SG Files Russian Patent for Eco-Friendly Asphalt Concrete in Anticipation of Road Restoration Demand

SG announced on December 4 that it has filed a patent application in Russia for eco-friendly "K-Ascon" related technology in anticipation of potential demand for road infrastructure restoration in Russia. The company expects that, as discussions continue regarding the end of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, demand for road and transportation infrastructure restoration in both countries will gradually increase.

The Russian patent application covers SG's "Eco Steel Ascon" technology, specifically the "method for producing steel slag aggregate and manufacturing steel slag asphalt concrete mixtures." SG explained that, in order to broaden the scope of technology protection in overseas markets, it has been simultaneously applying for and registering patents not only in Russia but also in several other countries, including Ukraine.

Eco Steel Ascon is an asphalt concrete that uses reprocessed slag aggregate, a by-product of the steelmaking process. According to the company, the use of slag aggregate improves strength and physical properties, with durability measured at up to four times that of conventional asphalt concrete. Eco Steel Ascon has already been used in areas requiring medium to heavy-duty pavement, such as the driving track at the BMW Driving Center in Yeongjongdo, the container terminal yard in Incheon, and the bus-only lane at Hongdae Entrance Station in Mapo-gu. Company-commissioned research has confirmed benefits such as noise reduction, pothole prevention, and shorter construction times.

Eco Steel Ascon has been recognized as suitable for road restoration projects in overseas steel-producing countries, as it reduces the consumption of natural aggregates and thus minimizes environmental damage from quarrying. In Ukraine, conditions for supplying steel slag have been secured, and SG conducted a pilot project on a local road section in September. Subsequent evaluations by a government-certified testing agency confirmed that key indicators such as compressive strength and durability met the required standards.

An SG representative stated, "We are gradually reviewing the potential for infrastructure restoration in Russia," adding, "We are expanding international patent applications not only in Russia but also in countries such as India and Indonesia, and we are developing overseas business strategies that reflect each country's road infrastructure demand and steel industry conditions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.