The key points
- The bitumen supply chain
- The ecological transition
At the Verona Fair, from 24 to 26 November next, come back in attendance Asphaltica, the review promoted by Siteb (association of Italian roads and bitumen). The event will see the participation of managers and heads of public administrations and of the main industry operators in the sector (machine and plant manufacturers, oil companies, research laboratories, chemical industry for rubbers and additives, alternative inert materials, reinforcing membranes and waterproofing for road surfaces). Everything will take place in the presence after the postponement of last year’s fair.
The bitumen supply chain
A supply chain, the one linked to the world of bitumen, which is worth more in Italy 2 billion euros, with 400 plants and 35 thousand direct employees, which reach 500 thousand if the related industries are considered and which for two years, in contrast with the trend of the country during the pandemic, has marked significant and constant increases in production. However, there is one aspect that alarms companies in the sector: the expensive materials that are hindering the resumption of road works and construction.
Michele Turrini, president of Siteb explains: «The sharp rise in the cost of raw materials and energy risks blocking the recovery of the building and road works sector; a sector that had just woken up after years of crisis and the constant absence of investments in maintenance and new infrastructures. From January to today, the cost of bitumen (an oil-derived product essential for the construction and maintenance of roads and more) has increased by 40%. To prevent expensive materials from producing more damage to companies than those caused by Covid in the last two years, the mechanism promoted by the Government for the compensation of the costs of building materials, which have undergone an increase greater than the ‘8% “.
The ecological transition
Asphaltica will be held in pavilion 11 of the Verona Fair, with a large outdoor area for the display of large machinery and for demo-dynamic demonstrations. Asphaltica will be held this year simultaneously with the event Oil&nonOil, to establish a new integrated exhibition center, entirely dedicated to the road supply chain.
Central theme of this edition: the ecological transition and the opportunities associated with the arrival of funds from the NRP also destined for the maintenance and design of safer, more durable and sustainable roads and infrastructures. The event will also be an opportunity for operators to showcase the most advanced products and technologies to increase the safety of our road network and reduce polluting emissions.