FEWER COMPLAINTS, BETTER result AND LOWER TOTAL COST: WHY MORE professionals ARE CHOOSING DUSTEX OVER SALT

As a road maintenance manager, you’ve heard this before: “The gravel road is too dusty!”—whether it’s residents, cabin owners, or cyclists saying it. And when dust becomes a problem, salt is often the default solution.

But what if there were an alternative that lasts longer, is better for the environment—and actually reduces total costs?

Lier municipality in Norway has been using Dustex for nearly 30 years:

“We have used Dustex in Lier municipality since 1997. It all started when we hired the company Flatland AS to lay out Dustex on our gravel roads. From 1998, we began applying it ourselves, using our own truck and tank.

In 2000, we started using asphalt granulate in the construction of our gravel roads. Used together with Dustex, this resulted in hard, durable roads—with minimal dust. We continue to use this method with great results.

We also use deep milling on roads and pedestrian paths, where Dustex is used to bind and stabilize the materials.

After nearly 30 years of use, we are highly satisfied with Dustex—and so are our residents.”

— Hermann Schøttke, Head of Operations, Water, Wastewater & Roads, Lier Municipality

What is DUSTEX?

Dustex is a bio-based dust suppressant made from lignin—a natural binder found in tree fibers. It is applied in the same manner as conventional dust control products and offers a range of advantages that make it particularly well-suited for operators working in public or private road maintenance:

  • Binds dust far more effectively than salt
  • Offers long-lasting effect—often throughout the entire summer season
  • Reduces need for repeated applications
  • Minimizes wear on roads and ditches
  • Environmentally friendly and safe for groundwater and vegetation

MUNICIPAL AND PRIVATE EXPERIENCEs

Numerous private and public actors have used Dustex with excellent results. Key benefits include:

  • Reduction in number of applications from 3–4 to 1–2 per season
  • Improved dust control throughout summer
  • Reduced wear on gravel roads
  • Less frequent need for gravel renewal
  • Fewer complaints

Skafså Kraftverk (Power Station) in Norway has used Dustex for over 25 years:

“Skafså Kraftverk operates approximately 30 km of gravel roads in Vest-Telemark, and we have used Dustex as a dust suppressant for over 25 years.

We apply Dustex because it binds the fine particles in our roads very effectively over time.

We have also noticed that after several years of treatment, the road surface contains a significant amount of Dustex, making the road resistant to both drought and heavy rain without losing substantial fine material.

The product is also environmentally friendly and economically favorable compared to alternatives.”

— Arve Metveit, Civil Engineer, Skafså Kraftverk ANS

A SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE

NORSUS (Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research) conducted an independent Life Cycle Aseessment (LCA) of Dustex and compared it to magnesium chloride and calcium chloride—the most commonly used salts for dust control in Norway.

Key finding: Replacing magnesium or calcium chloride with Dustex for gravel road dust control can reduce the CO₂ footprint by more than 55%. *

 

dust-suppresion_dustex-vs-saltsThe analysis, performed under ISO 14044 standards, evaluates the lifecycle from raw material extraction and production through to actual use (‘cradle to gate’).

*The sustainability comparison presented in this article (including CO₂ footprint) is based on conditions and logistics relevant to Scandinavia. In overseas markets, the environmental impact may vary depending on local production methods, transport distances, and the availability of alternative dust suppressants such as locally sourced salts.


Dustex vs. Salts: Environmental & Operational Comparison

Category

Dustex

Magnesium/ Calcium chloride 

CO₂ footprint (Global Warming Potential)

Over 55% lower than salts

Reference values (higher

Renewable raw material

Yes, bio-based from trees (lignin)

No – salt mined industrially

Energy consumption in production

Low

High

Applications per season

1–2

4–6

Transport demand

Low (less volume required)

High (multiple deliveries needed)

Impact on environment and groundwater

No known adverse effects

Risk of vegetation damage and runoff

Overall environmental impact

Significantly lower than salts

High

WHAT ABOUT COST?

Experience shows that the total cost of dust control with Dustex is equivalent or lower than with traditional salts—especially when considering how many applications are typically needed in a season.

With fewer applications, reduced maintenance needs, and stronger road surfaces, Dustex offers economic benefits over time and substantial environmental and climate gains.

READY TO TEST DUSTEX?

If you're considering testing Dustex, we offer:

  • Expert guidance on dosage and application
  • Estimated cost savings and LCA comparison
  • Follow-up support and performance documentation

SUMMARY: WHY CHOOSE DUSTEX?

  • Fewer applications — longer effect 
  • Lower long-term maintenance costs
  • Reduced environmental impact — over 55% lower CO₂ footprint
  • No negative impact on nature and groundwater
  • Fewer complaints from residents

Get Advice on Using Dustex in Your Area

Get Advice on Using Dustex in Your Area