuses on XyloBIND®, a proprietary biomass-derived additive platform engineered to partially replace fossil-derived bitumen while improving long-term pavement durability, ageing resistance, and whole-life carbon performance.
According to Gautam ZEN UK, the technology has been specifically designed as a drop-in solution compatible with conventional asphalt production systems, allowing integration into existing infrastructure without requiring major plant modifications or process changes. The study also presents laboratory assessment and asphalt mixture evaluation undertaken in collaboration with Holcim UK.
Recent live trial data shared by the company from the National Highways A590 Cumbria scheme reportedly demonstrated multiple technical and sustainability benefits associated with the XyloBIND® platform, including:
- Approximately 28% reduction in oxidative ageing
- Around 30% reduction in carbon impact across the scheme
- Enhanced pavement durability and resistance to ageing
- Compatibility with existing asphalt manufacturing infrastructure
The company stated that the technology forms part of a broader strategy focused on combining decarbonisation with infrastructure resilience, rather than addressing embodied carbon reduction alone.
(Image – Gautam ZEN UK)