Asphalt producers in the Netherlands can work together to make their production processes more sustainable, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has confirmed (10 December). The collaboration, spearheaded by trade association Bouwend Nederland, aims to reduce asphalt production temperatures, which will lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
ACM’s informal assessment found no competition law concerns with the initiative. Participation is voluntary, and producers remain free to adopt higher sustainability standards if they choose. ACM Chairman Martijn Snoep emphasized the flexibility of Dutch competition law in supporting sustainability goals, saying, “Businesses are allowed to work together in order to achieve sustainability goals. The Dutch Competition Act offers scope to such collaborations.”
The initiative focuses on shifting to “Warm Mix Asphalt,” produced at temperatures of 100–140°C, compared to traditional methods that reach up to 180°C. Bouwend Nederland noted that while sustainable technology exists, customers often default to traditional asphalt.
ACM cautioned against potential price increases but assessed the risk as minimal based on current information. The agency encouraged businesses to explore its collaboration test to ensure compliance with competition rules while pursuing sustainability objectives.
