TEC Container Solutions is supporting the growing adoption of crumb rubber and modified bitumens in road surfacing across the Australia and New Zealand, supplying dedicated MEST and High Performance Storage Bitutainers™ to ensure optimal product quality, reliable storage and long-term operational efficiency.
As the use of crumb rubber increases, so too does the need for storage infrastructure designed specifically for its characteristics. Unlike standard bitumen, crumb rubber requires careful temperature control and continuous agitation to prevent separation. The MEST Bitutainer™ and High Performance Storage Bitutainer™ have been engineered to meet these needs, helping road contractors ensure consistent results, avoid product degradation and reduce the risk of costly downtime.
Designed for Specialist Requirements
Crumb rubber-modified bitumen presents unique handling challenges, and TEC’s storage solutions are developed with these demands in mind. The MEST Bitutainer™, fitted with augers and agitators, enables daily recirculation to maintain product homogenisation and prevent settling, significantly reducing the maintenance costs commonly associated with blockage-prone systems.
Both the MEST and High Performance Storage Bitutainers™ are available with electric heating configurations. This allows operators to tailor the system to their available power sources and sustainability goals, while still achieving the same level of thermal performance.
Key Features of the MEST and High Performance Storage Bitutainers™ designed for crumb rubber:
- Specialist agitation systems including augers and variable-speed recirculation for crumb rubber
- Electric or hybrid heating options to suit power supply and emissions goals
- Double-walled, fully insulated tanks to minimise heat loss and maintain thermal efficiency
- Automated temperature regulation and daily circulation scheduling
- Crumb rubber pumps fitted with strainers to protect recirculation systems and reduce maintenance
- Self-contained bunding to remove the need for external bund construction
- Modular design for scalable storage facility setups and ease of relocation
Growing Recognition from Leading Operators
Crumb rubber tanks supplied by TEC are now in active use across several key operations in Australia, particularly by two major contractors. Colas Australia and Fulton Hogan, who each play a significant role in road surfacing across the region, have integrated TEC’s equipment into their crumb rubber workflows, citing improvements in product stability, temperature management and operational efficiency.
Feedback from both operations has reinforced the value of purpose-designed tanks over repurposed bitumen storage, particularly when it comes to maintaining modified product integrity and reducing unplanned downtime.
A Flexible, Scalable Approach
As demand increases, TEC’s Bitutainer™ Storage Facility concept offers customers the ability to scale operations quickly without investing in permanent infrastructure. The modular nature of TEC’s tank systems means facilities can be established, expanded or relocated with minimal lead time, supporting both short-term projects and long-term contracts.
For contractors and suppliers transitioning into crumb rubber operations, the ability to lease fully equipped storage tanks on flexible terms has also been a critical enabler. This approach allows teams to prove commercial viability before committing to a permanent investment.
Enabling Cleaner, More Efficient Road Building
With Australia and New Zealand ramping up sustainability commitments across public infrastructure projects, the adoption of crumb rubber and other modified bitumen is set to grow. TEC’s solutions are designed to make this transition easier, offering tank systems that support cleaner handling practices, reduce waste and help improve the longevity of road surfaces.
As interest continues to build, TEC remains focused on collaborating with contractors across the region to supply tailored, efficient and scalable storage solutions built around the specific demands of crumb rubber products.