Scottish university venture hails breakthrough in one of toughest industries to decarbonise
“A key priority for us has been ensuring the process can plug into existing manufacturing systems” – Philip Salter, founder
A University of Strathclyde venture is behind a new process that aims to slash emissions from one of the world’s most carbon-intensive industries.
Founded by scientist Philip Salter, Ureaka is developing a process that turns low-value mineral waste into carbon-negative materials that can replace part of the cement used in construction. It is hoped that the approach could help cut emissions from cement production while permanently storing captured carbon dioxide.
The supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are designed to be used alongside traditional cement in concrete, reducing the amount of cement needed without requiring changes to existing manufacturing processes.
Supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) Spin Out Fund, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Strathclyde, the project is now moving from laboratory research towards commercial application, including factory-scale modelling and plans for product testing and validation.
Ureaka is now seeking additional grant funding and is preparing for a seed investment round to support team growth and further development. It is also planning third-party testing of its material in a live manufacturing environment - seen as a significant step towards market readiness.
The SCM is designed as a drop-in powder that can be added to standard concrete mixes.
Salter, founder and chief executive of Ureaka, said: “Cement is one of the hardest industries to decarbonise because, even if you electrify production, a large share of emissions still comes from the chemical reactions involved. Ureaka is taking a fundamentally different approach: starting with the mineral value already present in waste concrete, reacting it with captured CO2, and turning it into a cement-replacement material that can work within existing supply chains.
“A key priority for us has been ensuring the process can plug into existing manufacturing systems. The supplementary cementitious material we’re developing is designed to work with current concrete production methods, so manufacturers don’t need to change how they operate, but can still reduce the carbon footprint of their products.”
Cement and concrete production account for an estimated 8 per cent of global CO2 emissions due to the energy-intensive nature of manufacturing and the underlying chemical reactions involved, making decarbonisation particularly challenging for the sector.
The company is focusing on converting waste mineral streams, including demolished concrete, into new cement replacement materials. Its earlier work in biocementation suggests further potential applications, including strengthening soil for construction projects and repairing existing concrete structures through mineral formation.
Looking ahead, Ureaka is focused on progressing its carbon-negative SCM towards commercialisation. The IBioIC-supported project has helped move the technology beyond lab-scale experiments into factory-scale modelling and early-stage product validation.
Caroline Kewney, senior impact manager at IBioIC, said: “Construction materials are a significant contributor to global emissions, so there is a clear need for scalable alternatives that can support decarbonisation across the sector.
“This project demonstrates how industrial biotechnology can turn waste streams into valuable new materials, while also supporting carbon capture and more circular approaches to manufacturing. We’re excited to see what’s next for Ureaka as it progresses towards commercialisation,” she added.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.