CarbonMeta Research has developed a carbon-negative concrete that captures up to 10 per cent CO2 by weight during production. According to the research firm, a ‘single project using 500 cubic metres (or 1,200 metric tonnes) of EarthCrete concrete mixed with water can absorb up to 132 atmospheric metric tonnes of carbon dioxide’.
A purchase order of USD 750,000 has been made for EarthCrete for use in commercial and residential solar panel projects in the United States, with the company reviewing potential sales orders for the next 12 months that could total over USD two million (GBP 1.6 million).
The International Environment Agency says that global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rose by six per cent last year, to 36.3 billion tonnes. Eight per cent of these global carbon emissions are the result of concrete production – ‘which shows a greater need for carbon-negative solutions’.
This follows CarbonMeta’s recent ‘plastic waste to hydrogen’ trial, which saw plastic waste converted into clean hydrogen fuel and high-value carbon nanomaterials.
Lloyd Spencer, CEO of CarbonMeta Technologies, said: “The world is currently bouncing back from the shocks of the last few years, and we are seeing concerted efforts to seek out ways to address our climate crisis. Carbon emissions are not a scourge we can afford to sit back and relax about when finding solutions.
“We are confident that our positive trials of EarthCrete with Oxford University present opportunities for the energy and built environment to offset its carbon emissions.”
Mohammed Khalil, Managing Director of CarbonMeta Research, added: "These preliminary tests confirm that CarbonMeta can deliver carbon-negative building materials products using industrial waste streams that [capture] atmospheric CO2, whilst reducing the planet's overall carbon footprint.
“This is a first-of-its-kind result, and we are eager to use this breakthrough technology to spearhead our global efforts.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.