10 Jan 2026
Bio-bitumen is a sustainable, bio-based alternative to conventional petroleum-derived bitumen used as a binder in road construction. Developed in India through collaborative research, it offers a practical way to reduce fossil fuel dependence while maintaining road performance.
Bio-bitumen is a sustainable, bio-based alternative to conventional petroleum-derived bitumen used as a binder in road construction. Developed in India through collaborative research, it offers a practical way to reduce fossil fuel dependence while maintaining road performance.
What is Bio-bitumen?
Bio-bitumen is produced from agricultural residues—most notably rice straw—and can partially replace conventional bitumen in asphalt mixes. Studies and field trials show that 20–30% of fossil bitumen can be safely substituted without compromising durability or performance.
Key Organisations Involved
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI), New Delhi
CSIR–Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), Dehradun
Key Features
Partial fossil replacement: Enables 20–30% substitution of conventional bitumen.
Proven performance: Successfully tested for rutting resistance, cracking, moisture damage, rheology, and long-term durability.
Environment-friendly: Helps curb crop residue burning and reduces lifecycle carbon emissions.
Cost-efficient: Lowers construction costs and can extend road service life.
Field validated: A 100-metre trial stretch on the Jorabat–Shillong Expressway (NH-40), Meghalaya, demonstrated real-world feasibility.
Manufacturing Process (Pyrolysis Route)
Residue collection: Post-harvest rice straw is collected and pelletised for uniformity and efficient processing.
Pyrolysis: Biomass pellets are heated at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing bio-oil, combustible gases, and bio-char.
Bio-oil extraction: The bio-oil fraction—rich in adhesive and binding properties—is separated and refined.
Blending: Refined bio-oil is blended with petroleum bitumen (typically 20–30%) to produce bio-bitumen suitable for asphalt use.
Quality validation: The blend undergoes comprehensive physical, chemical, rheological, and mechanical testing to meet national highway standards.
Why It Matters
Cleaner highways: Reduces fossil fuel use and associated emissions.
Waste-to-value: Converts agricultural waste into a high-value infrastructure material, addressing stubble burning.
Import substitution: Has the potential to replace ₹25,000–30,000 crore worth of imported bitumen annually.
In summary, bio-bitumen represents a scalable, field-proven solution that aligns infrastructure development with India’s sustainability and circular economy goals.
The detailed article is published by https:https://www.insightsonindia.com/ can be accessed from https://www.insightsonindia.com/2026/01/08/india-becomes-first-country-to-commercially-produce-bio-bitumen/
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