24.04.2024
Il Sole 24 Ore
The Enzo and Dino Ferrari International Circuit in Imola has become the world’s first racetrack to feature an innovative, green, and sustainable asphalt. This special asphalt is crafted from carefully selected recycled hard plastics—such as certain types of toys, fruit crates, and old CD cases—and graphene. The first section was laid just days before the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Emilia-Romagna, the first European event of the season. Pietro Benvenuti, General Manager of the Imola Circuit, commented: “At the circuit, we always aim to apply the latest innovations and technologies in all areas of our activity, starting with the asphalt, which is fundamental to what we do. We decided to repave the area from the Rivazza entrance to the paddock, the busiest section, and with this asphalt, we’re able to subject it to significant stress, from heavy vehicles to race cars.”
This breakthrough technology is fully ‘made in Italy,’ patented and developed by Iterchimica, a company specializing in sustainable road solutions. Federica Giannattasio, CEO of Iterchimica Spa, explained: “This technology, developed through six years of research in collaboration with the University of Bicocca in Milan, G.Eco, and Directa Plus, is specifically designed to bring sustainability to road surfaces. This partnership with the Imola Circuit has been set up to enhance the sustainability and durability of the paving.”
The use of Gipave extends the pavement’s lifespan and reduces environmental impacts thanks to lower maintenance needs. “With these technologies, environmental emissions can be reduced by up to 60-70%. In the case of the Circuit, we achieved a 60% reduction in emissions. The use of recycled plastic and other materials in the pavement, combined with its durability, enables a significant reduction in environmental impact,” added Giannattasio. Thanks to the work on the road to the paddock at the Circuit, over its service life, an estimated savings of 78,000 kg of bitumen, 1.6 million kg of aggregates, and approximately 1.2 million kWh of energy (enough to meet the monthly needs of over a thousand families) will be realized. Additionally, 3,700 kg of hard plastics were repurposed.
“This is a small step forward, as our vision is to eventually have the track surface—the focal point of the circuit and seen by audiences worldwide—become fully innovative. It could even inspire other circuits around the world to seek out the best solutions and to achieve the most high-performing track possible,” added Benvenuti. Since 2018, Gipave has been used in Italy and internationally, notably for the new Genoa San Giorgio bridge, taxiways at Rome-Fiumicino and Cagliari-Elmas airports, and various stretches of highway.