Bitumen Emulsion is in our DNA

Did you ever wonder where the name COLAS originated from?

It evolved out of the term ‘COLd ASphalt,’ the phrase used in the early days of road surfacing to describe what we now call bitumen emulsion. In some countries terminology differs. In the USA, bitumen is referred to as asphalt cement and what we call asphalt is known as asphalt concrete.

The COLAS brand was established globally by Shell Oil in the late 1920s. At that time, refined bitumen was mixed with chemically treated water to form an emulsion, allowing it to be used without needing to be heated. As cold asphalt emulsions could be stored in drums and applied cold, COLAS emulsions became the road binder of choice for surfacing and maintaining roads with its improved safety and convenience.

With the introduction of bulk road tankers equipped with gas-fired heating systems, transporting and using hot bitumen has become simpler and more economical. As a result, hot bitumen gradually replaced emulsions for spray sealing roads in warmer climates, which is still the case in Australia today.

Return to cold-applied products

However, the world has come full circle. Our desire to reduce greenhouse gasses emissions and move away from fossil fuels, cold-applied products like bitumen emulsions are regaining importance. Emulsions are not only safer to use, but also highly versatile. They’re now commonly used in applications including microsurfacing, seal coats, dust suppression, cold mix asphalt, crack sealing, and base stabilisation.

COLAS has long been a leader in promoting the benefits of bitumen emulsions. Through SAMI Bitumen Technologies, we continue to drive innovation in this space. Our latest development is the successful use of high-float emulsions to replace cutback bitumen in constructing graded seals on unsealed roads.

As the industry advances towards more sustainable practices, we can expect to see even greater use of bitumen emulsions in the years ahead.