Plastic, Chemical and Lubricant Industry Blog | Telko

How a single additive is changing Nordic asphalt

Written by Telko Ltd | May 13, 2026

Every road tells a story. And in the Nordics, that story is one of pressure from all directions with:

  • Short paving seasons
  • Variable aggregates
  • High recycled content
  • Climate targets that grow more ambitious every year

With the above pressure, it means performance and sustainability need to be treated as equal priorities.

At Telko, we call our way of responding to that challenge The Telko Effect. We combine proven solutions, local expertise, and reliable logistics to help asphalt producers across the Nordic region build better roads more sustainably within the same compressed window of time.

One product that brings this to life in a very concrete way is Wetfix® BE - a well-established adhesion promoter supplied in partnership with Nouryon and trusted by producers across the region.

The problem with the old approach

For decades, cement-based additives such as hydrated lime have been the standard choice for improving the bond between bitumen and aggregates.

While effective, they also come with a set of challenges that anyone who has run an asphalt plant will recognise immediately:

  • Higher CO₂ emissions
  • Demanding handling
  • Increased dust in and around the plant
  • Real logistics complexity
  • Excess filler buildup that plants must periodically remove to maintain the correct aggregate grading

As climate targets tighten and operational efficiency becomes ever more critical, those challenges are getting harder to absorb.

A modern liquid alternative

Wetfix® BE offers a fundamentally different approach.

As a liquid adhesion promoter, it integrates easily into existing asphalt plants. It works with the wide range of aggregates and binders commonly used across the Nordics to deliver strong binder–aggregate adhesion while simplifying production and reducing environmental impact.

In hot mix asphalt (HMA), Wetfix® BE creates durable and moisture-resistant bonds that protect pavements against stripping, freeze–thaw cycles, and the demanding conditions of Nordic roads.

Producers report consistent improvements in compaction, reduced air voids, and more consistent asphalt quality particularly in demanding surface layers such as stone mastic asphalt (SMA).

“I can say with confidence that the description of Wetfix® BE is accurate, and we at NCC Industry have nothing but praise for TELKO's service and support in the process.” —
Magnus Johansson, Technical Specialist, NCC Industry Sweden
 

Lower asphalt temperatures, proven performance 

What surprises many producers is how much more Wetfix® BE can do beyond conventional hot mix. It is also an effective warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive that supports reduced mixing and paving temperatures while maintaining adhesion and durability.

In warm mix applications, Wetfix® BE:

  • Supports temperature reduction during production
  • Improves workability and compaction at lower temperatures
  • Reduces fumes and odours at both the asphalt plant and paving site
  • Maintains performance comparable to hot mix asphalt

For producers working under tighter emissions constraints or looking to improve working conditions for paving crews, this flexibility makes a real difference.

Lower CO₂, simpler logistics

Thanks to low dosage levels and efficient performance, switching to Wetfix® BE significantly reduces logistics complexity compared to cement-based additives. As it requires no filler material, producers also avoid the excess stockpile buildup that can disrupt aggregate grading at the plant.

Fewer transports, dust-free handling, and easier storage all contribute to a lower carbon footprint for the final asphalt mix and to improved working conditions across the paving season.

For producers who are beginning to measure and report their environmental impact, these operational improvements make a tangible difference to sustainability and working conditions across the paving season.

The Telko Effect in practice

The product is only part of the story. While Telko brings the logistics, the planning, and the technical knowledge to make it work in practice, Nouryon contributes product expertise and technical support alongside us.

Decades of Nordic asphalt experience sit behind every delivery. Telko supports Wetfix® BE customers with local availability, seasonal planning, flexible delivery options, and technical expertise. For producers, that means a high-performance product that works reliably every season.

The combination turns a high-performance chemistry product that producers can count on season after season.

A smarter and greener choice for Nordic roads

The Nordic paving season is short while the pressure to perform sustainably is growing. For asphalt producers, that means every decision about materials and processes carries more weight than it used to.

Wetfix® BE is a proven adhesion promoter for hot mix and an effective additive for warm mix asphalt. With Telko as your partner, making the switch is straightforward. Many producers across the Nordics and Baltics have already made the change and found the transition smoother than expected.

Contact your local Telko representative to learn more about product trials, seasonal logistics planning, and what Wetfix® BE could mean for your next paving season.

Learn more about chemical solutions for road construction.