It’s time to move past the outdated perceptions of green or sustainable products—today’s innovations are redefining the standard and proving that eco-friendly can be both powerful and practical.
Changing the Narrative: Eco-Friendly Pavement Products That Deliver
Within the pavement maintenance sector, environmentally conscious products have long struggled with a reputation for underperformance. Many professionals have viewed green solutions as costly compromises—more expensive, less effective, and not worth the tradeoff. This skepticism isn’t without history.
Some of the earlier sustainable materials introduced to the market failed to meet industry standards. Though they promised environmental benefits, these initial attempts often didn’t perform to contractors’ expectations, especially in demanding conditions. But that perception is quickly becoming outdated.
Today’s sustainable pavement products have evolved significantly. In many cases, they’re not only comparable to traditional alternatives—they actually outperform them. Enhanced durability, better visibility, and reduced maintenance demands are now defining traits of these next-gen materials, making them more reliable and cost-effective in the long run.
A New Outlook on Pavement Maintenance
“People often think sustainability has taken a backseat,” says John Evans, CEO of EverLine Coatings. “But it hasn’t disappeared—it’s just coming from a different angle now. We need to shift our thinking. It’s no longer about choosing between environmental responsibility, quality, or cost. We can have all three.”
EverLine Coatings operates across the U.S. and Canada through a franchise network, offering services like sealcoating, asphalt repair, infrared patching, and pavement striping. The company focuses primarily on commercial properties. Evans believes that sustainability and safety aren’t just compatible—they’re deeply interconnected.
“When you extend the life of pavement through quality products and proper maintenance, you’re inherently making a more eco-friendly choice,” he explains. “Take MMA striping, for example—it lasts longer, needs fewer touch-ups, saves money, and reduces how often crews have to return to the site.”
Why MMA Is Leading the Way
Methyl methacrylate (MMA) paint has gained serious traction among contractors in recent years. As a two-component system, it’s designed for durability and visibility—even in areas with heavy traffic or harsh climates. Its advantages extend far beyond longevity.
One of the major appeals of MMA is its sustainability profile. With only about 10 grams of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) per liter, it significantly outperforms other options on the market in terms of environmental impact. For comparison, water-based traffic paints contain around 150 grams per liter, while oil-based options can reach up to 400 grams per liter.
Durability also sets MMA apart. Water-based paints often need to be reapplied annually, and even oil-based alternatives require maintenance every few years. MMA, on the other hand, maintains its clarity and grip for much longer—cutting down on labor, materials, and emissions tied to repeated applications.
Enhancing Safety Through Smarter Striping
Beyond sustainability, MMA provides substantial safety benefits. Its high-visibility markings make crosswalks, parking lots, and school zones more noticeable to drivers—especially in low-light or wet conditions. When glass beads are added, the markings become reflective and improve surface traction, reducing the risk of slips or skids.
Compared to thermoplastic striping, MMA is also safer and more practical. Thermoplastics, when not properly embedded, can create raised profiles as high as 60–90mm—posing tripping hazards, particularly for elderly pedestrians. MMA applications, by contrast, have a thinner profile of about 15–25mm, improving safety and accessibility.
From the contractor’s perspective, MMA reduces exposure to high-heat equipment often used in thermoplastic applications. This makes the job site safer for the crew as well.
Real-World Impact: A Case Study
“When we approached the Port of Houston, they were repainting intersections using water-based products every five to nine days,” Evans recalls. “We introduced MMA to the same locations, and months later, the markings are still holding up with no need for reapplication.”
This example speaks volumes about the staying power and cost efficiency of modern striping materials. What once seemed like an environmentally driven compromise is now proving to be a smart, strategic move for pavement professionals, property managers, and municipalities alike.
The Bottom Line
As the pavement industry evolves, it’s time to move beyond outdated views of sustainable products as second-rate. Today’s solutions—like MMA striping—offer enhanced performance, longer life cycles, and genuine safety benefits while helping organizations meet their environmental goals.
Contractors embracing these materials aren’t just going green—they’re gaining a competitive edge.
