Neustark, a Swiss cleantech company, has unveiled its first UK-based carbon removal facility in Greenwich, London, through a partnership with Aggregate Industries, part of the Holcim Group. This new site, designed to capture and permanently store CO₂, can remove up to 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, marking a significant step forward in sustainable construction.
Neustark’s innovative carbon removal process captures CO₂ emissions from biomass facilities, liquefies it, and then injects the CO₂ into demolished concrete. This approach transforms demolished concrete—one of the world’s largest waste streams, accounting for over a billion tons each year—into a durable carbon sink. Neustark has successfully deployed this technology across Europe, operating 19 sites that collectively removed more than 2,500 tons of CO₂ since the company’s commercial debut in 2023.
The UK’s established infrastructure, supply chain, and supportive government policies for carbon capture and storage (CCS) make it a strategic location for Neustark’s expansion. However, Neustark CEO Valentin Gutknecht emphasises that the construction industry requires more focused solutions for lasting carbon removal. “By extending our relationship with Holcim and partnering with Aggregate Industries, we are now bringing this revolutionary technology to the UK,” Gutknecht stated. “The UK government is supporting a competitive carbon market, but greater focus on direct carbon removal is essential for meaningful impact. This collaboration showcases how established industry players and cleantech start-ups can drive substantial environmental change.”
The collaboration aligns with Aggregate Industries’ commitment to sustainable construction materials and the UK’s decarbonisation goals. The construction sector contributes to 37% of global carbon emissions, with cement production alone responsible for 7%. By scaling Neustark’s technology, the partnership aims to make meaningful progress toward the industry’s net-zero targets.
Building on its success, Neustark plans to open around 40 additional sites across Europe by 2025, further solidifying its leadership in sustainable carbon removal solutions.
