‘Groundbreaking’ new low carbon asphalt used for Queenstown Airport resealing project

31/12/2018

Queenstown Airport is turning trash into treasure for its latest resurfacing project by using a new low carbon asphalt, primarily made from waste printer toner and recycled glass, to resurface its aircraft parking area beside the terminal building. 

Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chose to partner with Downer on the $7 million project because of its expertise, innovation and collaboration with other Kiwi organisations to pioneer this form of sustainable asphalt which provides a robust, durable surface in all weathers.

QAC’s General Manager of Operations and Safety, Mike Clay, says that the resealing of the aircraft parking area occurs once every 10 years on average but this time it will be a “step-change” for the airport in terms of sustainability and infrastructure resilience.

“Normally asphalting is a fairly dull topic but we’re really excited about this project. We’ve tried to incorporate sustainability into all aspects of it, from the recycled material used in the mix to reducing haulage emissions.”

Downer’s General Manager of Surfacing Operations in New Zealand, George Leidig, said: “We are constantly exploring ways to minimise waste by re-using or re-purposing recycled materials into new products. The pavement solution we are using at Queenstown Airport, TonerPave, is a low CO2 asphalt that Downer has developed in partnership with Close the Loop. Our approach to sustainability is critical to the long term value we create for the communities we serve. It’s great to be delivering innovative solutions for Queenstown Airport who value best practice sustainability solutions.”