Swiss Debut: First Use of Sustainable Hypex-Bio Explosives
The Swiss construction industry has taken a major step toward sustainability with the introduction of Hypex-Bio, the first environmentally friendly explosive used in a tunnel construction project in Switzerland. This groundbreaking technology eliminates the environmental impact associated with conventional blasting methods, setting a new standard for future infrastructure projects.
The project in focus is the double-track expansion between Ligerz and Twann on the Jura south foot railway line—one of the largest ongoing projects managed by Swiss Federal Railways (SBB). The initiative aims to eliminate the last remaining single-track section between Lausanne and Biel, improving efficiency and capacity along the route. A key component of this expansion is the construction of the Ligerz tunnel, where Hypex-Bio explosives have been deployed for the first time in Switzerland.
Pioneering a Sustainable Approach
The construction work, led by Implenia as the primary partner in the IBD consortium (Implenia, Bernasconi, and De Luca), involves multiple elements essential to the project’s success. These include:
- A 2.1 km-long, two-lane tunnel
- Four escape tunnels for safety and emergency access
- A viaduct to support improved connectivity
- Redesign of a section of the cantonal road to accommodate the expansion
One of the defining features of the project is its emphasis on sustainability. The excavated material from the tunnel is being repurposed efficiently—some of it is utilized on-site, while other portions are processed at a nearby cement plant, reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
A Milestone in Sustainable Blasting
The use of Hypex-Bio in the Ligerz tunnel marks a significant innovation in Swiss and Central European infrastructure development. This nitrogen-free explosive, developed through a collaboration between SBB, Société Suisse des Explosifs (SSE), and Implenia, was first deployed on January 15, 2025. It represents a leap forward in environmentally responsible construction practices.
Hypex-Bio is specifically designed to eliminate the environmental hazards associated with conventional explosives, which often lead to contaminated excavated material and polluted construction site wastewater. By adopting this cutting-edge technology, the industry can minimize its ecological footprint while maintaining the high standards required for large-scale tunneling projects.
Advantages of Hypex-Bio Explosives
The introduction of Hypex-Bio brings several environmental and operational benefits, including:
- Reduction in nitrogen contamination: Conventional explosives release nitrogen compounds, which can seep into soil and water sources, posing environmental risks. Hypex-Bio eliminates this issue entirely.
- Safer disposal of excavated material: The absence of nitrogen contamination ensures that excavated rock can be repurposed more easily and sustainably.
- Improved water management: Traditional explosives contribute to wastewater pollution, but Hypex-Bio significantly reduces these risks, leading to cleaner water management at the construction site.
- Enhanced sustainability credentials: By incorporating this innovative technology, Implenia and its partners reinforce their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable infrastructure development.
Collaboration Driving Innovation
The successful integration of Hypex-Bio into the Ligerz tunnel project is a result of close collaboration between SBB, SSE, and Implenia. Their collective efforts highlight the potential for innovation in the construction sector when public and private entities work together toward a shared goal of sustainability.
Implenia, in particular, has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies and methodologies that prioritize environmental considerations. By pioneering the use of Hypex-Bio, the company strengthens its position as a leader in sustainable infrastructure development.
Shaping the Future of Tunnel Construction
The adoption of Hypex-Bio in the Ligerz tunnel is expected to serve as a model for future projects, both in Switzerland and internationally. As infrastructure projects worldwide seek to minimize their environmental impact, the success of this initiative could pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable blasting technologies.
The lessons learned from this project will provide valuable insights into how eco-friendly explosives can be integrated into different construction environments. This shift represents a broader industry trend toward reducing ecological impact without compromising on technical performance.
A Commitment to Sustainable Progress
With the introduction of Hypex-Bio, Implenia, SSE, and SBB reaffirm their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and responsible construction practices. This milestone underscores their dedication to using advanced technologies that reduce environmental harm while delivering critical infrastructure projects.
As the Ligerz tunnel project progresses, the use of Hypex-Bio will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness and potential for further applications. This pioneering effort not only strengthens Switzerland’s reputation for sustainable engineering but also sets a new benchmark for the global construction industry.
By prioritizing environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and technological advancement, the stakeholders involved in this project are leading the way toward a more sustainable future in tunnel construction and beyond.
