Lanxess and Hindustan Colas Private Limited (HINCOL) have signed an agreement to test technologies that could improve road construction in India, including methods to modify bitumen and reduce the temperatures required for asphalt production.

The companies will jointly test two Lanxess products: Addipave CR 36, used in polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), and Addipave WM 23, an additive for warm mix asphalt.

The trials will examine whether Addipave CR 36 can improve the consistency and quality of modified bitumen and make its production more efficient. Lanxess will supply the product and technical support, while HINCOL will provide testing facilities and assess its performance under Indian conditions.

The companies will also evaluate whether Addipave WM 23 can lower asphalt production and paving temperatures without compromising road performance. Lower temperatures could reduce energy use and emissions during road construction.

The agreement brings together Lanxess’ expertise in specialty chemicals and additives with HINCOL’s work in bitumen products and road construction.

Vince Patram, Global Head of Marketing, Business Unit Lubricant Additives at Lanxess, said the partnership would help the company develop asphalt applications suited to the Indian market.

Neelanjan Banerjee, Senior Vice President and Global Head of the Business Unit Lubricant Additives at Lanxess, said the companies would assess how the additives could improve production efficiency, product quality and environmental performance.

Debashis Chakraverty, Chief Executive Officer and Director of HINCOL, said the partnership would allow both companies to evaluate technologies for improving road performance and sustainability.

The agreement covers technical testing and the assessment of commercial opportunities. The companies have not disclosed a timeline for the trials, investment details or plans for commercial deployment.