Visibuilt

Reimagining road construction, inspired by nature

What is the Challenge?

Traditional asphalt production relies heavily on bitumen, a fossil-derived binder that requires heating to temperatures up to 200°C, making the process energy-intensive and environmentally taxing. With the United Nations projecting that 60% of the roads needed by 2050 are yet to be built, the demand for asphalt is set to surge. This impending increase poses a significant challenge to global climate neutrality goals, as the current methods of asphalt production contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions and depend on finite fossil resources.

What is the Solution?

Visibuilt is pioneering a sustainable alternative to traditional bitumen by developing visiBIT, a binder derived from mycelium—the root structure of fungi. Unlike bitumen, mycelium thrives at low temperatures and can be cultivated using waste materials, resulting in a scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly binder. Incorporating visiBIT into asphalt production could drastically reduce the industry’s carbon footprint by eliminating the need for high-temperature processing and fossil-based materials. This innovation not only aligns with global climate targets but also enhances working conditions for asphalt laborers by reducing exposure to high heat and harmful emissions. Given that asphalt production methods are consistent worldwide, visiBIT has the potential to revolutionize the global bitumen market, which is valued at approximately €100 billion annually.

Beyond environmental benefits, Visibuilt’s approach promotes a circular economy by utilizing waste materials in the production of visiBIT, thereby reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources. By harnessing the natural binding properties of mycelium, Visibuilt offers a visionary solution that addresses the pressing need for sustainable infrastructure development in a rapidly urbanizing world.