Petrobras Produces Asphalt with Corn Technical Oil Since June, Has Already Produced 95,000 Tons

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Petrobras' Henrique Lage Refinery (Refinaria Henrique Lage, Revap) in São José dos Campos, São Paulo (SP), has been using corn technical oil (TCO) as a sustainable feedstock since June to produce CAP Pro R asphalt binder. The refinery has thus produced 95,000 tons of asphalt containing renewable components.

TCO is a semi-refined residual oil derived from the corn processing used to produce ethanol. Currently, TCO is purchased from Inpasa and has been incorporated into the renewable feedstock portfolio used by Petrobras, in line with the company's strategy to expand and develop its base of sustainable input suppliers.

This 100% renewable feedstock had previously been used by Petrobras to produce advanced fuels such as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) and Diesel R. Using TCO for CAP Pro R production is a step forward in integrating the renewable chain and utilizing agricultural products.

Angélica Laureano, Petrobras' Director of Logistics, Commercialization and Markets, stated that the company is expanding the range of renewable feedstocks used at its refineries and strengthening its diversification strategy for products with lower carbon intensity. She also stated that Petrobras is investing in alternatives that add value, reduce emissions and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Rafael Verruck, Inpasa's Director of Domestic Market, Oils and DDGS Trading, stated that TCO has proven to be a strategic feedstock for decarbonization, and its application in asphalt demonstrates that sustainability and high-performance infrastructure can go hand in hand. He also stated that applying corn oil to asphalt is the highest expression of circular economy efficiency, that Inpasa's operational robustness and product quality have gained international recognition, and that this Brazilian technology is paving a greener future for highways.

CAP Pro R is part of the more sustainable asphalt series produced by Petrobras, whose main features focus on performance and sustainability, helping to reduce the life-cycle carbon footprint and expanding the solutions offered to the road infrastructure market.

Since petroleum asphalt cement (CAP) is not a product intended for combustion, its main emissions are related to the production and application stages of the asphalt. Once applied, it is a material in which carbon remains fixed throughout its service life.