Low Carbon Concrete with CEMPR Technology
CEMPR is a new division within Blue Phoenix Group that produces a low-carbon binder from incinerator bottom ash (IBA) that can replace cement in concrete production.
Objectives
CEMPR is committed to showcasing a breakthrough technology that has the potential to transform the concrete industry. Our primary objective is to replace conventional cement with a low-carbon binder obtained through the conversion of Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) into a high-value cementitious filler.
Deliverables
Our technology supports reducing CO2 emission, achieving the EU Green Deal. We monitor and demonstrate the following advantages of our technology:
- Reduction of CO2 emissions of concrete
- Valorization of IBA instead of landfilling
- Production of cementitious filler
- Recovery of additional ferrous & non-ferrous metals
Addressing industry challenges
Cement manufacture is an energy-intensive industry targeted by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Specifically, CEMPR technology implements actions with an impact on energy and green-house gas (GHG) intensive industrial production. In addition, this addresses the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) by promoting the upcycling of bottom ash to cement filler, the Landfill Directive (1999/31/EC) as waste is turned into a resource, and the Directive on the management of waste from extractive industries (2006/21/EC) by reducing the extraction of limestone and metal/metal ore.
Our motivation
Climate change is a challenge that requires a systemic transformation from governments, industries, and consumers alike. The European Union aims to become climate-neutral by 2050 by transforming its current economy into a resource-efficient and circular economy. A massive reduction in green-house gases (GHG) across industries is required. Of key interest is the concrete industry, which con-tributes to 5-8% of the annual CO2 emissions, mainly caused by the production of cement as a binder. The concrete industry has the target to reduce 40% of their CO2 emissions by 2030 and 80-95% by 2050. The development of alternative binders is a top priority of the industry. It can lead to a significant reduction in GHG emissions from resource extraction, processing, and transport.
CEMPR demonstrates an innovative technology with the potential to reduce GHG emissions, biodiversity loss, and land-use change across three sectors: the concrete, metal, and waste industries.
Half of the emissions from the concrete sector are related to the production of cement as a binder. This process requires massive amounts of limestone and energy for clinker calcination. CEMPR offers a solution, replacing landfilling with a lower environmental footprint binder.
In the European Union, 19 million tonnes of IBA are produced annually and expected to increase to 25-30 million tonnes in 2025. Currently, 70% of IBA is disposed on a landfill. CEMPR enables a shift from landfilling of municipal solid waste and bottom ash to producing a binder with a lower environ-mental footprint than cement. It is an example of a climate change mitigation technology that facilitates growth and urbanization but at a lower environmental cost than cement.