Holcim has announced a strategic investment in the UK-based materials technology firm Vateris, marking a significant step in its mission to decarbonise the construction industry. Vateris has developed a pioneering process that transforms flue gas CO2 into a high-performance, calcium-based mineral. This carbon-derived material is designed as a concrete additive, enhancing the strength of ready-mix and pre-cast products while simultaneously reducing the volume of cement required during production.
Alfonso Paradinas, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Holcim, noted that the integration of CO2 mineralisation allows for a substantial reduction in the carbon footprint of concrete. He emphasised that this investment adds a critical new dimension to the suite of breakthrough technologies Holcim is currently scaling for the built environment.
Following a successful pilot project in the United Kingdom, Vateris is now moving towards full commercial deployment. The partnership will focus on embedding the mineralisation process directly into Holcim’s existing cement and concrete production lines. Beyond the immediate scaling of calcium carbonate additives, both companies intend to explore further joint development opportunities across Holcim’s extensive global operations.
This latest move was facilitated by Holcim MAQER Ventures, the company’s corporate venture capital arm, which evaluates over 500 startups annually. The Vateris partnership represents the 20th investment made by the unit to date as it continues to expand Holcim’s open innovation ecosystem.
