Dutch construction company H4A is testing a new type of tarmac which uses lignin to bind the sand and gravel together.
It is said that nothing unusual has been noticed about the bio-tarmac in four months but the tarmac is yet to be tested in the autumn and winter months.
Lignin replaces bitumen, which makes up some 4%-5% of tarmac, and of which between 400,000-500,000tonnes are used each year.
Lignin is harder and is not affected by rain and UV. It also needs to be heated to a lower temperature than bitumen which will reduce energy consumption.
