As the world’s population grows, so does the need for infrastructure, and with it, asphalt. Despite its simplicity, asphalt has remained largely unchanged for a century, presenting challenges due to its binder, bitumen, which is derived from crude oil residue.

Producing asphalt involves oil extraction, a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the process requires heating to temperatures as high as 200 degrees Celsius, making it highly energy intensive.

To meet the EU Commission’s European Green Deal goal of climate neutrality by 2050, asphalt production needs a major transformation.

The startup Visibuilt is currently developing visiBIT, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional asphalt production. visiBIT replaces bitumen with a binder derived from mycelium, the root structure of fungi. Through a specialised fermentation process, Visibuilt uses nature’s own tools to create sustainable asphalt production.

By replacing harmful, fossil-based material with innovative and more sustainable alternatives, Visibuilt aims to reduce energy consumption, lower CO2
emissions, and eliminate dependence on fossil fuels while honouring the traditions of asphalt and preserving the functionality of road infrastructure.

Asphalt is comprised of 95 percent stone and five percent bitumen, but by substituting bitumen with visiBIT, energy onsumption and CO2 emissions during production can be reduced by more than 80 percent.

Additionally, asphalt made with visiBIT can be constructed at room temperature, significantly improving working conditions and eliminating risks associated with petroleum products.

Visibuilt envisions transforming asphalt from being black, fossil-based and out of step with the green transition to being circular, eco-friendly and inspired by nature.