The Eco-Efficiency Analysis developed by BASF offers a versatile tool to evaluate and visualize advantages and disadvantages of a product and its use in terms of economy and ecology. The entire life cycle of the product, including raw materials manufacture, energy consumption, end use and disposition, is evaluated. This tool allows BASF to select cost competitive products that are the most compatible with sustainable development principals. In this study, we applied the Eco-Efficiency Analysis to the use of latex in preventive maintenance of existing roadways by comparing three different treatment technologies: a thin surface treatment using SBR latex modified asphalt emulsion, hot mix and polymer modified hot mix overlay. Results of the analysis clearly demonstrate that latex modified asphalt emulsion technology provides a better balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental impact than thin hot mix overlay technologies. The analysis also suggests that a higher latex usage in the asphalt emulsion would have rather significant improvement in the economy and ecology with this technology.
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