PETRONAS Group Visits K2 Bitumen: Advancing Plastic Modified Bitumen (PPMB) and R&D for Future Road Technologies

On 13 February 2025, K2 Bitumen San Bhd proudly hosted a high-level technical visit by delegates from various divisions within PETRONAS, with the aim of exploring future collaboration on plastic modified bitumen (PPMB) and joint R&D initiatives. This strategic engagement is part of K2B’s mission to support national infrastructure development through innovation in sustainable bitumen technologies.

The visit was graced by key personnel from PETRONAS’ chemical and research arms, including the Polymers Division, Group Research & Technology (GR&T), and Downstream Technical teams. The session was headlined by Dr. Aidid Chee Tahir (GT&C, PD&T), who led discussions on technical alignment and future opportunities for PPMB commercialisation and sustainability-focused product innovation.

Participants also attended a technical talk by En. Samsul Amir Jaharudin of K2 Bitumen, followed by a Q&A session and an exclusive tour of the CRMB laboratory and factory, where they observed first-hand the processes behind K2B’s green bitumen technologies.

Exploring K2B’s Facilities & Future-Focused Bitumen Technologies

The agenda began with an in-depth introduction to K2 Bitumen’s CRMB production facilities, highlighting the company’s laboratory testing capabilities, sustainable processing methods, and current modified bitumen applications. Special emphasis was given to Plastic Modified Bitumen (PPMB)-an emerging innovation aimed at incorporating recycled plastic waste into asphalt binders.

This eco-friendly technology presents a promising solution to enhance road performance, extend pavement lifespan, and reduce plastic pollution, aligning with both PETRONAS’ ESG aspirations and K2B’s commitment to green road construction solutions.

The session also covered discussions on:
• Future co-development of advanced modified bitumen formulations
• R&D roadmap for bitumen incorporating industrial by-products
• Performance benchmarking for PPMB in tropical climates
• Potential pilot projects and joint testing programs

PETRONAS Delegates in Attendance

From PCG SPV (PCGB):
1. Noriza Bt Zakaria 2. Hazwani Harun 3. M. Alif B. A. Latif 4. M. Asri B. Hashim

From PCG PCML (POLYMER): 1. Mislia Bt M. Nadzri 2. Siti Nadia Darduri

From PD&T PTVSB (GT&C/GR&T): 1. Dr. Aidid Chee Tahir 2. M. Hafizi Ismail 3. Fahim 4. Rozaini B. Ramli 5. Kenneth Choong Wai Mun

From PD&T PRSB: 1. Mohamad Fakhrul Ridhwan Samsudin 2. Muhammad Syahmi Irfan

From PD&T ETS: 1. M. Zulhafriz Aadel B. Marzuki 2. Phoon Chee Hoe

K2 Bitumen & PETRONAS: Paving the Way for ESG Innovation

his milestone visit strengthens K2B’s position as a key bitumen technology partner in Malaysia’s move towards sustainable, high-performance road materials. The ongoing synergy between K2 Bitumen and PETRONAS is expected to fuel future breakthroughs in recycled-content asphalt, particularly in integrating plastic polymers to meet performance, economic, and ESG standards.