The recycling company collaborated with Teesside University to reduce the reliance on carbon-intensive Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by replacing up to 25% of the binding agent with a sustainable alternative.
The production of OPC – the most widely used type of cement – is highly energy-intensive and accounts for approximately 5 to 8% of global CO2 emissions.
Peter Scott, director of Scott Bros, said: “Achieving a 25% reduction in OPC is a significant milestone in our mission to create more sustainable construction materials.
“We’re continuing our work with Teesside University to explore further opportunities for innovative, low-carbon alternatives using recycled waste.
“Our long-term ambition is to eliminate OPC entirely and produce concrete made solely from recycled and sustainable materials.”
The substitute is a byproduct produced at Scott Bros’ own wash plants which coverts construction and excavation waste into commercial aggregate.
The fine-grained clay is known as “activated filter cake”.
Scott Bros director Bob Borthwick added: “This project highlights our commitment to advancing the circular economy on both a regional and national level.
“Through the use of activated filter cake, together with our recycled aggregate, we are supporting the construction industry to meet its carbon reduction targets while contributing to a greener future.”
After several months of commissioning, the plant is now operational with full-scale production expected to start in May.
The facility has a capacity of 480 cubic metres of concrete every day.
Scott Bros was given a £612,000 grant for the project from Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Scott Bros welcomed representatives from the organisation to the facility this week.
Joss Newberry, operating and monitoring officer for Innovate UK, said: “Two key aspects of this project really stood out.
“The first is the urgent need to decarbonise the economy, and the second is Scott Bros’ expertise in the recycling sector, strengthened by its long-standing partnership with Teesside University.
“It’s fantastic to see the concrete plant nearing commercial production — a great example of how the innovative use of waste materials is helping drive progress towards net-zero goals.”
Scott Bros said that it will continue its seven-year partnership with Teesside University to investigate further reductions in OPC usage, including the development of alternative binding agents.
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