CapPRO: Petrobras' New Sustainable Asphalt

Currently, asphalt quality and driver caution are essential factors for traffic safety. However, traditional paving, without adequate environmental care, generates significant impacts on the environment. Therefore, researchers constantly seek alternatives that reconcile road network development and environmental protection.

With this objective, Petrobras enters the market with a durable, environmentally friendly, and easy-to-apply solution: CapPRO. Below, discover Petrobras’ new asphalt and understand what changes in Brazilian paving.

What is CAP (Petroleum Asphalt Cement)

CAP, or Petroleum Asphalt Cement, is the base material for traditional paving. At room temperature, it exhibits thermoplastic behavior: when heated, it becomes fluid; when cooled, it returns to its original state.

It is worth noting that its classification depends on viscosity or penetration, variables that determine appropriate use in different types of pavement.

In practice, CAP functions as a binder that joins the various asphalt layers during application. However, to achieve the necessary fluid state, it requires high temperatures, which significantly increases energy consumption in the process.

Furthermore, CAP is manufactured, for the most part, with non-recyclable materials. During application, it emits pollutants into the atmosphere and, when it needs to be removed, the discarded material is also not reused.

What is CapPRO

Currently, sustainability has become a global concern. From small producers to large companies, all are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of reusable products that are less harmful to the environment.

In this regard, just as with hybrid and electric cars in the automotive sector, Petrobras has developed an asphalt that combines efficiency, sustainability, and quality. According to the IstoÉ Dinheiro website, CapPRO arrives on Brazilian roads in 2023, accompanying the renewal of the road network.

Main Advantages of CapPRO Compared to Traditional CAP

In fact, CapPRO presents significant advances compared to traditional asphalt. Below, review the main benefits:

1. Lower Energy Consumption

Unlike conventional CAP, CapPRO does not require high temperatures during application. Therefore, it reduces energy expenditure in the process and makes the work more agile and economical.

2. Up to 65% Reduction in Pollutant Emissions

With less heat involved, CapPRO emits up to 65% fewer greenhouse gases. Consequently, it reduces the environmental impact of paving and contributes to meeting climate targets.

3. Greater Use of Recyclable Materials

Additionally, the new formula allows incorporating more recyclable materials into the pavement composition. In practice, this means reusing a greater quantity of asphalt removed from other roads, closing the circular economy cycle in paving.

What Changes for Those Who Apply Asphalt

Generally, major technological changes tend to generate apprehension in the market. In the case of CapPRO, however, the good news is that the application process remains the same.

That is, for manufacturers, construction companies, and parts and equipment distributors for paving, the transition occurs directly, without the need for new investments in machinery or extensive team training.

The Future of Sustainable Paving in Brazil

Gradually, as the Brazilian road network undergoes renewal processes, CapPRO reaches the entire country. In this way, the initiative places Brazil aligned with global trends in sustainable paving and strengthens compliance with increasingly demanding environmental targets.

In any case, for distributors and service providers in the sector, maintaining updated inventory and equipment in perfect working condition remains essential in any technological scenario.

Therefore, Sulpeças offers approximately 35,000 parts in stock for immediate delivery to ensure that your machinery is always ready for the next project, whether with traditional asphalt or with new sustainable solutions. Therefore, contact our sales department and discover our complete portfolio.