Directa Plus (LON:DCTA) has said it is to supply a special grade of its G+ graphene product, known as ITC1, to its partner, Iterchimica.
The G+ product is the differentiating component of Gipave, an asphalt super-modifier developed by Directa Plus and Iterchimica and follows successful trials in Italy and the UK.
The agreement signed by the companies provides for the exclusive supply of the G+ graphene product to Iterchimica in the asphalt and bitumen sector worldwide and is for an initial duration of three years.
The agreement allows the partners to take advantage of what they believe are significant existing business opportunities in Italy, the UK and the United States. The first order for the G+ ITC1 nanoplatelets for asphalt for the production of Gipave has now been received from Iterchimica, Directa Plus said.
Results from the UK trials in November 2019 are expected shortly and the AIM-listed company revealed it is seeing growing interest from asphalt companies in the UK but also now from the USA.
"The potential of Gipave to potentially triple the life of roads and runways is attracting significant worldwide interest from the construction industry. Its ecological benefits will also help countries to meet their carbon reduction obligations and free up resources at a time when all national and regional governments need financial assistance to fight the current COVID-19 pandemic," said Giulio Cesareo, the founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Directa Plus in a statement.
Federica Giannattasio, Iterchimica’s CEO, added: "This agreement confirms and continues a co-operation we started four years ago. We now hope to work together on the large-scale roll-out of Gipave and following the first trial section laid in Oxfordshire, we hope the UK will be among the leaders in adopting graphene technology for road pavements."