What They Do

Concrete that is stronger and absorbs CO₂? C4C is developing a novel technology for carbon sequestration within concrete. The team has developed a range of additive materials that act as carriers for captured CO2. The carrier (loaded with CO₂) is mixed with cement in the concrete-making process. As the concrete cures, the carrier releases the loaded CO₂ in a highly predictable manner, which then carbonates within the concrete. The mineralised CO₂ is thereby sequestered permanently while strengthening the concrete itself.

Why It Matters

Converting captured CO₂ into long-lasting materials and products is an alternative sequestration avenue (compared with underground injection) with the potential to add value beyond the carbon impact. With its production responsible for 8% of global GHG emissions, concrete is the one man-made material produced at the gigatonne scale that can make an impact on the global carbon balance.

Many routes are being explored for decarbonising concrete - curing with captured CO₂ being one of them. The Vateris approach stands out compared to other potential solutions as no changes are required to concrete supply chains or manufacturing processes. C4C’s CO₂-bearing carriers can be added directly to the cement mix. Alongside sequestering CO₂, the process enhances the concrete’s strength, which in turn reduces the amount of cement needed. A genuine win-win - reducing the emissions from utilising concrete AND sequestering additional CO2 durably