Overview

There are over 5,000 asphalt plants in Canada and the USA according to the National Asphalt paving association.

Each year these plants produce 550 to 600 million tons of asphalt pavement material worth in excess of $32 billion.

Paving products account for approximately 80% of total consumption with asphalt based roofing products making up the remaining 20%.

Asphalts are desired in roofing products primarily for their waterproofing properties. They are used as coatings for shingle and roll goods, as mopping asphalts in membrane roofing, and as roof coatings. Asphalt shingles are widely used because they are one of the most cost effective roofing options.

Demand for asphalt shingles can fluctuate over time, driven by the overall health of the housing market and by damage caused by severe storms. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Association, over 12.5 billion square feet, or approximately 12 million tons of asphalt shingle products are manufacture annually, representing a $7 billion dollar industry.

Re-roofing or replacements roofs account for 70-85% of total demand for asphalt shingles. Demand from re-roofing is expected to stay high due to the continued aging of the US housing stock, estimated at 130 million units.

Recycled asphalt cement may be resold to the asphalt paving industry, asphalt roofing industry or even as a fuel (#6 grade bunker fuel). Initially, Empower plans to market its recovered asphalt cement to the asphalt paving industry; as they are more accustomed to incorporating recovered materials into its end products and adoption will likely be quicker. After approximately six months of production, Empower believes it will have sufficient testing to begin marketing to the asphalt shingle industry, making it the most attractive end market.

The push for green building initiatives and products will drive demand for Empowers’ recycled co-products from shingle manufacturers. Asphalt shingles currently include little, if any, recycled materials. The ability to attain environmentally “green” goals and products will create favorable market forces for Empower. Additionally, economic benefits to shingle manufacturers will include reduced waste fees and a lower-cost alternative to virgin asphalt cement.