UNIQUE PAVING MATERIALS ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF UPM GREEN tm

Unique Paving Materials Corp., the leading supplier of permanent pavement repair material for over 50 years, is proud to announce the launch of its newest product, UPM Greentm. National interest in environmental sustainability is positively affecting our environment and everything in it. After an extensive three-year research and development project, UPM Greentm was developed.

Evolving from experience in leading virtually every federal and state study as the performance benchmark, UPM Greentm provides the same best-in-class performance as standard UPM. The Unique position is always performance first. Providing the best and most consistent performance, UPM Greentm virtually eliminates volatile organic compounds [VOCs] and the emissions resulting from re-repairs affecting most cold mix products. UPM Greentm is specifically formulated for use April through October.

All components of UPM are renewable, the aggregate and asphalt can be recycled indefinitely. When produced at a partner hot mix asphalt [HMA] plant, CO2 emissions are significantly reduced due to much lower manufacturing temperatures. When material is produced using our ambient portable pug mill, CO2 emissions are eliminated due to heating aggregate. The recyclability, low carbon footprint manufacturing, and the “Once and Done” permanent performance of UPM Greentm make it the greenest cold mix available. The Unique lab conducts hundreds of aggregate and cold mix analyses annually. Controlling raw materials, processing, and performance verification of every batch of UPM provides the tools to supply consistent best-in-class performance. We analyze most competitors’ cold mixes to ensure that standard UPM and UPM Greenm remain best-in-class. In addition to meeting federal and state environmental regulations it is critical that cold mix provide effective in-service performance. Poor performing products require multiple repairs and re-repairs, which eliminate the environmental benefit of reducing VOCs. This is due to increased equipment emissions to re-repair failed material. Poor performing material accumulates in sewers and drains further increasing maintenance, and equipment related emissions and VOCs.

As defined in the federal regulation, environmentally friendly products will produce minimal or no VOC emissions. The new regulations are intended to reduce overall emissions, therefore, it is reasonable to extend said regulations to product performance as poor performing products will increase both VOCs and vehicle emissions resulting from multiple, duplicate repairs. State Implementation Plans (SIP) approved by the Federal EPA, each define VOC control strategies. SIPs vary in scope and control procedure implementation, complicating interpretation from state to state. Selected states regulate the liquid used to create cold mix, while others regulate the final product. To meet all state regulations multiple tests must be completed.

Following [pg.2] are results for test procedures listed in regulations. UPM GreenTM meets low or no VOC regulations in all 50 states; standard UPM in many states. UPM GreenTM is designed for optimum performance April through October.

Product performance was left out of most state implementation plans. Restricting VOCs will deteriorate the asphalt film characteristics for most cold mix products, increasing product failure. The result will be many products marketed as environmentally friendly, will in fact, negatively impact the environment due to collateral emissions from product failure.

Minimum performance in each of the following areas is required for optimum performance and minimum emissions:

Cohesion & Adhesion

Measures the ability of the material to bond to itself and to the surrounding pavement. Performance related to the capability of the material to remain in place. Maintaining adequate adhesion and cohesion will determine the degree to which material ravels from the pothole.

Workability & Stability

Measures the force required to move and apply the material at greater than 72OF. Workability and stability must be balanced so that the material can be applied and yet stable enough to handle traffic loads. These are a function of gradation, viscosity, and application temperature.

Cold Workability & Stability

Measures the force required to move and apply the material in cold weather, less than 32OF. Workability and stability must be balanced so that the material can be applied and yet stable enough to handle traffic loads. Cold workability and stability generate a composite score of five points max for each parameter; maximum score of ten.

Film Thickness

Measures the thickness of the asphalt surrounding the aggregate. Testing for the effective film takes into account aggregate gradation and absorption characteristics. Film thickness determines shelf life, cohesion, and workability.

Sieve Analysis

Aggregate analysis measures aggregate size, distribution, surface texture and absorption characteristics. Proper compaction is critical for long-term performance. Aggregate analysis also affects the cohesion and workability. ASTM C136 – 06 Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates.

Stripping

Measures the separation of asphalt from the aggregate. Performance relates to water handling characteristics of material in wet environment (i.e. heavy rain). Stripping will remove asphalt film from aggregate, resulting in loose aggregate and raveling.

For more information, visit http://www.UniquePavingMaterials.com