From the roof to the street – INKA project aims to exploit recycled materials in asphalt

It aims to create methods and markets for the commercialisation of recycled materials to enable their increased use in Finland. Aalto University is joined in the project by industrial partners, including all parties involved in the value chain of recycling roofing felt.

Tekes’ Innovative Cities (INKA – innovatiiviset kaupungit, 2014–2017) programme aims to create competitive, expertise-based companies and thus accelerate the creation of innovation clusters in Finland.

The total budget for the roofing felt research project is 243 000 euros. The project’s central aim is to accelerate the controlled use and commercialisation of novel recycled materials in recycled asphalt, in Finland and internationally. At the same time, commercialisation of recycled materials as raw or additional material in pavements.

– We are developing research methods and processes for demonstrating the environmental suitability of recycled materials. The project is thus important to the planning of waste processing solutions in roofing product industries. It is also a significant initiative in lengthening the lifespan of construction products through methods of circular economy, says Professor Terhi Pellinen from the Department of Civil Engineering.

Further information:

Research leader, Professor Terhi Pellinen, terhi.pellinen@aalto.fi

Project Manager Kalle Aromaa, kalle.aromaa@aalto.fi