High Performance Cold-Applied Road Markings CPD Webinar Highlights

The Cold-Applied Advantage - Demonstrating Greater Durability and Reflectivity | Chris Currie & IHE East Midlands 

Why Cold Applied Road Markings Are Replacing Traditional Methods

The road marking industry is experiencing a significant shift towards more sustainable and efficient solutions. With over 170 highway professionals recently attending the recent IHE East Midlands webinar, it's clear that interest in cold applied road markings is growing rapidly across the UK.

For decades, road marking has relied heavily on thermoplastic materials - a technology virtually unchanged since the 1920s. Whilst application tools have evolved, the fundamental process of heating materials to over 200°C remains problematic for modern road maintenance requirements.

Traditional thermoplastic road paint presents several challenges:

• High carbon emissions from heating processes
• Health and safety risks from hot works
• Increased maintenance frequency
• Weather-dependent application windows

Chris Currie, Meon's Net Zero Ambassador highlighted this industry paradox:

"We're still heating up thermoplastic material to 200°C and placing it onto the road surface. It hasn't really changed a great deal."

The Advantages of Cold Applied Paint Systems

Cold applied road markings using MMA (methyl methacrylate) technology offer a compelling alternative to traditional thermoplastic solutions. Already widely adopted across Europe and gaining traction in National Highways Areas 3 and 4, these cold road marking systems deliver exceptional benefits:

Superior Durability

Cold applied paint lasts 3-4 times longer than conventional thermoplastic road marking materials, significantly reducing road maintenance frequency and long-term costs.

Enhanced Safety Performance

Cold applied road markings maintain superior retroreflectivity, including excellent wet-weather visibility - a critical safety factor often compromised by traditional road paint systems.

Environmental Benefits

Sustainable road marking solutions using cold applied technology can achieve carbon savings of up to 86% over a 10-year period, supported by real-world contractor data.

Improved Application Safety

Eliminating hot works risks makes cold applied paint systems safer for road maintenance crews and reduces traffic management complexities.

Choosing the Right Cold Applied Road Markings

Not all line marking applications require the same solution. Meon recommends a strategic approach to material selection:

Standard Road Paint: Suitable for low-wear areas and temporary road marking applications where cost is the primary consideration.

Sprayable Cold Applied Paint: Ideal for centre lines and high-traffic zones requiring enhanced durability without the complexity of thermoplastic systems.

Screed/Hand-Applied Systems: Perfect for roundabouts, crossings, and junctions where maximum performance and longevity are essential for effective road maintenance.

Overcoming Procurement Barriers

Many public sector contracts still specify thermoplastic road marking exclusively, limiting contractors' ability to propose more effective sustainable road marking solutions. This procurement approach prevents the adoption of proven cold applied road markings that offer superior performance and environmental benefits.

Chris Currie urges decision-makers to modernise specifications: "Cold isn't always the answer - but it's often the right answer in high-wear locations where safety and durability are key."

The Economics of Cold Applied Road Markings

Whilst cold applied road markings may involve higher initial costs compared to traditional road paint, their extended lifespan significantly reduces total road maintenance expenditure. The Irish roundabout example illustrates this perfectly - zero maintenance costs over eight years versus annual £10,000 repainting requirements.

This sustainable road marking approach not only reduces environmental impact but delivers genuine long-term value for highway authorities and contractors.

Industry Collaboration for Sustainable Road Marking

The transition to cold applied road markings requires industry-wide collaboration. From designers specifying appropriate line marking solutions to contractors implementing cold road marking systems and authorities updating procurement frameworks - every stakeholder has a role in advancing sustainable road marking practices.

Chris Currie emphasises this collaborative approach: "No single business or agency can tackle these challenges alone. We all use the roads. Let's work together to make them safer, more visible, and more sustainable."

Why Choose Meon for Cold Applied Road Markings?

Meon leads the UK market in cold applied road markings, offering:

• Proven MMA cold applied paint systems
• Innovative UV-cured road marking technology
• Technical support for sustainable road marking projects
• Expert guidance on line marking material selection
• Comprehensive road maintenance solutions

Our commitment to advancing cold road marking technology ensures highway professionals have access to the most effective and sustainable solutions available.

Getting Started with Cold Applied Road Markings

Ready to explore how cold applied road markings can improve your next road maintenance project? Meon's team of line marking specialists can provide technical guidance, performance data, and implementation support for sustainable road marking solutions.

Contact us today to discover how cold applied paint systems can deliver superior performance, enhanced safety, and genuine environmental benefits for your highway infrastructure.

Interested in learning more?

A full recording of the webinar is available to IHE members in the members area.