The Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association is celebrating the 20th Colloquium on Asphalts, Bitumen and Pavements in Bled this year—an important milestone that we would not have reached without our long-standing partnership with PETROL. Since the establishment of ZAS in 1996, PETROL has been our loyal companion: in the same year, we jointly organised the first professional meeting on polymer-modified bitumen in Gozd Martuljek. In the years that followed, we grew together, expanded our professional horizons, and strengthened the tradition of the colloquium, which has evolved from an annual gathering into a biennial professional forum with a recognised role both in Slovenia and the wider region.

Through all relocations—from Gozd Martuljek to Kranjska Gora and later to Bled—and through all developmental phases of the event, from the original Bitumen Colloquium to today’s Colloquium on Asphalts, Bitumen and Pavements, PETROL has remained our main sponsor, co-organiser, and reliable professional partner. Their support, expertise, and understanding of the importance of high-quality road infrastructure have greatly contributed to making CABP the most important industry event in Slovenia.

On this anniversary occasion, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all PETROL management teams over the past decades, and especially to the current Management Board and its President, Saša Berger, for continuing this valuable tradition. Your commitment to the development of the profession and to supporting the community is deeply appreciated.

On behalf of the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association – thank you for twenty years of trust, partnership, and co-creating our shared story.

^{Slovenko Henigman, president of ZAS and Sašo Berger, president of management board Petrol}

Special recognitions

The Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association traditionally presents special awards to individuals at the Colloquium on Asphalts, Bitumen and Pavements for their contributions to the asphalt sector and/or for their support of the activities of the Slovenian Asphalt Association.
At its 166th meeting on 4 September 2025, the Management Board appointed a five-member committee, which selected from among the nominated candidates five experts who will today, at the 20th CABP, receive the ZAS awards for the development of the asphalt industry.

The awards were presented to:

Sebastjan Černigoj, M.Sc. Civil Engineering

Sebastjan Černigoj graduated in 2004 from the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering at the University of Ljubljana. Soon after joining the predecessor of KOLEKTOR CPG, he began working on construction sites, where he first started as an assistant and for many years now has been the lead manager of the most demanding projects in the construction and maintenance of roads, especially in motorway rehabilitation. In project execution, he has repeatedly demonstrated strong and effective proposals for improving work performance.
On his initiative, the company introduced MULTIPLEKS BIG SKI and, after many years, again tested asphalt paving using a rented material transfer vehicle. He has also published several professional articles in the field of asphalt engineering.
He has repeatedly proven himself an excellent mediator in problem-solving. Since 2018, he has been a member of the DARS Asphalt Commission, providing numerous proposals for improving conditions in the industry. He has attended ZAS Management Board meetings as a deputy since 2023.
For his active role in the development of asphalt engineering in Slovenia, the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association presents him with a special award.

^{Kristjan Mugerli, vicepresident of ZAS, Sebastjan Černigoj and Slovenko Henigman, president of ZAS}

Matic Poznič, B.Sc. Civil Engineering

Matic Poznič graduated in 2007 from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Ljubljana, specialising in structural engineering. After graduating, he was invited to join DARS, where he was initially expected to oversee bridge structures within the maintenance department.
Circumstances led him, already in 2010, to assume the leadership of the entire motorway reconstruction service in Slovenia. Throughout his career, he has shown a strong interest in cooperation and professional exchange, offering excellent proposals and striving to implement them in practice. He has often enriched the training of asphalt engineers, contributed to the work of the ZAS Technical Committee and the ZAS Colloquium.
As a client representative, both in the Asphalt Commission and in operational project execution, he has always shown understanding for high-quality and efficient work. He has also authored numerous technical contributions in the field of asphalt engineering and has strongly advocated for active industry participation. For his dedication, engagement, and great support for asphalt engineering, the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association presents him with a special award.

^{Kristjan Mugerli, vicepresident of ZAS, Matic Poznič and Slovenko Henigman, president of ZAS}

Marijan Prešeren, M.Sc. Civil Engineering

Marijan Prešeren graduated in 1992 from the Faculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering in Ljubljana. His first employment was at the Geological Survey in Ljubljana, where he remained for a year and a half. He then returned to his hometown of Novo mesto, where he continued his career at the predecessor of today’s company CGP.
During his 20 years with the company, he led the quality control department and served for more than 10 years as a member of the management board for technical affairs. For a shorter period, he also served as the general director of CGP.
His path then led him to two mid-sized construction companies and later to the ZRMK Building Institute in Ljubljana, which he successfully managed as director during his last term, achieving excellent results.
He has been very active in the civil engineering community, serving for many years as president of the Dolenjska Roads Association, as a member of the DRC Assembly, and has been an active member of the Slovenian Asphalt Association since its establishment in 1996. He has served on numerous professional committees and held positions on both the Management Board and the Supervisory Board of ZAS in various terms.
Through his work with ZAS, he has contributed numerous proposals for the development of the asphalt industry and road infrastructure. He has always had a strong sense for organising professional events and conferences.
For his dedicated work, the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association presents him with a special award.

^{Marijan Prešeren}

Ralf Pomp, President of EAPA

With great pride, we present a special award of the Slovenian Asphalt Association to Mr. Ralf Pomp, who has been the president of the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) for the past three years.
His outstanding professional contributions and leadership in this industry have had a significant impact on the development and progress of the European asphalt sector.
His long-standing work in management, technological development, and industry representation demonstrates his commitment and expertise. With his experience and knowledge, he has greatly contributed to improving quality, boosting innovation, and enhancing cooperation among professionals in the industry. As EAPA president, he is particularly committed to bringing asphalt-related professions closer to the younger generation entering the labour market.
He has shared his views at various ZAS events in Slovenia, impressed participants with his proposals, and consistently supported the development of the asphalt industry.
For all his efforts in advancing the asphalt sector in Europe and Slovenia, we sincerely thank him and present him with the special award of the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association.

^{Ralf Pomp}

ASPHALT AMBASADOR

Eight years ago, the ZAS Management Board decided to award the title AMBASSADOR OF ASPHALT at the colloquiums to outstanding individuals whose work and dedication promote the mission of the asphalt industry and the professional organisation ZAS.
This title represents the highest recognition of the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association.

The first Ambassador of Asphalt was chosen at the 16th colloquium eight years ago. Two years ago, this honour was bestowed upon Janez Prosen. Today, for the fifth time, we present the title:

AMBASSADOR OF ASPHALT for the period 2025–2027 to Zvonko Cotič

Zvonko Cotič is a civil engineering graduate and one of Slovenia’s leading experts in asphalt technologies. He has more than three decades of experience in the development, optimisation, and supervision of asphalt mixtures for road infrastructure.
He began his career in the 1990s at CP Gorica and later at Primorje, where he led the areas of quality, development, and technology. There he gained in-depth understanding of technological processes, material behaviour, and the demanding procedures for ensuring compliance in large infrastructure projects.
As Director of Research and Development at STRUCTUM, he is deeply engaged in introducing modern, sustainable, and recycled materials into asphalt mixtures. His work includes developing advanced asphalts, particularly mixtures with crumb rubber-modified binders, reclaimed asphalt materials, and steelmaking slag. He places special focus on reducing road noise and finding material solutions that extend road life while reducing maintenance costs. He has also broadened his expertise into geotechnical and concrete technologies.
Zvonko Cotič regularly lectures at professional conferences, presenting Slovenian and international best practices. He collaborates with research institutions, engineering firms, and industry associations, contributing to raising standards in asphalt technology and promoting sustainable approaches in road construction.
He is a member of several professional committees and of the honorary tribunal of ZAS. At previous colloquiums, he has presented eight technical papers. He has also contributed to ZAS training programmes, Asphalt Days, and other events. His strong communication skills and compelling presentations make him a highly valued speaker.
With his initiatives and work, he has enabled exceptional progress in the Slovenian asphalt industry and significantly supported the activities of ZAS. Therefore, at the 20th Colloquium on Asphalts and Bitumen in Bled, the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association proudly awards him the title AMBASSADOR OF ASPHALT.

^{Zvonko Cotič, Asphalt ambasador 2025-2027 and Janez Prosen, Asphalt ambasador 2023-2025}

^{Kristjan Mugerli, vicepresident of ZAS, Zvonko Cotič, Asphalt ambasador 2025-2027, Janez Prosen and Slovenko Henigman, president of ZAS}

^{Matic Poznič, Zvonko Cotič, Marijan Prešeren, Sebastjan Černigoj and Ralf Pomp}

Video of cultural event and ZAS recognitions

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The Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association (ZAS), in cooperation with Petrol d.d., is organizing the 20th Jubilee Colloquium on Asphalts, Bitumen and Pavements, which will take place on 27–28 November 2025 in Bled, Slovenia.

The colloquium represents the central professional meeting in the field of road construction in Slovenia in 2025.

The event is intended for a broad range of experts from the asphalt industry, including asphalt producers, contractors, clients, engineers, designers, and representatives of the academic community.

INVITATION

More detailed information on the programme and registration is available on the website Home – Kolokvij

Registrartion: Application – Kolokvij

We look forward to your participation!

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The 20th CABP will be held in the beautiful town of Bled, Slovenia, from November 26 to November 28, 2025, at the Rikli Balance Hotel. This event is aimed at everyone involved in the asphalt industry, especially asphalt producers, contractors, clients, engineers, designers, and academics.

We would be delighted if you could contribute a professional paper for one of the following sections, which we may adjust or rename as necessary:

 •             Section 1: Recycling, Circular Economy, and Basic Materials in Asphalt (Aggregates, Bitumen, Additives)

•             Section 2: Manufacture of Asphalt Mixtures, Testing, and Equipment

•             Section 3: Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Asphalt Pavement Structures

•             Section 4: Asphalt 4.0 and Advanced Technologies

All contributions will be published in the colloquium proceedings, and the Programme Committee will select papers for live presentations.

To confirm your participation, please send us the title of your paper, the section you wish to contribute to, and a brief summary by April 30, 2025.

We look forward to your participation and would like to express our sincere gratitude for your cooperation.

More information on internet site

INVITATION FOR PRESENTERS

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INVITATION to 19th Colloquium on asphalt, bitumen and pavements, 2023

Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association in organizing the 19th Colloquium on Asphalt, Bitumen and Pavements that will be held in Bled, Slovenia, from November 29 to December 1, 2023.

The Colloquium will take place at the Rikli Balance hotel.

This is the largest international meeing on construction and maintenance of pavements in Slovenia.

The Colloquium is intended for producers and constructors, designers, engineers, laboratories and institutes, supervisors, representatives of stateand municipal administration, representatives of universities and education.

In the lobbies of the Rikli Balance Hotel, there will be dedicated spaces where you can present your company, organization, products or services. There will be 2 different sizes of exhibition space and scope of advertising.

More information on www.kolokvij.si

Welcome.

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The Board of Directors chose to offer seven awards to commemorate ZAS’s 25th anniversary, which we celebrated this year. Two awards for the best master’s or diploma thesis, four special ZAS awards and the Asphalt Ambassador award.

Awards for the best diploma or master’s theses

We decided on this selection on the advice of prof. Peter Lipar of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Ljubljana, during the ZAS Assembly in June 2020.

We asked the Faculty of Civil Engineering from Ljubljana and Maribor for a set of completed diploma and master’s theses that is classified as a road construction or asphalt task. 10 tasks were received and reviewed by a five-member expert commission appointed by the ZAS Management Board based on the eight criteria listed below.

Rok ROŠER and Darko KOKOT received awards for the best work.

ZAS Special awards

The Board of Directors formed a 5-member commission at its 145th meeting on September 29, 2021, to select four of the nine registered experts to get special ZAS awards and one to be named Asphalt Ambassador, as follows:

ZAS special awards are given to:

mag. RAVNIKAR TURK Mojca, Bachelor of Civil Engineering

She is the head of the Laboratory for Asphalts and Bituminous Products at ZAG Ljubljana, where she is in charge of asphalt paving research and development. Mojca Ravnikar Turk earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Ljubljana’s Faculty of Civil Engineering in 1988 and her master’s degree from the same faculty in 2016. Despite being a geotechnical expert, she has had tremendous success in the past decade and has established herself in the asphalt industry. She is a member of the Technical Committee for Moisture (SIST/TC VLA) and the director of the Section for Waterproofing at the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association, among other activities. She has authored multiple professional articles on bitumen rheology and has participated in ZAS training. Her expert paper, which she authored with her colleagues, was the first Slovenian paper to be selected for public presentation at the last E&E Congress in Madrid in 2020 (2021). Mojca Ravnikar Turk promotes professional work in both ZAG and ZAS, which is why the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association has given her a special award.

Irena Fortuna, Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Irena Fortuna is a graduate engineer of chemical technology. Since 1998, she has been employed by DRI – Investment Management, where she is the Deputy Head of the Technical Sector. She has worked as a professional associate and consultant in asphalt paving and asphalt technology since the beginning of her career. She is a member of ZAS’s Technical Committee and the Section for Waterproofing, as well as the leader of the expert committee at DRSI, Slovenia’s Directorate for Infrastructure. She was named President of the Asphalt Commission by DARS, the Motorway Company of the Republic of Slovenia, in 2018, where she distinguished herself via an active approach and a variety of ideas.

The Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association awards her for her contributions to the development of the asphalt industry.

Borut Gostič

He is a university degree economist who is the head of the black program department at the energy corporation PETROL, where he began his career more than 30 years ago. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for bitumen quality and customer satisfaction in a variety of roles. He is a member of the ZAS Technical Committee and has served on the ZAS Management Board for 15 years. He has been a member of the Program and Organizing Committee for the Colloquium on Asphalts, Bitumen, and Pavements since the beginning, or for a total of 24 years.

Due to its professionalism and calm character, Borut is the best possible link between refineries that we do not have in Slovenia and the asphalt industry.

ZAS awards him for his efforts and active engagement in the development of the asphalt industry in Slovenia, as well as his role in the formation of the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association.

Dr Carsten Karcher

Carsten Karcher earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany. He obtained his doctorate from the same university in 2004. Since 1999, he has worked at KIT as a research associate, head of the test centre according to German guidelines, and head of the road construction technology department.

Dr Carsten Karcher took over as EAPA’s Technical Director on July 1, 2013, focusing on health, protection, and environmental problems, as well as professional policy. On January 1, 2019, he was appointed Secretary-General of EAPA, the European Asphalt Pavement Association, which he leads very successfully.

He is an active participant in ZAS’s activities in both his roles as Technical Director and Secretary-General of EAPA. When necessary, we meet in Brussels or Slovenia, where Carsten has produced a significant number of professional papers and publications. ZAS awards him for his assistance and support in the operation of the Slovenian asphalt industry and the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association.

Four years ago, the ZAS Managing Committee decided to bestow the title of ASPHALT AMBASSADOR, the highest award bestowed by the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association, on successful individuals who have demonstrated their ability to advance the mission of the asphalt industry and the ZAS professional organization.

Primož Petrič was the first Asphalt Ambassador at the 16th CABR in 2017, while Borut Willenpart was the second two years ago.

Boris Kalčič is the ASPHALT AMBASSADOR for the years 2021-2023.

Boris Kalčič is a mechanical engineer and a graduate economist.

He began his career towards the end of the 1980s in Ljubljana. His craftsmanship and acrobatic skiing, where he was a member of the Yugoslav national team, led him to Carinthia, Austria, in the mid-1990s, where he founded his firm, Interchem, HmbH.

Initially, he supplied numerous chemical and other construction products in this region of Europe. Soon after, he focused on the provision of cellulose fibres and bitumen to the asphalt industry, among other things.

He has consistently supplied the greatest and most innovative products to the market, impressing clients and contractors with his enthusiasm, persuasiveness, and remarkable drive. As a member of ZAS’s Technical Committee and the Committee of Enterprises and Companies, he was frequently involved in professional discussions and provided interesting and useful solutions.

He was a founder member of the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association in 1996, and he participated in the organisation of individual meetings, gatherings, and Board of Directors sessions.

Because he operates in Austria, he has frequently served as a liaison between ZAS and GESTRATA, the Austrian asphalt organization with which ZAS has established long-term cooperation.

He made a significant contribution to the development of the Slovenian asphalt industry and the operation of ZAS through his initiatives and activities. That is why ZAS, Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association, awarded him the following title at the 18th Colloquium on Asphalts and Bitumen in Bled in December 2021:

ASPHALT AMBASSADOR.

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The meeting was held subject to the applicable restrictions due to the circumstances surrounding the health crisis. Aside from checking the PCT conditions, additional daily testing of all those present was organized, and the event could also be monitored remotely via a direct internet connection. The Colloquium on Asphalts, Bitumen, and Pavements has congressional significance for the Slovenian asphalt industry, so the conclusions will be the guiding principle of their work for the next two years.

Slovenko Henigman, president of the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association (ZAS), presented where the Slovenian asphalt activity is located and what challenges await us in the future in his introductory speech to the participants. If we can be satisfied with public procurement and asphalt production quantities, we cannot be satisfied with environmental protection and emission reduction activities in our industry. In the coming years, we will be doing a lot of hard work in this department.

The event was also attended by Mr Juan José Potti, President of the European Asphalt Pavement Association EAPA, Mr Aleš Mihelič, State Secretary at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Ms Ljiljana Herga, Director of DRSI, Mr Boštjan Rigler, a member of the DARS Management Board, and Mr Jože Smolič, member of the Petrol Management Board, who once again took over the sponsorship of the event. They all emphasized the significance of such events, congratulated the association on its anniversary, and wished them continued success.

The main topic of this colloquium was the asphalt industry’s preparation for upcoming commitments related to the implementation of the European Green Agreement. The majority of the expert papers addressed topics such as lowering asphalt temperatures and thus lowering emissions into the environment, various methods of reusing and recycling asphalt and establishing the industry as a sector in accordance with the ASPHALT 4.0 motto.

The colloquium featured four thematic sections in which experts from Slovenia and abroad presented the most recent findings and trends in various areas of road construction and maintenance. The first section presented various procedures and technical provisions for the reuse of existing dilapidated asphalt layers. In the second section, participants were informed on how other European countries face new challenges. In addition to reducing environmental impacts, it is important to provide an acceptable working environment for asphalt industry workers, and some countries have already set high objectives in this regard. Total emissions in Germany will have to be reduced from 10 mg/m³ to 1.5 mg/m³ by 2024, which will be a significant challenge.

The third section discussed new findings in the production and testing of asphalt mixtures in connection with new materials and new technologies, and the fourth section was dedicated to asphalt pavement structures in terms of future durability and environmental friendliness.

As part of the colloquium, 8 companies presented their products during the commercial and technical presentations. Domestic companies included Petrol, Fragmat, and Ekomineral, while foreign companies included Fliegl, Sasol, Saint Gobain, CTS Bitumen, and HSH Chemie.

The Asphalt Pavement Association also awards prizes to members at this event. This year, two additional awards were given for the best diploma or master’s theses, in addition to four special awards for contributions to the asphalt activity and the title of Asphalt Ambassador.

Key points and conclusions of the 18. CABP

In recent years, Slovenian asphalt production has remained close to 1.9 million tons, which we can be pleased with. We have a large volume of public procurement, which is expected to grow in the future, and changes in the industry will be required to reduce emissions and make better use of resources. To achieve the set goals, it is necessary to introduce new technologies that will enable this, as well as the full cooperation of state bodies and public contracting authorities. On the evening before the 18th CABP, a meeting was held between the Ministry of Infrastructure, contracting authorities DRSI and DARS, and the industry, where ZAS and the European Asphalt Pavement Association EAPA presented the current situation in our country and throughout Europe, as well as the challenges that lie ahead.

In addition to technological advancements, steps must be taken to improve road network management and maintenance, which can significantly reduce emissions and the carbon footprint.

Photos of 18th Colloquium on asphalt, bitumen and pavements:

Gallery 2021 – Kolokvij

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In order to participate at the 18th CABP, it is necessary to meet the PCT condition (recovered, vaccinated, tested) in accordance with the valid decree.

To ensure the highest possible safety, ZAS will additionally organize a rapid test for COVID-19 for each day of the colloquium.

Testing, which will be performed by the Fabjan Clinic, will be mandatory for all participants of the Colloquium and should be performed before entering the hotel.

Thank you for understanding.

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Detailed notice regarding participation in the Colloquium and current measures regarding COVID-19 will be published a few days before the start of the Colloquium.

More information, programme and application form on internet site www.kolokvij.si

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