THE ROAD AHEAD

Paving the way

Across their lifecycle, the planet’s roads emit up to 57 gigatons of CO₂ – “similar to the world’s annual total of emissions, about 59 gigatons. It’s a huge problem we need a solution to,” says Uberbinder CEO Jett Yang.

Uberbinder’s mission is clear: to ensure our roads are fit for a greener future. To this end, it has developed a breakthrough alternative to oil-based bitumen, which could revolutionize how the world makes and maintains roadways.

“Our first of its kind bio-polymerized sulphur binder technology is engineered from abundant sulphur and regenerative biomaterials. It can produce asphalt that is more sustainable, more durable, and more cost-effective,” says Yang.

Perfect partners

Founded in 2019, Uberbinder comprises scientists, engineers, and managers who are based in both the US and the UK, in Seattle and Oxford respectively. The company also partners globally with similarly interested organizations, such as the Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories.

Public and private partners are equally drawn to Uberbinder, not only because it can help decarbonize infrastructure, but also because its binder is compatible with existing roadbuilding equipment and methods. This means the technology can be rolled out and scaled up quickly, easily, and economically.

A world first

In Massachusetts, in summer 2025, Uberbinder linked up with two partners in industry – space and place company BXP and ecosystem builders Mass Mobility Hub – to hold the world’s first field trial of low-carbon asphalt and to help accelerate the commercialization of its technology. “It is about bringing expertise, science, and people with those skills to really begin to think about the building blocks,” says Jamey Tesler, Mass Mobility Hub’s Executive Director.

The success of the trial made a serious impression on BXP Executive Vice-President Bryan Koop, too. “When you look at asphalt, there’s been no technology advances in a couple of hundred years,” he says. Koop also confirmed interest in working with Uberbinder long-term. “Absolutely. We will be there with them for the journey.”

What does a sustainable future look like?

Committed to sustainable transportation infrastructure, Uberbinder envisages a future of radically reducing dependence on oil-based bitumen in favor of eco-friendly asphalt. This aligns with the aims of SDG 9 – to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.

Not only is the binder made of recycled and regenerative materials, but it also operates at low temperatures, which reduces fuel costs and carbon emissions by 25%. For Uberbinder, this is helping the transition to a sustainable, circular economy, and contributing to the global goal of net zero by 2050. As Yang says, “First trials are an indication of greater things to come.”