Key Takeaways

• Delta Mist is a plant-based asphalt rejuvenator developed using the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.
• The chemicals and coatings industries need to consider these principles when driving toward performance targets.
• There is a link to a video below which is an entertaining must watch for everyone in the chemicals and coatings industries.

Delta Mist is a plant‑based asphalt rejuvenator designed to reverse oxidative aging and extend pavement life.(1) Its carrier oil system contains small, highly mobile molecules that penetrate the asphalt binder, soften it, and restore cohesion, reducing cracking and improving long‑term durability. Because it is derived from renewable, non‑hazardous materials, Delta Mist is safe for applicators and environmentally preferable. It’s a strong example of how green chemistry can deliver practical infrastructure solutions.

Delta Mist was developed at the Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry under Dr. John Warner, co‑author (with Paul Anastas) of “Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice” (1998), which introduced the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry, a framework for designing safer, more sustainable chemical products and processes.

The 12 Principles of Green Chemistry(2)

1. Prevention-Prevent waste during chemical manufacturing.
2. Atom Economy-Design syntheses so that all materials used in the production of a product become part of that product.
3. Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses-Syntheses should be designed to use and generate products that are safe for human health and the environment.
4. Design of Safer Chemicals-Chemicals should be designed with reduced toxicity while retaining functionality.
5. Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries-Solvents and auxiliaries should be avoided or safe for humans and the environment when used.
6. Processes should be energy efficient.
7. Use of renewable feedstocks.
8. Reduce derivatives-Additional reagents, blocking groups for example, should be avoided to minimize waste.
9. Catalysts-Use catalysts to drive selectivity and minimize waste in reactions.
10. Design for degradation-Chemical products should not persist in the environment. 
11. Real-time analysis for pollution prevention. Real-time in-process analysis and control is needed prior to the formation of hazardous chemicals.
12. Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention-Substances used in a chemical process should be chosen to minimize the potential for chemical accidents.

Several of these principles clearly apply to Delta Mist, particularly Principle 4 (Design of Safer Chemicals) and Principle 7 (Use of Renewable Feedstocks). Its ability to extend the service life of asphalt also aligns with the spirit of waste prevention and resource efficiency, arguably a modern “13th principle” focused on designing materials for durability.

As an industry, we often push forward with performance targets without fully considering these principles. Delta Mist shows what is possible when green chemistry thinking is applied from the start. For anyone interested in the origins of these ideas, I highly recommend John Warner’s talk (link below) on the Principles of Green Chemistry; I was fortunate to hear a similar presentation earlier this year.(3)

(1) Delta Mist - Main Street Materials

(2)  12 Principles of Green Chemistry - American Chemical Society

(3) Green Chemistry: The Missing Elements with John Warner

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(photocredit:  image generated by Microsoft Copilot)