Kraton Corporation, a global leader in specialty polymers and pine chemicals, has introduced its CirKular+™ Paving Circularity Series, marking the fifth anniversary of the original CirKular+™ line. This new series is designed to meet growing industry and environmental demands by significantly increasing reclaimed asphalt usage while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The CirKular+ Paving Circularity Series enables asphalt mixes to incorporate 50% or more reclaimed asphalt in surface layers without sacrificing performance or workability. This breakthrough supports the transition toward a circular economy, aligning with both regulatory shifts and climate goals—particularly in Europe, where the push for sustainable infrastructure is intensifying under the European Green Deal and the European Union’s 2050 climate neutrality targets.

Kraton pioneered the development of commercially viable styrenic block copolymers and has long been a key player in polymer-modified asphalt solutions. These technologies are recognized for improving durability and extending the life of paved surfaces. The company’s latest innovation reinforces its role as a provider of advanced materials that support sustainable construction practices.

“Launching the Paving Circularity Series is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Pedro Lopes, Kraton’s global vice president of strategic marketing, product management, and supply chain. “This series empowers polymer-modified bitumen producers and paving contractors to enhance circularity by maximizing the reuse of reclaimed asphalt in high-performance road surfaces.”

A highlight of the series is the CirKular+ C5000, a polymer solution tailored to increase pavement durability and resistance to permanent deformation. It is also compatible with Warm Mix Asphalt technologies and meets existing performance standards for asphalt surface materials, offering a lower carbon footprint over the lifecycle of paved roads.

The CirKular+ platform, launched in 2020, focuses on delivering high-performance solutions that support plastics upcycling and circular economy goals through a comprehensive, life-cycle-based approach. With the launch of the Paving Circularity Series, Kraton reaffirms its long-term vision of advancing innovative technologies that meet environmental challenges head-on.

This latest expansion of the CirKular+ product line highlights Kraton’s strategic investment in sustainable infrastructure and its leadership in driving change toward more environmentally responsible road construction.

The CirKular+™ product line supports a comprehensive approach to the plastic product life cycle and promotes circular economy principles. These innovative solutions enable multi-resin compatibilization and enhance performance across a wide range of applications.

CirKular+ is engineered for use with post-consumer resin (PCR)—a broad category of recycled plastics such as PET, HDPE, and PP—as well as industrial recycling streams, bioplastics, and adaptable formulations that combine both virgin and recycled materials.

Backed by expert R&D, the company provides advanced support in plastics upcycling, waste recycling processes, and new product development through CirKular+ technologies.