Back in 2018, Whangārei Airport had a problem — its aging runway was starting to ravel like a well-worn jersey, thanks to heavy oxidation. A full asphalt resurface? That was out of the budget. Instead, they needed a smart, cost-effective fix. Enter EnviroShield.

Teaming up with Whangārei Airport, Road Science put EnviroShield to the test, extending the life of the runway by improving its watertightness and slowing oxidation. Fast forward seven years, and the results speak for themselves — we returned for round two after a trial that’s been a flying success!

Product Overview
EnviroShield: The smart solution for aging surfaces.

EnviroShield is a high-performance surface treatment designed to extend the life of aging asphalt and chip seal surfaces that are beginning to fret and ravel. Applied warm via spraying, it creates a durable protective layer that slows deterioration and enhances surface integrity.

With its low viscosity, EnviroShield penetrates deep into the surface, curing to form a waterproof barrier that locks in aggregate and reduces oxidation. This advanced formulation features an ultra-hard, abrasion-resistant bitumen, engineered to withstand the stresses of heavy use while maintaining a low-tack finish.

Powered by Road Science’s industry-leading bitumen emulsion technology, EnviroShield offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative to conventional resurfacing methods — delivering long-lasting protection without the hefty price tag.

Trial Progress
Two-year review –
Two years in, the results confirmed EnviroShield’s effectiveness in protecting the runway from oxidation, with a noticeable contrast between treated and untreated areas even after several years.

The treatment successfully locked in aggregate, preventing loose chip and ravelling. The client expressed high satisfaction, reinforcing EnviroShield’s performance as a cost-effective, protective solution that meets expectations.

Six-year review –
After 6 years, oxidation levels had returned to pre-treatment conditions, signalling that the initial EnviroShield application was nearing the end of its lifespan. While no ravelling was evident, it was likely to develop within the next year based on the observed oxidation rate. Cracks had started to appear along some paver joins, highlighting the need for prompt crack sealing to prevent water related damage. Skid resistance testing confirmed the surface remains above the minimum maintenance level, posing no immediate slip risk when wet.

To maintain performance, Road Science recommended that crack sealing be carried out as soon as possible, followed by a fresh EnviroShield application within the next year to enhance waterproofing and prevent future ravelling - which was done last month.

Repeat application –
In the most recent application, the team applied EnviroShield during the night shift, alongside successful completion of line marking, all before the first aircraft movement the following morning.

Conclusion

• Repeat application of EnviroShield to be completed within seven (7) years of first application
• EnviroShield prevents loose chip and ravelling occurrence
• Skid resistance testing indicates that surface quality remains above the minimum maintenance level
• The application of EnviroShield successfully extended the life of the runway by seven years.
  

Protect Your Pavement. Extend Its Life.
Don’t wait for costly repairs — EnviroShield is the smarter, more cost-effective way to protect and extend the life of your asphalt and chip seal surfaces. Backed by Road Science’s industry-leading technology, it locks in aggregate, slows oxidation, and enhances durability.

Get in touch with us today and future-proof your pavement with EnviroShield!

Contact Us

Nikhil Vishwanath
Product Growth Manager | Road Science
E | Nikhil.Vishwanath@roadscience.co.nz